Arnold SCHOENBERG (1874-1951)
Variations for Orchestra Op. 31 [19:52]
Pyotr Ilyich TCHAIKOVSKY (1840-1893)
Symphony No. 6 in B minor “Pathétique” [49:24]
West-Eastern Divan Orchestra/Daniel Barenboim
rec. live, Großes Festspielhaus, Salzburg, 13 August 2007. DDD
DECCA 478 2719 [69.02]
There is an iridescent beauty to Schoenberg’s Variations for
Orchestra that belies – or perhaps complements – its strict adherence
to the mathematical rigour of classical dodecaphony. On this recording with
Daniel Barenboim conducting the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, the contrasts
between the variations are well-marked, although those for smaller forces
are, perhaps, rather more effective: the mass of sound that attends the more
densely-scored sections tends to obscure the horizontal and vertical detail.
However, there is plenty of incisive playing and good intensity of sound –
although the middle of the texture could often be rather more prominent.
Barenboim’s rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor Pathétique
is, unfortunately, rather more disappointing. The ensemble playing of the
West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is not as tightly-controlled as it should be
– in particular, there is too much lag along the string sections. The tempo
of the second subject group of the first movement Adagio — Allegro non
troppo is, for my taste, rather too indulgent; and several overtly prominent
portamenti in the string playing are not always unified throughout
the strings, nor are always most appropriately placed. The second movement
Allegro con grazia tends to lean forward – the point of the 5/4 metre
makes more impact if the tempo is completely steady. The march of the third
movement Allegro molto vivace, however, though rather steadier than
some interpretations, is nevertheless tautly controlled, with some good layering
of the texture; and the fourth movement Finale: Adagio lamentoso – Andante
is deeply heartfelt, the antiphonally placed first and second violins noticeably
enhancing the sobbing of the opening phrases.
The disc is well-presented, although the booklet notes (also in French and
German) are rather brief. On the whole, however, no buyer should feel let
down by the purchase of this disc.
Em Marshall
No buyer should feel let down by the purchase of this disc.