Tchaikovsky: Mazeppa

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
The conventional wisdom with Tchaikovsky's operas is that there are two great ones (Eugene Onegin and Pique Dame), two good ones (Iolantha and Maid of Orleans) and lots of other sad ones. What a surprise, then, that Mazeppa belongs at the top of the Tchaikovsky opera canon. It begins as a conventional love story between a warrior and a young maiden but turns darker than anything in Italian verismo and more emotionally complicated than most things in Richard Strauss. Though the Deutsche Grammophon recording under Neeme Järvi has a more open acoustic and a starrier cast (including Galina Gorchakova and Sergei Leiferkus), the Kirov outing is more passionately and knowingly conducted by Valery Gergiev, which in some ways makes a stronger case for the opera's viability. The cast tends to be workmanlike and can be somewhat fatiguing, though Nikolai Putilin rises to the challenge of the great title role with an authority that makes up for his lack of tonal luster. --David Patrick Stearns

Tchaikovsky: Mazeppa, Music, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Valery Gergiev, Irina Loskutova, Larissa Diadkova, Nikolai Gassiev, Nikolai Putilin, Sergey Aleksashkin, Viacheslav Luhanin, Viktor Lutsuk, Vladimir Zhivopistsev, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Opera, Opera / Operetta / Oratorio, Russian Romantic Opera

Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture etc. / Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)
Average customer rating:

Good sound, not so good music on 1812.

1812 overture / Cincinnati Pops

Nice music

Sounding quite nice

One of the best SACDs I own!

Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture etc. / Kunzel, Cincinnati Pops (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)
Tchaikovsky , Cincinnati Pops , Kiev Symphony Chorus , and Erich Kunzel
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Telarc SACD Sampler: Sound and Vision

Concord Records SACD Sampler 1 (Multichannel Hybrid SACD)

ASIN: B00005AVNH
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Customer Reviews:

Good sound, not so good music on 1812........2007-07-05

I compared this 1812 to my old Philadelphia/Ormandy CD from Sony Essential Classics. Ormandy's opening with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (using organ where Kunzel uses the woodwinds) is much more dramatic and musical then Kunzel's rushed opening, and the Mormons sing the pants off the Kiev choir. It may be unfair to compare the Cincinnati Pops with the Philadelphians who play really wonderfully on this. Kunzel's canons out-blow Ormandy's, but he brings in the Vally Forge Military Academy Band at the end to make up for weaker canon. Ormandy wins this battle!

1812 overture / Cincinnati Pops.......2007-01-18

One of the finest renditions of one of my favorite musical pieces. It brings tears to your eyes.

Nice music.......2007-01-07

This is not the type of music I normally listen to, but on my SACD system it does sound nice. Worth the money. This would get 5 stars from me if I were a fan of classical music. If this is not your genre either, and want something that sounds nice, I recommend you go with Beck's Sea Change SACD over this.

Not sure why people are complaining about the cannons. If you have a good system made for high end audio, with nice speakers for music all around, you should be fine. If your speakers were made for watching movies, then you may have a problem. I have not listened to this on a regular cd player yet, but I could see how a regular cd with basic speakers may have a problem as well.

My system:
Dennon 2910 player
Yamaha RX-V2400 receiver
JBL Northridge speakers (the largest ones in the series: i.e. double 10" fronts, 12" sub, surround speakers that are serious shelf speakers, etc).

Sounding quite nice.......2006-04-30

I tried different styles of play with the direct streaming recording of this SACD. What I discovered is that this format (DSD) allowed all 7 speakers to produce a plesant sound. Using the THX Music mode of my reciever.
Other SACD's that I have played on it allowed only the SACD EX (expanded) mode to work. The thundering of the cannons wasn't all that loud. I have listened to a few versions of 1812, this isn't the best that I have heard. With the special recording method, it did sound the most pleasing though.

Equipment used: Pioneer 59txi, Denon 3910 using s-400 link.

Sub: earthquake 12" 600 watt.

