Customer Reviews

Tchaikovsky: 1812; Capriccio Italien; Cossack Dance

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an excellent recording of the "1812". Kunzel inspires a surprisingly sparkling performance. The playing is strong and faithful and an excellent early example of digital clarity--a great recording to use if you're testing a new system or speakers. But WARNING! Read the liner warnings about not playing it too loud--the guns at the end were recorded digitally at a military war college using real ordnance and this recording, especially through an audiophile system, is capable of rattling glass, sterilizing cockroaches, and driving away annoying neighbors. At higher volumes (say around 6 or 7), it can do permanent damage to speakers and your inner ears. Take it up to a Spinal Tap "11" and--well, let's just say that if Bush had done this, we wouldn't have Saddam Hussein to kick around anymore. A MUST ADD to your collection of incredibly recorded classical music.

The infamous reading of the "1812" Overture from Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra is quite a treat for the lover of Tchaikovsky's famous piece. This overture is quite a grand and dramatic work, and given the nature of this piece, it was only appropriate to go to extreme lengths to incorporate spectacular effects, which would increase and accentuate the dramatic aspects of this work. Even as the gently pulsating stringed instruments issue in the Russian hymn, we already sense a dramatic and expressive intensity. Throughout the piece, you will hear bits of the French National Anthem, as that represents the French in the tale. For the explosive finale, we are treated to the first few canon shots, directly before a dramatic, beautifully overwrought descending-zigzagging progression on the Ionian. After this ends, we are treated to the second appearance of the Russian hymn: only this time, it is played much louder, and the grand, encircling striking of the bells appear as well, which add to the grandeur of the whole thing. This then gives way to the famous march. And what follows, are more explosive canon shots: before the final explosion of the canon, there is a beautiful, grandiose contrapuntal melody which takes place, and shortly after, the piece ends just as it began: on a dramatic note.

Heed the warnings listed in the sleeves: there were *real* canons used on this recording, and if this piece is played too loudly while these canon shots are fired, there is a good chance of ruining your stereo -- and your eardrums. (It's listed in the sleeve that the sound of the final round that was recorded was *so* powerful, it actually shattered some windows of the College from which the canons were recorded. It was 100-feet away.) Highly recommended.

If you are looking for a CD that will clearly push the limits of your audiohphile system, this is it. The combination of the orchestra playing full out, combined with the bells and digitally recorded cannons makes for a real challenge for any system. Be sure to heed the warning on setting a reasonable level during playback. Not doing so guarantees a trip to the stereo repair show and perhaps also to an audiologist.

This is simply the best rendition of 1812 Overture avaliable. Not only is it an all digital recording (DDD) but it is also true to the original score, complete with church bells (real ones) and authentic cannon shots. There is a note on the CD insert about the recording of those cannon shots that states that while recording the shots, the larger ones "managed to remove the windows of the English building [on the university grounds where the recording was being performed] some several hundred yards away". Try reproducing that on your system. It sounds really awesome although I have not removed any windows by playing this CD. Additionally, the all digital recording means there is zero background noise (not even master tape hiss) and the full dynamic range is reproduced with stunning clarity. Buy this CD. You will not regret it.

If you like thundering cannons and ear expanding bells, then this is the CD for you. I bought the original release on vinyl and it shot the arm right off the record. Telarc produces the best sound around.

I have loved this piece since it was released on vinyl. Back then, you could actually *SEE* the linear deviation caused by the LIVE cannon shots. The recording was made live, digital, direct to disk (ie - no second takes, no messing around with the sound or production values), with real church bells (surrounding the commons in which the orchestra played), and real cannons (including a huge 19th century mortar). The result is BETTER than being there in person.

Like the others said, mind the warning on the liner notes. I cranked this on a pair of Klipschhorns, and drove a group of rowdy teenagers out of a raucous party next door (intentionally, with GREAT satisfaction). 8^D

This is a fine recording, but it has one problem. Kunzel directs the finale, in which the orchestra plays the czarist anthem, with a metronimic regularity that ruins the recording for me. Indeed, kunzel is the only director I have ever heard who gives the anthem this rushed, inexpressive treatment.

