COMPOSERS: Tchaikovsky
LABELS: Decca Ovation
WORKS: Manfred Symphony;Hamlet – Fantasy Overture
PERFORMER: Vienna PO/Lorin Maazel
CATALOGUE NO: 425 051-2 ADD (1965/72)
Tchaikovsky wrote Manfred between the Fourth and Fifth Symphonies. Maazel has fine playing from the VPO and a spectacular Decca recording on his side, but the full-blooded Romanticism of the score needs a greater emotional charge. Big moments, such as the reappearance of the first movement theme and entry of the organ in the finale, impress but fail to thrill. David Michaels
Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony;Hamlet - Fantasy Overture
Tchaikovsky wrote Manfred between the Fourth and Fifth Symphonies. Maazel has fine playing from the VPO and a spectacular Decca recording on his side, but the full-blooded Romanticism of the score needs a greater emotional charge. Big moments, such as the reappearance of the first movement theme and entry of the organ in the finale, impress but fail to thrill. David Michaels
Our rating
2
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:36 pm