One of the best SACDs I own!.......2005-03-03

I was a little worried about this SACD, because I'd read user reviews that said the canons were mixed far too loud, forcing you to either miss the orchestra or else bleed from the ears when the canons go off during the finale. Nothing could be further from the truth on my system. The orchestra is at a suitable level, and is wonderfully detailed. I own quite a few SACDs, but I was still suprised by the quality of this recording, especially of the 1812 Overture itself. If you close your eyes it feels like you are there live!

For reference, I have a very good reciever and a Klipsch RF-35 based surround system; I don't know how this sounds on other setups, but it is fantastic on mine.

Tchaikovsky: 1812; Capriccio Italien; Cossack Dance

Average customer rating:

Truly Awesome
Best Rendition EVER of This Masterpiece
Explosive & Elegant reading.
Adequate, but a poor ending
The best 1812

Tchaikovsky: 1812; Capriccio Italien; Cossack Dance

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture/Capriccio Italien/Beethoven: Wellington's Victory
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Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture/ Marche Slave

ASIN: B000003CSG
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

'1812' Overture
Capriccio Italien
Cossack Dance

Customer Reviews:

Truly Awesome.......2007-01-03

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.

Best Rendition EVER of This Masterpiece.......2006-10-06

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

Explosive & Elegant reading........2004-04-01

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.

Adequate, but a poor ending.......2001-07-06

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.

The best 1812.......2001-06-23

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.

Average customer rating:

Upbeat and Sparkling
Exquisite and marvelous

Exotic Dances from the Opera

Manufacturer: Reference Recordings
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000015A7
Release Date: 1996-04-30

Tracks:

The Snow Maiden: Dance Of The Tumblers
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Customer Reviews:

Upbeat and Sparkling.......2003-06-12

Sometimes you need something upbeat and sparkling. A beer? Champagne? Okay. But, these Exotic Dances are refreshing as well. Oue performs a collection of primarily Classical Period excerpts that bubble and lift your spirits. There is good continuity here. Unlike some samplers, this CD contains works that are nicely mated and seem to belong with each other. They are mated so well in fact that I do not feel cheated by not hearing the entire opera from which each piece was extracted. It certainly helps that they are all performed by the same orchestra and conductor, and performed exquisitely.

This is another supurb digital recording from Reference. Truly dynamic, crystal clear, and well balanced. As another reviewer noted, recordings of this caliber are often used to audition high-end audio equipment. Fortunately, the quality of engineering goes hand-in-hand with the musicality of this collection. Five sparkling stars.

Exquisite and marvelous.......2000-08-04

In 1997, during the initial stages of buying new Hi-fi-equipment, I listened to music I knew best from CD's I possessed. As a service to the buyer better Hi-fi-shops play CD's of excellent sound quality as to promote their equipment. One of those was Exotic Dances performed by the Minnesota Orchestra under Eije Oue. I was amazed. Better sound quality I had never experienced and maybe that was due to the better equipment on which it was played but also that the musical quality of this orchestra recorded by Reference Recordings was a revelation. Most pieces on this CD are very wellknown, but Mr. Oue possesses the power to unveil hidden treasures within the music. Listen to the astounding power in Richard Strauss' Dance of the Seven Veils from Salome, the explosions of beats on the bassdrum are breathtakingly realistic. The influence of oriental music on the composers of the first decades of the last century is evident. Stravinsky and Ravel, each in their own way, picked up the scent of mystic enchantment that surrounded the artforms of that area. In jazz-circles this influence was earlier apparent and many so-called classical composers gave that influence a place in their work. Rimsky-Korsakov, being Stravinsky's teacher, greatly contributed to this phenomenon.

