5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic, September 9, 2008
This review is from: Symphony 6: Pathetique / Serenade for Strings (Audio CD)
William Steinberg was a superb Tchaikovsky conductor. In 1929, he recorded the Violin Concerto with Bronislaw Huberman, a classic recording. He later would go on to rerecord it with Nathan Milstein. I have LPs by him of the 4th (Command) and 5th (Pickwick) Symphonies, both excellent. This CD offers convincing proof of Steinberg's excellence in this repertoire. The sound engineering is lovely monaural, full and beautifully balanced. In the Symphony, from 1954, Steinberg takes slightly broad tempos that allow the symphonic argument full rein. He doesn't pull phrases about in the Ormandy manner, but builds the drama of the work steadily and convincingly. The big moments are crushing in their intensity. In the Serenade, from 1953, Steinberg produces one of the best ever recordings of this work. His string section plays beautifully, and the structure of each movement is convincingly laid out. The performance has both charm and pathos in the right places. Every one of the Steinberg/Pittsburgh reissues on EMI that I have heard has been very rewarding, and this CD is no exception.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
