Tschaikowsky: Symphonie Nr. 5; Liszt: Mazeppa

by Zubin Mehta, Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Overview

Since establishing its own BR Klassik label, the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks in Munich has issued a variety of older performances. Did these 2013 live recordings make the grade because the Byronic tale of the Ukrainian (actually Ruthenian) hero Mazeppa, in Liszt's musical realization, is newly relevant? No word on that, but Zubin Mehta's take on this action-packed tone poem is the highlight of the album, grabbing one's attention directly with the tense opening counterpoint. The performance throughout is enhanced by strong engineering from the label; the sound is clear and gives a palpable sense of presence. The main attraction, the Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64, is perhaps a more ambiguous case. Nothing Mehta conducts is going to be pale or derivative, but in this, in the most emotionally turbulent Tchaikovsky, he delivers low-key music. The orchestra plays beautifully, especially in the slow movement, but sample the beginning of the finale for an idea of the even keel here. Those who are intrigued will find a well-executed performance as usual, and in general, there is much to interest Mehta fans in this product of his later years. ~ James Manheim

Product Details

Release Date:	05/05/2023
Label:	Br Klassik
UPC:	4035719002072
Rank:	130215

Tracks

1. Symphonie Nr. 5 E-Moll / E Minor, Op. 64~Andante - Allegro con anima
2. Symphonie Nr. 5 E-Moll / E Minor, Op. 64~Andante cantabile, con alcuna licenza - Moderato con anima
3. Symphonie Nr. 5 E-Moll / E Minor, Op. 64~Valse. Allegro moderato
4. Symphonie Nr. 5 E-Moll / E Minor, Op. 64~Finale. Andante maestoso - Allegro vivace
5. Mazeppa, Symphonic poem No. 6 for orchestra, Allegro agitato - Andante - Allegro marziale

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Zubin Mehta   Primary Artist,Conductor
Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra   Primary Artist,Orchestra
Vera Baur   Lektorat

Technical Credits

Zubin Mehta   Photography
Peter Urban   Engineer
Christoph Stickel   Mastering Engineer
Wilfried Hoesl   Photography
Donald Arthur   Liner Note Translation
Astrid Ackermann   Photography
Barbara Huber   Design,Artwork
Thomas Becker   Editorial
Bernhard Albrecht   Recording Producer
Susanne Schmerda   Liner Notes
Peter Meisel   Cover Photo
Joerg Handstein   Liner Notes
David Ingram   Liner Note Translation
Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky   Composer
Franz Liszt   Composer