Tchaikovsky: 1812; Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue; An American in Paris [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Tchaikovsky: 1812; Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue; An American in Paris [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0006A9GL8
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Tracks:

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Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture & Other Orchestral Works

Average customer rating:

Poor sound quality, shallow orchestra
Great recording? Oh, No!
Would be nice to hear the orchestra...
Is there someone conducting?
Even better than their first one

Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture & Other Orchestral Works
Erich Kunzel
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00005AQ38
Release Date: 2001-05-22

Tracks:

1812 Overture - Kiev Symphony Chorus
Polonaise
Capriccio Italien
Marche Slave
Waltz
Festival Coronation March
Cossack Dance

Customer Reviews:

Poor sound quality, shallow orchestra.......2002-02-02

I had high hopes of hearing the marvelous 1812 overture in DVD Audio, with the bells, cannons, and full orchestra that CAN make the 1812 overture an incredible music experience.

This DVD-Audio falls completely flat. From the second I began listening, I figured SOMETHING had to be wrong with my system. I checked my connections. I checked to make sure that it was actually running in DVD-Audio mode in my DVD - AUDIO player.

I played another DVD-Audio, which sounded incredible! It wasn't the setting. Lo and behold, it wasn't my system. It's this DVD! THe problems are as follows:

1) The sound level is too low.
2) THe orchestra is way too thin - there is no immediacy.
3) The only thing that is full, is the low bass for the bass drum, which overpowers the whole orchestra somehow.
4) The surround sound is almost inaudible and worthless.
5) The orchestra itself is lifeless and dull.

Again, I tell you, this is the 1812 overture! At the end, you are supposed to be virtually swept off your feet with the majesty of the bells, cannons, and FULL ORCHESTRA blasting in glorious cacophony! But on this performance, you're left yawning.

And the "warning" about making sure you need to check your audio level when the cannons go off because they're too loud, what a bunch of tripe!! It's simply not the case. They're not loud. They don't even sound like cannons; instead, they sound like pistol fire.

This DVD is an EXTREME DISAPPOINTMENT..

Great recording? Oh, No!.......2002-01-17

I should've listened carefully to the two reviewers who gave ONE star to this CD. I bought it mainly for the sound. The sound was horrible: shallow, out of focus, and no ambience. Even the digital cannons didn't supprise me at all. I invited my friend over my home who had the original 1978 Telarc recording and we compared the two recordings: the first one was far better, both in playing and sound. It's like a cheap pizza you buy at a convenience store - lots of shallow toppings but no taste at all. Buy the first one and you won't be disappointed.

Would be nice to hear the orchestra..........2001-12-24

But instead of the orchestra, we are treated to the wonderful sound of reverb, along with some very fine compression artifacts when the cannons go off. I was truly disappointed by the sound of this - it is the aural equivalent of mud and cotton, very mushy, hard to make out the details, and not something I really want to deal with. The conducting seems particularly heavy handed, as if the conductor wanted to make a name for himself by making his own slight alterations to the piece that, while not significant, are unnecessary and very irritating. Poor recording technique and a wierd performance, but wait! There's a warning on the label that the cannons are very loud!! Oh my, then this MUST be the recording to get to show off a [amt.] stereo in the bachelor pad - maybe the cannons will be so loud that your date will hop right into your lap!

This is to classical music what a primer-grey muscle car is to a show of luxury automobiles.

Is there someone conducting?.......2001-11-22

I think the whole orchestra was sleeping during the recording of this 1812. There is absolutely no life in this music. I bought this version because the sound was supposed to be great... I was so disapointed! The sound is not even good!

If you don't have Antal Dorati's version of the 1812 (on Mercury), buy it! This is the 1812 to buy! If you already own it, you will not find a better recording, with hi-fi sound, lively and fast conducting, and heavy metal cannons in bonus!

Even better than their first one.......2001-06-23

I had to buy this and was not disappointed. The inclusion of the chorus makes this effort even better than their first (hard to believe, but true). This recording will fill your house with awesome sound.

