Mendelssohn : A Midsummer Night's Dream
Posted by: mikeeschman on 06 December 2008
Two recordings are being discussed here :
Ozawa/Boston and Levine/Chicago.
On both recordings, the orchestra is beautifully in tune and on time. Both recordings are beautifully made, clear and pristine.
one performance is disappointing, the other illuminating.
it is possible for an orchestra to play slightly before or on the beat, or to play a little behind the beat. levine chooses to play on top of the beat. ozawa plays just behind the beat.
in the levine, there are no faries. it doesn't sound like fairy music, it sounds more like a march. the wedding march sounds like something out of wagner.
in the ozawa, fairies play in the cool moonlight, romping among the tulips in carefree abandon.
the ozawa also includes the narration, which i love.
levine is young on this one, so i chalk it up to not knowing this music.
ozawa/boston is highly recommended.
Ozawa/Boston and Levine/Chicago.
On both recordings, the orchestra is beautifully in tune and on time. Both recordings are beautifully made, clear and pristine.
one performance is disappointing, the other illuminating.
it is possible for an orchestra to play slightly before or on the beat, or to play a little behind the beat. levine chooses to play on top of the beat. ozawa plays just behind the beat.
in the levine, there are no faries. it doesn't sound like fairy music, it sounds more like a march. the wedding march sounds like something out of wagner.
in the ozawa, fairies play in the cool moonlight, romping among the tulips in carefree abandon.
the ozawa also includes the narration, which i love.
levine is young on this one, so i chalk it up to not knowing this music.
ozawa/boston is highly recommended.