Customer Reviews

Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6, "Pathetique"

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

 

 

This is without doubt one of the most thrilling performances of the symphony on record, and that is saying something when the symphony in question is one of the most frequently played and recorded. Mariss Jansons once again shows his knowledge of the composer with a performance that includes the right amount of drama, intensity, and atmosphere. The amazing thing here is that he does it all without"gilding the lily". The first movement is absolutely riveting from beginning to end. Jansons's sense of dynamics serves him well here, allowing him to bring out details that otherwise get lost. Sample the F sharp pedal "catastrophe" about two thirds of the way into the movement and see if you don't agree! The second movement is extremely well played, and has a natural elegance. The third movement has the right amount of energy and verve, and the OPO are on their toes here! The finale is usally the hardest movement to bring off, coming after an extremely powerful third movement. Jansons manages this movement nicely, again bringing out the sense of despair and doom without making it "bathetic"! This performance is a winner in all respects. The sound is spectacular! Bravo to all concerned!

OK, darlings, this is easily one of the best modern recordings both for performance and for sound. In my strange listing of recordings I give it an 11 out of 11 for both performance. And, it is easily the equal of the Gatti recording. I bought this when it first came out and, along with the Gatti, it is easily the most listened to recording of the 6th we have. Yes, a rating system going from 1-11, what do you expect from the Bipolar Bear? So, on Amazon's system it easily gets 5 stars. Listen and enjoy forever more!

Mark Zimmerman, Bipolar Bear