HAYDN
Symphony No.
83
FRANCK
Symphony in D
minor
MUSSORGSKY
Pictures at an Exhibition
HINDEMITH
Sinfony - 'Mathis der Maler'.
NBC Symphony Orchestra Guido
Cantelli.
Testament SBT2194 2CDs
118m ADD (Rec.
1949-54).
Crotchet
Indeed a splendid group of recordings demonstrating the genial and unique
qualities of Guido Cantelli's fine conducting. The Haydn Symphony is full
of wit and humour especially in the outer movements and Testament have
refurbished the sound with admirable clarity. The broad sweeping tunes of
Franck's Symphony also find Cantelli on top form with the opening Allegro
movement given great swagger and a prominently romantic finale that terminates
proceedings in a very satisfying fashion. My favourite recording is however
the white-hot interpretation of Mussorgsky's 'Pictures at an Exhibition'
which really has the NBC Symphony on absolutely top-form. All movements come
to life in magnificent fashion especially the mysterious 'Catacombs' and
grand finale with 'The Great Gate of Kiev'. The Hindemith Symphony is also
extremely well played and rivals Karajan's famous account for authority and
sense of occasion.
Detailed notes and fantastic remasterings by Paul Bailey really bring these
long unavailable recordings back to life in no uncertain fashion. Certainly
this two CD set is an indispensable addition to the tragically slim Cantelli
catalogue.
Gerald Fenech
Performance:
Sound:
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