New classical CDs compelling, imbued with emotion
YVONNE NAEF, MEZZO-SOPRANO, JULIETTE KANG, VIOLIN, HAI-YE NI, CELLO, CHRISTOPH ESCHENBACH, PIANO AND CONDUCTOR, PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA; Shostakovich (Ondine) **** 1/2
VASSILY PRIMAKOV, PIANO; Beethoven: Sonatas, Op. 57 ("Appassionata"); Op. 14, No. 1; Op. 111 (Bridge) ****
Johannes Brahms' "Ein Deutsches Requiem" is without question the composer's most heartfelt, sincere and spiritual work. Written to commemorate the passing of Brahms' mother, the requiem is filled with tragedy, sorrow, despair and, finally, hope. The music is imbued with deeply felt emotions, and it is a remarkably spiritual work from a man who wasn't particularly spiritual or religious. Ironically, it's one of the most powerful sacred works to stem from 19th century Germany.
There are many recordings of the "German Requiem" available today, and this one, with Robert Spano leading the Atlanta Symphony and Chorus, is certainly worth having. Although it doesn't come up to Robert Shaw's recording in interpretation, Spano's account is nevertheless compelling. His direction is sensitive, and although at times a little too reverent, it is still a wonderfully expressive performance. The orchestra plays gorgeously and the chorus sings with tender lyricism.
And soprano Twyla Robinson shines in her only solo number, the infinitely poetic "Ihr habt nun Traurigkeit," which she sings with grace and eloquence that captures the compassion and tenderness of the words exquisitely.
Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 5 is one of his most popular and enduring works. It has been recorded innumerable times, and every time a new recording of it is released, one has to wonder about the justification of yet another Shostakovich Fifth.
In this case, having a new live recording of one of Shostakovich's more compelling works is certainly justifiable, because it's the Philadelphia Orchestra under music director Christoph Eschenbach. The two have developed an innate and intuitive partnership that has resulted in some incredibly rewarding and irresistible recordings.
Eschenbach captures the emotional range of the music wonderfully. He gives a compelling reading of the Fifth. It is dynamic if occasionally understated. Eschenbach could bring a little more conviction to his interpretation. The opening movement and the Largo in particular are what make this recording worth owning. Eschenbach's account of the Largo is intense, gripping, spellbinding and incredibly vast.
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