Search - Felix Mendelssohn, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra :: Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night's Dream (complete) / Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra

A magical performance of Mendelssohn's sparkling score

Yi-Peng | Singapore | 11/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If I were asked to give one word to describe this superlative performance, I would rest on the word "magical." And rightly so. Ozawa realy gives us an evocative performance of Mendelssohn's charming music, and the first few seconds of the first track are enough to cunjore up the mood of Shakespeare's brilliant play, although I am certain that the whole hour on this disc does so just as nicely. The overture presents every character and theme well, and the orchestra dazzles here, with the magical opening and closing wind chords and fairy music. This is followed by the suite of incidental music that underscores the play, where every number is given their due. The Scherzo, Intermezzo and Nocturne all manage to keep in mind the setting of the enchanted wood, and the Wedding March has a certain jubilant thrust that I have never felt before. What is more, it can set the music in the right context and make it sound fresh, new and enjoyable. Ozawa is well-partnered by Kathleen Battle and Frederica von Stade as the two faries, and they sing well in their duet and the finale, with the support of the female section of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. And Judi Dench is the unique selling point, with her excellent, expertly-done narration, bringing Shakespeare's words to life and adding to the strength of the links of the melodramas. While she speaks with an eloquent and elegant simplicity, she can vary the mood of the words, and they match the music well. I am sure her experience with Shakespeare is paying off here. To top it all off, the sound is atmospheric and beautifully bloomed and balanced, and it should be one of the best DG recordings that were made in Boston. Overall, if you are looking for a Dream that contains everything that needs to bring Shakespeare's play to life in Mendelssohn's shimmering music, then this is sure to be a true first choice."

Judi Dench...

J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 05/23/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The narrator on this disc is Judi Dench and she is absolutely priceless to hear. She is a big reason why this is such a great disc, but it is also lovingly recorded, played, and sung. Von Stade is radiant and Battle's light, clear voice is also beautiful. Ozawa and the BSO help this music evoke images of Shakespeare, certainly what Mendelssohn had in mind don't you think?"

Perfect

philistine | San Diego, California USA | 08/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After playing this in the pit orchestra for the San Diego City ballet, I just had to have a recording of this gorgeous ballet music. Boston and Seiji do a stupendous job bringing the magic alive on this CD, stirring up images of the mischevious Puck and graceful faeries. Judi Dench does excellent narration with clear, perfect diction. Battle's sweet and sparkling soprano is complemented by von Stade's deeper and equally beautiful mezzo, even though they are only featured during the No. 3 Song with Chorus. Fun, light-hearted music and a great addition to any classical collection."