Search - Claudio Abbado, London Symphony Orchestra :: Richard Strauss - Don Juan, Till Eulenspiegel, Tod und Verklarung, Death and Transfiguration

Epic Scale Tod und Verklarung!!!

Scriabinmahler | UK | 03/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"
I've listened to most of the great recordings of Death & Transfiguration including famous Karajan's stereo & Digital versions, Klemperer, Furtwangler's profound account, Horenstein's eloquent performance, Levine, Ormandy, Reiner, Haitink, Javi, Ashkenazy etc, every one of them has something special to commend.



But none of them come even closer to Abbado's towering account of the work in terms of grandeur and sheer energy. I like young Abbado better than old and rather settled Abbado nowadays, for his untamed wildness and enthusiasm for music. Here it sounds as if he is determined to beat all the past masters.



Opening and middle part of quiet moments, much slowly played, have magical beauty with gorgeous wood wind sounds. Even in louder sections wind parts are beautifully articulated, never drowned by the orchestra. Brass parts are played in sumptuous sounds and almost too overwhelming at times. The climax is massive with extra thrust at the ending. Whole work is played in epic grandeur akin to Mahler symphonies, 26:19 minutes playing time feels like much longer. I would give 10 stars for this."