Average customer rating:

Tchaikovsky's "1st" 2nd

Symphony 2 / Romeo & Juliet Overture
Tchaikovsky , Simon , and Lso
Manufacturer: Chandos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00007JGRK
Release Date: 2003-02-25

Tracks:

I Andante Sostenuto - Allegro Comodo - Andante Sostenuto
II Andante Marziale, Quasi Moderato
III Scherzo And Trio. Allegro Molto Vivace
IV Finale. Moderato Assai - Allegro Vivo - Presto
Serenade For Nikolai Rubinstein's Name-day
The Battle Of Poltava
Cossack Dance
Romeo And Juliet

Customer Reviews:

Tchaikovsky's "1st" 2nd.......2007-03-14

This is the original version of the 2nd Symphony. A case can certainly made that there is richer and more varied content in the 1st and 4th movements versus the much more common revised one. (In fact, every other copy that you are likely to find IS the revised version, so THIS version is the true novelty.) Tchaikovsky is well known for his rich fund of musical ideas. In this performance and version, this talent will be manifestly clear in the 1st movement. Ironically, a significant percentage of the 1st movement is material that you will not hear in the revised movement at all. It is fair to say that one could almost look at the 2 first movements as totally different works. What seems like a mere after thought of material in this version is bascially the whole movement in the revised version. As inferred, the revised version is more brief. It has been said that there is "ballet music" in Peter Ilyich's symphonies. It is respendent here. And for many music critics as well as this author, to the benefit of posterity. The original Romeo and Juliet version played here will seem pale compared to the well-known and well-loved original. The world owes Mily Balikirev a debt in the inspiration that we are all familiar with. For the 1st movement alone, which honestly shows the early Tchaikosky at his full inventive powers. This is a must buy-and a must have-treasure.

Average customer rating:

An absolutly amazing artist!
Unexpected pleasures
Inessa is a big star. I love her voice!

Tchaikovsky Experience

Manufacturer: Conifer
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Russian Album

ASIN: B0000024FG
Release Date: 1997-11-11

Tracks:

Iolanta: Robert's Aria
The Oprichnik: Natalya's arioso, Act I
Mazeppa: Finale - Scene With Maria And Andrey
The Maid Of Orleans: Joan's aria, Act I
The Queen Of Spades: Herman's arioso, Act I
The Queen Of Spades: Yeletsky's aria, Act II
Undine: Undina's Song
The Voyevoda: Bastryukov's aria, Act I
Vakula The Smith: Oksana's aria, Act I
Eugene Onegin: Tatiana's Letter Scene, Act I
The Enchantress: Kuma's arioso, Act I
Iolanta: Duet For Iolanta And Vaudemont

Customer Reviews:

An absolutly amazing artist!.......2000-05-15

Inessa Galante's work brings tears to my eyes every time. Not only is she my idol and one of the most amazing artists out there today, but also an extremely nice person. I had the pleasure of working with her in a production of La Boheme and I was blown away. Her performance on this recording was breath taking!

Unexpected pleasures.......2000-01-22

You might, coming across a CD entitled 'The Tchaikovsky Experience', expect yet another compilation of over-familiar favourites - not so here. While Tchaikovsky's ballets and symphonies are in danger of over-exposure, his ten operas are, with two exceptions, unfamiliar.

This beautifully planned recital provides extracts from every one of them - even an abandoned one (Undine). Four singers: two sopranos, tenor and baritone perform a selection of arias and duets. Inessa Galante delivers an engrossing and very emotional performance of the most familiar item here, the Letter Scene from 'Eugene Onegin', she enters fully into Tatyana's world. She is just as good in an extended duet from Tchaikovsky's last opera 'Iolanta', partnered ably by tenor Alexander Fedin - and she darkens her voice convincingly for a plangent account of Joan of Arc's aria from 'The Maid of Orleans' - traditionally mezzo territory. Marina Shaguch (familiar from many recent Kirov Opera recordings)has a brighter timbre, which suits Undine's delectable song, and possibly the most ravishing aria on the disc, that from 'Vakula the Smith', a rustic comic opera that cries out for a modern recording - it is almost totally unknown and contains some of Tchaikovsky's most delicious music. She is less involving in the final scene and deranged lullaby from 'Mazeppa', which doesn't pack the necessary punch here, though it is beautifully sung. Alexander Fedin is less consistent, best in the familiar excerpts from 'The Queen of Spades'. Sergei Leiferkus has the least to do, but does it well, though his account of Yeletsky's aria from 'The Queen of Spades' does not bear comparison with Pavel Lisitsian's classic account. But it is the wealth of unfamiliar music here that counts, and with sparkling support from the Royal Opera House orchestra and Neemi Jarvi, this disc is a winner, and should be essential listening for every Tchaikovsky lover.

