The NORRINGTON COLLECTION
MENDELSSOHN, Symphony No 3 in A minor (Scottish) Op 56;
Symphony No 4 in A (Italian) Op 90.
London Classical Players,
Sir Roger Norrington.
Veritas (EMI) 7243 5 61735
21 [64' 33"].
Sir Roger Norrington is the best British conductor since Bryden Thomson and,
before him, Sir Adrian Boult.
What is so good about Sir Roger's performances are that they are alive, vibrant,
full of colour, devoid of clichés, utterly musical, coherent and
convincing. Like Thomson he has a reliable ear for balance and texture and
an instinctive ability to gauge the correct and most effective tempi.
Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony is a splendid piece. Listen to the
control of the orchestra, the elegance, the high spirits, the amazing clarity
and moments of unsurpassed excitement. The performers have fire and attack
as well as a beauty and elegance when called for. Sir Roger's performances
are the antithesis of Otto Klemperer's performances which I have just reviewed.
The London Classical Players give performances that have to be listened to
and admired. This is real musicianship. And what these performances also
do is convey the sheer genius of Mendelssohn. He is a far, far greater composer
than his greatest fans may even imagine. How vastly better he is than Schubert
in that he develops his material and with such skill. He does not rely on
formulae or repetition ad nauseam. His orchestration may be the most
colourful of his time.
Moments in Sir Roger's performance are spine-tingling and not only is it
music that is so very good but performances that really delight and give
a profound satisfaction. You feel good in your soul for having heard it.
It is the antidote for both depression and lethargy, a marvellous tonic and
pick-me-up. But, above all, it is great music magnificently played.
As to the Italian Symphony I still prefer Christoph von Dohnanyi's
version on Decca (448 237 - 2), an absolute gem. But Sir Roger's performance
is very good and there are some moments that are so unforgettably perfect.
Truly exhilarating and elegant performances of a composer whose greatness
is still not fully recognised.
Not to be missed!
Reviewer
David Wright
Performances
Recording
