"Berglund proves himself a thorough-going Straussian with his whiplash interpretation of Don Juan, one of the best of the many recent versions. . . . The performance of Till is splendidly lively, with crisp woodwind playing. . . . There have been several good performances of the Burleske in recent years and this one by the young Russian pianist Sergei Edelmann is dazzling in its virtuosity and high spirits. . . . An attractive disc." -- Gramophone

I reviewed this when Music & Arts first issued it; now it is back, under the same catalog number... My comments remain the same. This disc is of interest mainly to Furtwängler specialists; while both performances are quite strong, neither matches other readings of the same works by this conductor. The Stockholm Philharmonic plays well, but cannot involve itself in Furtwängler's unique world with the abandon and comfort of both the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics. Those interested in this coupling with Furtwängler would be better served by a pair of 1953 Berlin performances (DG 415 666 2, no longer available), or the 1954 Salzburg Festival performances with the Vienna Philharmonic, released in wonderful sound by Orfeo (C293921B). In all cases, be prepared for a particularly unusual Eighth, much more massive and weighty than you are used to, and with a few rhythmic quirks that might bring a smile of affection or derision, depending on your receptivity. One important bonus on this Stockholm CD is the rehearsal excerpt from the Leonore Overture No. 3, prepared for the same concert. It offers a fascinating view of Furtwängler's rehearsal technique, is well recorded, and is more substantial (about 11 minutes) than some previous issues. Good transfers, and an insightful (if oft reprinted by Music & Arts) essay on Furtwängler by Neville Cardus.

-- Henry Fogel, FANFARE

Classical Music

Classical Music

Some of the most colourful music to come out of Sweden - and indeed some of the most Swedish music there is! - was composed by Hugo Alfvén (1872- 1960). Take for instance the Swedish Rhapsody No. 1 - also known as Midsummer Vigil. This evocation of Sweden's most important seasonal festival combines all the dancing, aquavit, wild-flowers, folk costumes and eroticism one could possibly ask for. Indeed, this work went out into the world as a brightly coloured picture-postcard, becoming a test case for the newly formed Society of Composers, which used it to ascertain the efficacy of the copyright laws in view of the various unauthorised arrangements which soon cropped up. Another well-known work is the brilliantly orchestrated Suite from the Mountain King - one of the most frequently performed pieces of Swedish music. But Alfvén is also highly regarded as a symphonist and himself claimed that his Symphony No.1 was the first to be written 'in the Swedish language.' This attractively priced box brings together all of the symphonies, the three Swedish rhapsodies as well as several other works - all in all a large part of Alfvén's output for orchestra. Previously released on five separate CDs, these recordings by Neeme Järvi and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra were greeted with great enthusiasm by the reviewers. The playing was deemed to be 'marvellously responsive and committed', 'of total distinction' and - according to one critic - sounding as if the orchestra was 'having a ball'. Järvi's readings were 'spectacularly vivid', 'superb', 'finely honed' and standing 'head and shoulders above its rivals'. And, finally, the recordings were described as 'state-of-the-art' and 'superlative'. All in all, the original discs were 'indispensable' and 'recommended with enthusiasm' - and we still believe they are worth every word of praise. But don't take our word for it - please try this very special issue for yourselves!

Overtures

Beethoven was Wilhelm Furtwängler's guiding musical force. In his interpretations of the symphonies, the conductor generates irresistible dramatic momentum - and a constant sense of imaginative freshness - through the interrelationship of form, harmony, texture, rhythm and tempo. These recordings, all made in the late 1940s and early 1950s, in the Musikverein in Vienna and at concerts in London, Bayreuth and Stockholm, have been remastered in 192kHz/24-bit at Art & Son Studio (in 2021 for the 7 recordings included in The Complete Wilhelm Furtwängler on Records and newly for this edition for the 3 other ones), bringing their sound more alive than ever before and for the first time here on a physical medium.

As a bonus the 5th Symphony live performance from 1950 in Copenhagen restored in HD from an excellent condition analogue source has been added.

Classical Music

Classical Music