Don't be put off by the most awful jacket design - a green tinged Sloane-y young gel(presumably Tatiana)who looks as if she's strayed in from a photoshoot for 'Brides' magazine. Ridiculous,inappropriate and unimaginative, but we all know better than to judge a CD by its cover, don't we?

Inessa is a big star. I love her voice!.......1999-08-31

Chaikovski's music requires a very emotional performance. Inessa Galante delivers a beautiful, warm, and thoughtful experience!

Tracks:

Introduction
No.1 Girls' Chorus And Scene: 'Ya Zav'yu Venok Moy Dusistiy'
No.2 Scene, Arioso And Duet: 'Vam Lyubi Pesni, Miliye Podruzki'
No.3 Scene: 'Nu, Cestvuyes', Vasiliy, Ti Menya'
No.4 Chorus And Dance: 'Netu, Netu Tut Mostocka, Netu Perkhodu'
Hopak
No.5 Scene And Arioso: 'Vot Khoroso, Lyublyu'
No.6 Quarrel Scene: 'Mazepa, Ti Menya Smuscayes' Rec'yu'
No.7 Chorus And Mother's Lament: 'Ne Groza Nebesa Kroyet Tuceyu'
No.8 Finale: 'Ocnis' Ot Gorya, Kocubey!'

Tracks:

No.9 Prison Scene: 'Tak Vot Nagrada Za Donos'
No.10 Mazeppa's Monologue And Scene With Orlik: 'Tikha Ukraynskaya Noc''
No.10a Mazeppa's Arioso: 'O, Mariya, Mariya!'
No.11 Mazeppa's Scene With Maria: 'Moy Miliy Drug!'
No.12 Scene Between Maria And Her Mother: 'Kak Blescut Zvyozdi V Nebe'
No.13 Crowd Scene: 'Skoro Li? Vezut Al' Net?'
No.14 Finale: 'Oy, Goy, Cumandra, Cumandrikha Moloda!'

Tracks:

No.15 The Battle Of Poltava
No.16 Scene And Andrey's Aria: 'V Boyu Krovavom, Na Pole Cesti'
No.17 Scene And Duet: 'Nevdaleke Ya Slisu Topot...'
No.18 Scene-Appearance Of The Demented Maria: 'Nescastnumaniy! Vidit Bog'
No.19 Finale: 'Usol Starik, Kak Serdce B'Yotsya'

Customer Reviews:

A good performance but lacking information.......2006-12-17

I just began playing the CD's, and I am already disappointed. While I like the performance so far (as I do most of Neeme Jarvi's direction of Russian works), I was saddened by the exclusion of liner notes or a libretto. The enclosed notes only give a summary of each scene. Especially if I like a work, I want to know more about it. Reading David Brown's biography of Tchaikovsky in The New Grove _Russian Masters 1_ gives me a little background on the work, but the CD notes offers none. Why should I listen to it? What brought about its creation? What was contemporary opinion of the opera? What are the singers saying to each other? Inquiring minds want to know.

Excellent re-issue!.......2006-05-14

This is a most welcome set. It is a re-issue of a formerly scarce set (which I reviewed ananymously at the time). Finally, proof that Gergiev (his merits aside) is not the final or only word. This is a top choice and stands its own but permit me to say: in my view, this is superior to the Kirov recording.

I have two small reservations.

I admire this Galina Gorchakova. She does not at all display the unsteadiness and wobble which is present in so many "great" Russian sopranos. She has a potentially large voice, which she manages quite skillfully. Her rich tone, however, sometimes brings her character closer to the mezzo of her character's mother , Lyubov (Dyadkova). The two voices, though beautiful, are too similar. Dyadkova is quite within her role, however....Gorchakova maybe does not sound as juvenile as one would imagine Maria to be. Nevertheless, her interpretation is excellent.

