Customer Reviews

Mendelssohn: Symphonies 3 & 4 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is as fine a disc of Mendelssohn music as you are likely to find on the market today. Three of his most engaging and consistently enjoyable works are programmed together here, with stunning results. The Berlin players are in complete harmony with Karajan's vision of this music, and one wonders how these pieces could be played any other way. This is really the Berlin Philharmonic at their peak of the Karajan days. The recorded sound is excellent (if anything a bit too bright in spots), and the march at the end of the "Scottish" which highlights the brass sounds thrilling (Mendelssohn here echoing the finale of Beethoven's Seventh very successfully). This is perhaps the finest "Scottish" on record in my opinion in its ability to involve the listener. The "Italian" is equally fine, though I have a personal preference for the former. The only other coupling of the 3rd and 4th symphonies I am aware of that can compete with this disc is Herbert Blomstedt with the San Francisco Symphony on Decca. To sum up, this is an essential disc.

These two symphonies were recorded in 1971, and 1973 - Karajan's best and happiest years. Not so "perfect sound" minded like in the sixties, Karajan has shifted into capturing the spirit of the music. The Italian symphony is pure bursting happiness and vitality, the scottish symphony is deeper, more introspective, as is the Herbides overture. This recording, particularly of the Italian symphony, is a must have.

When I first fell in love with classical music it was generally the more accessible "show pieces" like Mendelssohn's overture "The Hebrides" that stirred my soul. In fact, one of the first discs I purchased was Dutoit's recording of the incidental music from "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Besides the great Scherzo and the Wedding March, the disc also features three of Mendelssohn's overtures-"The Hebrides" included. It has remained one of my favorite discs. I never thought I would a more moving version of "The Hebrides" than Dutoit's icy masterpiece.

I stand corrected. In this repackaged collection from Deutsche Grammophon's "The Originals" series, conductor Herbert von Karajan proves himself to be an adept interpreter of Mendelssohn's musical vision. Included are Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic's versions of "The Hebrides" overture and of Mendelssohn's Symphonies Nos. 3 and 4.

Karajan's and Dutoit's recordings of "The Hebrides" are really as different as apples and oranges. Dutoit (with his own forces from Montreal) makes the piece into a chilling, highflying affair. Karajan's version is warmer, a little more delicate (though it does thunder at times). I find both approaches valid and pleasing. I would not want to be without either; but if forced to choose would take Karajan's.

Karajan gives the Scottish Symphony (No.3) a somewhat psychologically dark, romantic yet precise reading. It starts prettily enough, but there are some dark shadows in Herbert's Highlands.

Karajan lacks a little of the Italiante style needed for a definitive rendition of Mendelssohn's Italian Symphony (No. 4), yet this does not stop this recording from being merely great. He does let his orchestra get carried away by the Presto of the finale (as all too many recordings do). Instead, Karajan's grasp of the work as a whole is evident throughout.

Overall, these recording are about as good of presentation to be found of Mendelssohn's more popular works. I recommend this disc without reservation to anyone who loves music.

BBC Radio 3 broadcasted the Scottish symphony earlier this year. At the time I was utterly unfamiliar with the work but even during that first exposure--for I was listening--I decided to update my collection as soon as possible. Which I did by buying this CD. (Later I also bought Peter Maag's interpretation of this symphony, but not because I was dissatisfied with the CD I now review. Far from it; both are excellent.)

As illustrated from the Radio 3 example above, I was immediately struck by this music. I can't say if that will also be the case with you (because the value of art is often of a personal nature), but do find an opportunity to find out for yourself. As usual, music of this caliber becomes better over time, certainly if you really focus on it (my opinion).

Considering the other reviews, I think indeed that the orchestra is massive here. Some nuance may be lost in some instances but the overall effect of "wild winds roaring down mountains" (not exactly a quote) adds to the (*my*) experience.

I do very much recommend this CD, because even if you aren't stunned by The Scottish, there's also The Hebrides (great) and The Italian symphony.

--You may also want to check out Peter Maag's Scottish (on Decca Legendary Performances).

In response to the last reviewer - I would agree that the Berlin is a bit raucous at times, but, c'mon! It's Romantic music! What's wrong with some unrestrained emotion?!?
I find these performances very moving, especially the 3rd symphony (I rate it neck and neck with Maag's version with London Symphony Orchestra). I have no need to defend the music, you've all heard it (especially the Italian). This is Karajan at the height of his powers. In short, at this low price, with this much music on it and with a newly remastered and cleaner sound, it's worth the purchase.

Karajan did a good 4th in this recording, but his scottish
is absolutely heavenly. There's no match for this scottish. This
is another Mendelssohn essential recording.

Excellent, excellent work. Very enjoyable. If you appreciate Beethoven's symphonies, and are not familiar with Felix Mendelssohn's work, you must get this CD. Deep rich melodic symphonic sounds, more mellow perhaps than Beethoven. People who may not consider themselves as listeners of classical music will enjoy these symphonies.

This is music to uplift us on a dull day. From the opening theme of 'The Hebrides' overture to the sparkling finale of the 'Italian' symphony, first to last tracks of the CD, Karajan and the BPO deliver a luminous performance that leaves us asking for more. Mendelssohn's brilliant scoring is brought out by the clarity of sound and smooth flow of the music. Strings, brass, and woodwinds are clearly defined; Karajan's feel for the music is helped by the fine balance provided by the sound engineers. The documentation praises "the inestimable acoustical advantage of Berlin's famous Jesus-Christus-Kirche" where the original analog recordings were made. Deutsche Grammophon's digital remastering has produced a CD fully worthy of its ORIGINALS label.

The Hebrides overture runs for 10+ minutes and, placed first on the CD, whets the appetite for what's to come. Symphony No. 4 ('Italian') with its familiar themes is probably more popular than No. 3 ('Scottish'), but more popular does not mean better. The Scottish, engaging, perky, and dramatic, is at least as good. One can't listen to these superb pieces without admiring Mendelssohn's inspired orchestration. During his lifetime, Mendelssohn earned high esteem as composer and conductor. Like Mozart and Schubert before him, his genius was cut short at an early age (39), but with recordings like this one available, his reputation lives on.

I love this music. I play it and instantly get in a good mood, especially since it has been overcast in Laguna Beach for one month.

This disc can only be awarded the highest recommendations. Great sound, fantastic playing by the Berliner Philharmonic, conducting of the highest level. I especially love the slow movements of both symphonies, never heard them better. Work of genius performed at the utmost level. Do yourself a pleasure and hurry to check-out!
Again, highest recommendation!