Honegger: Symphony No. 2 for String Orchestra and Trumpet; Symphony No. 3 "Liturgique" / Stravinsky: Concerto in D for String Orchestra [IMPORT]

Arthur Honegger (Composer), Igor Stravinsky (Composer), Herbert von Karajan (Conductor), Berliner Philharmoniker (Orchestra), Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Fritz Wesenigk (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Fritz Wesenigk
• Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Herbert von Karajan
• Composer: Arthur Honegger, Igor Stravinsky
• Audio CD (July 14, 1995)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Dg Imports
• ASIN: B000001GQN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #105,150 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Herbert von Karajan liked to think of himself as the great conductor of the German classical repertoire: Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. Perhaps out of insecurity, he recorded and recorded that music incessantly--there are four complete Beethoven symphony cycles, for instance. But he really was at his best in other things, and everyone agrees that these performances of Honegger symphonies are among his finest recordings. Part of their allure lies simply in the quality of the playing, for no one could deny that he cultivated a technical standard with the Berlin Philharmonic that was second to none. But he also seems to respond to the music's savagery, its melancholy, and ultimate message of hope. In short, the music really turned him on, and it'll do the same for you. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Greatest Honegger Disc of all Time!!!, October 24, 1999

By A Customer

Karajan's account of both the second and third of the Honegger symphonies has never, and in my mind, will never be surpassed. In the second symphony Karajan gives us an intense, and extremely poetic version, of this most dark yet beutiful of the Honegger symphonies. The ending is particularly moving. Every detail comes out crystal clear, and we really see just what the composer was going for. The third is just as good. Karajan draws ravishing, and once again intense (I don't think that the word "intense" can be overused when reviewing this disc) playing from the Berlin Philharmonic. I believe Karajan really prized this music, and he seems to pour his heart and soul into it, showing us, as it seems ha already knew, that Honegger is truly one of the greatest composers of the 20'th century. Great sound quality,too, when listening to this CD you feel as if the orchestra was right in front of you. This disc can not be recommended enough; it's priceless.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A CD Worth All the Raves, July 23, 2002

By	D. C. Cannon "dcannon661" (Rockville, MD USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

These recordings of Honegger's best symphonies have always received rave reviews, and for once the praise is worth it. The Second has ravishing string writing, often dense and mysterious but finally triumphant. The Third for full orchestra is more brutal but the slow movement and final coda shows off some of the most poetic writing of any 20th century composer. These are symphonies of the war years and are serious meditations of the times. Why Honegger is so little played these days is beyond me - he is modern yet definitely tonal. Most listeners will have little trouble entering this soundscape.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A superb recording in every way, March 27, 2000

By	George N. Fabian (Mountainside, USA) - See all my reviews

It would be hard to believe that Karajan made a finer recording than this legendary recording of two of Honneger's symphonic masterworks. It deserved all of the superlative reviews that it has received. Both symphonies convey the anguish and despair of a war-torn, ravaged Europe and yet there are passages that convey hopefulness. Both symphonies were written with very deep-felt conviction and Karajan, in deeply committed performances, brings this to the fore. A must for any serious classical collection.