Customer Reviews

Sounds Magnificent (The Story of the Symphony) - Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 / Previn, RPO

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

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, as I have enjoyed other videos in this series. Previn is the ideal host: clear, calm, authoritative but not smug, witty but not overly clever, and obviously in love with music and the people who compose it. He does not dominate in the performance; anyone who wants to see the details of how the music is made (rather than merely watching a conductor) will value this film. A special treat is the inclusion of the entire 3rd movement of Vaughan Williams's fifth sympthony, as well as the inclusion of part of a movement of the Roy Harris symphony #3. Anyone who loves Previn's performances of Vaughan Williams (whose music needs on film much more than it is) will treasure this video. Anyone who appreciates music that is not of the "dropped silverware" variety will also appreciate some of Previn's slightly pointed comments in the first part of the film.

This is after all a tribute to Shotakovich through the guide of Previn, using the analysis of the master's 5th Symphony. Previn is convincing, and of course the music is superb.

There have been many conductors who have favored the music of Dimitri Shostakovich and have played his music at concerts and in recordings. Most of the recordings I have heard have been satisfactory, but not definitive, except for Andre Previn's recording of Shostakovich's Fifth Symphony. When Previn was in his musical prime in England he showed a mastery of Shostakovich's music. The video that was recorded of the Fifth Symphony may not be the best example of Previn's mastery of the piece; however, it is worthwhile having in one's collection. Buy the cassette or CD of Previn's interpretation of this excellent symphony to determine how thrilling it can be if performed properly. Maxim Shostakovich also performed his father's music with great virtuosity, understanding and love.

I couldn't agree more with the previous commenter (except for his generous rate of two stars): The tempi which Previn chooses are too slow (for a score that has precise metronome marks),and there are phrasing errors here and there, obnoxious glissandi in the violins that simply shouldn't be there and some messy passages one wouldn't expect from The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with such a conductor.

But the worst of all is the sound, which is normalized, so from mf to fff don't expect any dynamic change: it just won't sound louder but "pushed down". And the transfer from tape to DVD is very disappointing too. I think the tune problems Mr. VanStryland found are actually speed irregularities in the original tape which make listening a true torture.

The idea behind this DVD is a good one. Previn's commentary is illuminating without being too technical for non-musicians to understand. But the actual performance of Shostakovich's symphony does not do justice to the music. I can only guess that there was not adequate rehearsal prior to recording. There are problems with ensemble, phrasing, intonation and rhythm. Often the playing is not perfectly together, and the only musical conception in evidence is the desire to make it through without disaster. Previn is a fine conductor; I don't know why he would allow this inferior product to be issued. There is a terrific performance of this work on VHS, conducted by Leonard Bernstein; you might want to get that one instead. Also, I've seen notification that a (Cologne Music Triennale) DVD will be issued soon, so we may hope for better.

Andre Previn's rendition of Shostakovich's gripping 5th Symphony lacks in all most all areas of excitement or originality. There are frequently ensemble problems in the strings... the video even zooms up on a violinist in the last movement who cannot play the part. Also... the recording quality in this DVD is poor. Pitch wavers considerably. Phrasing in the winds is choppy. Save your money and buy one of the fine DVDs featuring Herbert von Karajan.