As a result, this part of the recording lacks any emotional depth, which is doubly sad, because this particular portion should be played far more expressively, as its purpose is to provide a contrast between the musical "retreat of Napolean" that immediately proceeds it. Instead, it is played far too quickly, and with a boring regularity, as if Kunzel wanted to rush through it, and get to the bits with the cannons which he really likes.

Indeed, there are several portions where Kunzel directs with an unstoppable tempo that seriously reduces the emotional impact of the piece. I was disappointed, and feel that Kunzel's version is adequate, but unexciting, hence my average rating for it.

Frankly, I DO prefer the Karajan version, bad choir, hideously fake cannons, and all. Karajan directs this piece with an expressiveness and emotion that is visceral and moving. Kunzel directs it as if he had an appointment with his dentist that afternoon that he just couldn't miss.

I really don't suppose I have anything to add that others haven't said...Maestro Kunzel passed away this week, and I had the honor of posting his page on Find a Grave. Memories were sure brought back...I made mention of this recording (and broken speakers) in my bio, and pulled it out of storage. I've still got the LP, and, yes, you can SEE in the grooves where the cannon shots were. The CD was a new revelation...I was able to finally hear it on the type of system that I could not afford 25 years ago. WOW!

Now, whether the "1812" is great music or drivel is your call; critics have argued that for years. (If Beethoven wrote it, the title would be "Choral Fantasy"). I, for one, like both pieces, which may say something negative about me. The work is what it is; music for an orchestra to show off with. Which Maestro Kunzel and the Cincinnati Symphony did in grand style.

Whether you "need" this is up to you. Short...only a touch over 35'. The filler pieces are quite adequate...there are are better recordings of the "Capriccio Italien", but there are sure worse. If you plunk down your $$, you're buying it for the "1812". Period. And it's simply the best version on record. Others have voiced cautions, as does the package, and they're true; DO NOT crank this up, or you WILL ruin your speakers. If orchestral fireworks are your thing, enjoy...

In the late 50s, I put together a Heathkit hi-fi set and I was looking for some good programming. A friend suggested the "Tchaikovsky 1912 Overture" as recorded by the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra on Mercury Living Presence Records. It was excellent! Truly awesome for the time! I wore the record out. Well, 30 years later (mid-80s) I was putting together a moderately expensive stereo system including a CD player (new technology at the time) and I was again looking for some outstanding programming. After asking around, I found the Telarc version of the "1812 Overture" by Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Telarc was a company that specialized in putting out digitally recorded classical music on compact discs.

The Telarc "1812" recording is simply awesome! It's wonderful music and superbly done! I've played it again and again and whenever I feel the need to demonstrate the capabilities of my stereo system, out comes the Telarc "1812." Everyone who listens finds it stunning. I might add that "Capriccio Italien" and the "Cossack Dance" from Mazeppa are also excellent, but I specifically bought the "1812" as a demonstration piece and it is outstanding. If you have a good stereo system, try it!

A word of warning is in order. Pay attention to the little "CAUTION" notice on the cover of the CD. The dynamic range on this recording is just incredible. Parts of the "1812" are so soft that you can barely hear them. Then when the cannon fire at the close comes on, it will rattle the windows in your house. When demonstrating the disc, I'd turn up the softest parts to good volume and then let the cannons do their thing. It was awesome! Really startling! The problem was that after doing this for a few years, my Bose 901 Series IV speakers started sounding not as good as they used to. I opened the cases and found that 4 of the speakers had their paper cones shattered. I'm certain the "1812" CD was the perpetrator. And, please, don't even think about listening on headphones.

This is a great demonstration CD, as well as excellent music. Enjoy! But, take care with the volume control.

Gary Peterson

Telarc's now classic "demo" disc still holds up, 30+ years after its original release.

Erich Kunzel delivers a solid '1812', complete with "digital cannons", guaranteed to test the limits of even the finest speakers and components.

The couplings (Capriccio Italien, Cossack Dance) are pleasant but in reality are afterthoughts. This disc is all about the 1812, and it proves that the Telarc label is sorely missed in today's world of compressed MP3 sound.