I found this poem at a concert of Music France in the 1980s, by the same chef, so manic, and I was captivated. The public did not make a mistake and had booked him a standing ovation. Since then, I have been constantly seek to acquire this understanding, alas not yet published. Meanwhile, I have acquired a record of Svetlanov as well, but another version (in Melodyia), with a monumental end with organ, like the beautiful 3rd Symphony of Saint-Saens. Alas, I have not found in this version with organ magic which I heard during the concert in Paris. In particular, it lacked the fabulous contrasts and amazing percussion that give you to tears with this release.
So here, finally!, A similar version than I expected, recorded live in Japan with the resident orchestra of Svetlanov. Happiness! This version is the most beautiful because it uses a breathtaking instrumentation. If you like the romanticism of Tchaikovsky (The Pathetic or Francesca da Rimini, for example), you will not be disappointed (e)! This work, rich and beautiful, will give you chills, in particular perennial con spirito and allegro con fuoco. Indeed, what spirit and what enthusiasm! And this long development that takes you on a knife edge until the final explosion! But the shock, because it is indeed a shock - those who vibrate the body and soul - comes from the first movement: a large introduction sad and moving, as long preliminaries in love, ending in a breathtaking apotheosis of brass and percussion that leaves breathless, in a near-ecstatic state.
This immense work, unjustly neglected in favor of large symphonies, located in Svetlanov's best defender with this passionate interpretation reference. The technique is flawless and you do not feel that this is a public record.
A drive to the desert island.
If this work as much as I please, you may want to acquire other versions. To complete your choice, here are some other indications. Indeed, I have listened most rare versions that were edited and here is my ranking, in order of preference:
At the front, this version of Svetlanov without organ, hallucinated and hallucinating! The following versions are all with organ: first, the very good version of Toscanini - perhaps the greatest leader of all time - though technically dated (1949) and too fast; followed by versions Svetlanov (1967), Muti, Chailly and Ahronovitch; finally, those of Petrenko, Jansons and Pletnev, I love no.
It is intriguing to note that the Italian leaders seem generally better performers and the Russians can not be stressed enough the importance of interpretation in great music that perfectly illustrate these differences.
Finally, here is the duration of each of the four movements. A shorter period usually results from a faster tempo but not necessarily: the first movement of Chailly seems much faster than for example Muti. The frenzy of Toscanini lasts less than 49 minutes while qu'Ahronovitch hiératiquement runs for over 66 minutes ... The extremes are 3:10 p.m. to 6:49 p.m. (I) 8:45 to 10:32 (II), 10: 11 at 12:44 (III) and 11:44 to 11:13 p.m. (IV):
***** Svetlanov (without organ): 16:37 10:03 11:34 11:44
Toscanini ****: 15:10 9:40 10:11 13:43
*** Svetlanov (1967) 17:20 9:24 12:19 18:58
*** Muti: 16:19 8:45 12:05 21:03
** Chailly: 16:27 9:12 10:28 19:30
** Ahronovitch: 18:49 10:32 12:44 23:13
* Petrenko: 15:43 9:37 11:54 20:32
* Jansons: 15:14 9:43 10:41 17:43
* Pletnev: 15:17 9:50 10:17 18:29
