Search - Claude Debussy, Modest Mussorgsky, Günter Wand :: Günter Wand Conducts Debussy and Mussorgsky

A technically transparent interpretation...

vmzfla | Orlando, Fl. | 02/04/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"My main attraction to this issue was the inclusion of the rare

"Martyredom of Saint Sebastian" symphonic fragments. What I got was a lot more. The Germanic conductor Gunter Wand leads his Hamburg orchestra in detailed and vivid live performances. You don't get the sonic blockbuster approach on "Pictures". Wand conducts it as if he were performing Wagner, Bruckner, or Brahms. There is much attention to quality of sound and there is considerably less congestion in Ravel's orchestration usually found on the sonics at all cost versions. The "Martyredom" takes on an almost heavenly feel, though none of it's themes are really memorable. It is just a beautifully solemn piece. The program notes are more detailed than usual and state that these works have been life long favorites of Wand during his long low-keyed career. The Debussy piece dates back 1982 and the "Pictures" dates to 1999. Add a star if your in favor of totally live performances as the definitive way to go!"