I have already reviewed the marvellous
DVD (Review)
which is not only a film of
the event but has a very interesting
documentary on the background of the
Orchestra and the concert. Does it work
as a music CD?
Sinfonia Concertante
This is a charming
piece from Mozart’s early twenties.
This piece seems to cause some experts
concern over its authenticity. I suggest
they listen to the music and tell me
who other than Mozart would have composed
such a marvellous piece? The soloists
from the orchestra play splendidly and
the orchestra is spirited under Barenboim:
a man who has recorded two very good
sets of the Piano Concertos and is a
recognized Mozartian. This is old-fashioned
Mozart and compares with the famous
Philharmonia reading of 1953 featuring
Dennis Brain and Karajan. This rendition
isn’t quite as good as that but I greatly
enjoyed hearing the wonderful interplay
between the soloists. This is certainly
the best modern version I’ve heard and
will be great in the car where the DVD
player is left behind! The final movement
is one of the happiest pieces I know.
Symphony No. 5
From what I’ve read the Beethoven Fifth
has caused more controversy. His previous
recording - in a budget set released
last year - was described on BBC Radio
3 - rather along the lines of "Yes
Minister’s" Jim Hacker - as "alright".
This version is certainly more than
"alright" - an inspirational
performance of a masterpiece. But does
it work as a record you may ask? Yes
I think it does, in a way that Bernstein’s
seminal "Choral" of 1989 from
Berlin does. Each is a performance that
bears repetition. Lovely playing in
the adagio, swagger in the third movement
and a dynamic finale. This is a great
sounding recording with brass sounding
out and this marvellous score set alight
by these young players, going for broke
in Gaza. A great Beethoven Fifth.
I’m glad they kept Barenboim’s speech
which is followed by Elgar’s "Nimrod".
A lovely rendition but I could have
done without applause at the end.
The DVD is the thing to get, but for
listening only, I recommend this CD
highly.
David R Dunsmore
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*Mohamed Saleh (oboe); Kinan Azmeh (clarinet);
Mor Biron (bassoon); Sharon Polyak (horn) 