The other quibble has more significance, but still does not detract from my 5-star rating (mainly because Russian operas are such rarities that a fine recording such as this deserves every encouragement): the famous final mad-scene lullaby. This is not in truth solely Gorchakova's fault but also Jaarvi's in that this stunning aria deserves a more sombre and meaningful interpretation. Subsequent interpretations (concert recordings) have left me with the unshakelable feeling that the aria was just a little too hurried.....but still, acceptably done. Here, I lament the wasted potential given such a great conductor and Gorchakova's lovely voice.

All in all, however, a definite winner! I cannot resist the temptation to make particular mention of Kotscherga's brilliant portrayal of Kotchubey. His excecution-scene aria is a moving tear-jerker. He builds up to the tragedy with awesome delivery and feeling. Larin's Andrei is elegant, done with convincing emotion and most beautifully sung!

I can't recommend this enough. A most welcome sight!

Average customer rating:

Kaleidoscope

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture / Beethoven Wellington's Victory / Liszt Battle of Huns / Kunzel, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra

Average customer rating:

Making music of bombast?

Tchaikovsky 1812 Overture / Beethoven Wellington's Victory / Liszt Battle of Huns / Kunzel, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven , Liszt , Tchaikovsky , and Erich Kunzel
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Customer Reviews:

Making music of bombast?.......2005-07-15

Here's 70 minutes of bombast that Eric Kunzel tries hard to turn into music, with some success. Kunzel has become something of a middle American pops success in crossover classical recordings and now has more acclaim in crossover than in top 200 classcial recordings.

His work here competes in two very discrete arenas -- with CDs like Antal Dorati's souped up 40-year-old Mercury recording of "1812 Overture" and others that has sold more than 2 million copies; and in the so-called "battle" CDs that always include "1812 Overture", "Wellington's Victory" and "Battle of the Huns". These are all performed on this CD along with Tchaikovsky's "Capriccion Italian" and "Cossack Dance from 'Mazeppa'" and Liszt's "Hungarian March to the Assault".

What typifies Kunzel's approach is musicality in the face of bombast and a tendency to clip phrases at the end of loud sections of the music. His style works best in "Capriccio Italian", a warhorse lots of conductors turn into 15 real loud minutes of piercing tones. Kunzel restrains the Cincinnati Symphony and used flexible tempos to create a muscial picture of Italy.

He tries this with "1812 Overture" and "Wellington's Victory" too, but it doesn't work very well because this is not very good music. It is, in fact, bombast. Ditto for "Battle of the Huns", which is still best performed all out by the young Zubin Mehta and the L.A. Philharmonic on a CD now only available from Australian Decca.

I did not particularly enjoy the digital enhancements engineered into Kunzels' "1812 Overture" and the digitally-created muskets of "Wellington's Victory". The "1812" closing pages are simply too loud for anyone except people that want to blow their woofers or really anger their neighbors. The CD case even includes a warning that the recording could damage your equipment!

The best version I ever heard of "Wellington" was an old Musical Heritage Society recording of a woodwind quintet and timpani group. They played it as music, not bombast, without all the silly marching and shooting. Antal Dorati's later recording of "1812" with either the Detroit or National Symphony Orchestra on a London collection does all the things Kunzel does here with better style.

Until the final "Hungarian March to the Assualt", I wondered why the engineers didn't do much with the timpani on this recording. It is not at all prominent in "Wellington" or "Battle of the Huns" while it would like to drive you through the wall in "1812". They pumped up the drum volume a great deal in the closing march, which is a fitting end to this 70 minute collection of noisy stuff.

This will probably satisfy people that want this music on one CD in modern DDD sound. It is probably as good as the similar collection by Maazel although it also includes a lot of artificial noise. Yet Kunzel tries hard to make music of this hay and sometimes succeeds. Other times, he'd have been better off just blowing the roof off the place like he does at the end of "1812 Overture".

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