Search - Tchaikovsky - Symphonies 4, 5 and 6 on DVD

Electrifying Tchaikovsky concerts

Marc Haegeman | Gent, Belgium | 09/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Herbert von Karajan's lifelong fascination with Tchaikovsky's three last symphonies is arguably nowhere better documented as with these electrifying concerts with the Berlin Philharmonic, filmed live in December 1973. The idiosyncratic nature of these symphonies seemed to have suited Karajan like a glove. Already at the very beginning of his career back in 1929 he programmed Tchaikovsky's 5th. By the 1970s after several recordings and even more concerts, he possesses a tight grip upon the overall structure of the works, relishes in the ever-changing rhythms and complex form of the 4th symphony, clarifies the polyphony of the 5th or emphasizes the melancholy and the tension of the 6th. In all he blends sensuous beauty, playful tenderness with ferocious outbursts, but above all - seasoned opera conductor as he was - the music sings from every bar.

Needless to say with Karajan one doesn't have to look for historical accuracy in performance practice (woodwinds and trumpets are doubled) and liberties are taken with tempi, but who cares which such music-making? The Berlin Philharmonic responds as one. By its precision, virtuosity and power this ensemble was in those days absolutely stunning.

Captured on 35mm film and in glorious stereo, the image quality is exceptionally good for being almost 35 years old. Photographed by Ernst Wild in the Berliner Philharmonie under the artistic supervision of Karajan himself, the famous image of the maestro seen constantly amidst his musicians is already in place, while the then groundbreaking films, initiated by the French movie director Henri-Georges Clouzot with whom Karajan worked in the 1960s, remain inspiring models of how to shoot an orchestra. The many deep side-shots focusing on lines of similar instruments have retained their visual beauty and poetry. Soundwise this DVD is a treat as well (in PCM stereo or 5.1 surround sound), revealing more than anything the superb quality of the Berlin strings (in the 4th and 6th divided left and right).

Strongly recommended for all admirers of Tchaikovsky, Karajan and great orchestral playing."

Amazing...

Paul G. Sonosky | Alexandria VA | 01/05/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"amazing, incredible, speechless, not surprised out of stock, I hope still available. this should save tons of money in conducting lessons! enjoy.
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Karajan reaches for lightning

trastevere | rome, italy | 05/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been fortunate to hear these works performed live by the St. Petersburg Philharmonic. My standard of reference has always been Mravinsky. But the 6th on offer here is equal to anything I know. Forget the rap that Karajan was only a beautifier: this is committed, passionate, visionary music making. Cinematography, sound, editing-- all are superb. Watch this on a big screen with a good sound system and you will have an experience all too rare even in a concert hall: contact with the sublime."