Dvorak Symphony No.9; Hindemith Klaviermusik mit Orchester
A curious coupling on the one hand but a useful premiere on the other
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Antonín Dvořák, Paul Hindemith
Genre:
Orchestral
Label: Ondine
Magazine Review Date: 7/2009
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 0
Mastering:
Stereo
DDD
Catalogue Number: ODE1141-2
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Klaviermusik mit Orchester |
Paul Hindemith, Composer
Christoph Eschenbach, Conductor Curtis Symphony Orchestra Leon Fleisher, Piano Paul Hindemith, Composer |
Symphony No. 9, 'From the New World' |
Antonín Dvořák, Composer
Antonín Dvořák, Composer Christoph Eschenbach, Conductor Curtis Symphony Orchestra |
Author: Edward Greenfield
Fleisher himself has had a unique career, for in his thirties, when he’d established a high reputation, notably in recording concertos with Georg Szell, he was attacked by a neurological disorder that prevented him from playing with his right hand for many years. It was then that the Wittgenstein repertory came in to help him, and it was only much later that he was able to resume playing with his right hand.
The Klaviermusik is a typical example of the Hindemith of the 1920s in his neoclassical style, ending with a chatteringly energetic finale – attractive enough if undemanding. The present recording offers a rather shallow piano sound, apt enough for the music, and the orchestral accompaniment is from members of the Curtis Symphony, boasting up to 100 student players, even if they hardly sound as large a band.
Dvorák’s New World Symphony gives the young players a far better chance to shine, and the cor anglais solo in the second movement is beautifully done, as is the clarinet solo in the first episode of the finale – tribute to the quality of the current students at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. As to the performance, Christoph Eschenbach, taking time off from his role as principal conductor of the Philadelphia Orchestra, gives a rather cautious reading. The playing is near-immaculate, but Eschenbach rarely offers phrasing that is at all memorable, and the result is very plain – just safe. As I say, a curious coupling but a valuable one.
Discover the world's largest classical music catalogue with Presto Music.
Gramophone Digital Club
- Digital Edition
- Digital Archive
- Reviews Database
- Full website access
From £8.75 / month
SubscribeGramophone Full Club
- Print Edition
- Digital Edition
- Digital Archive
- Reviews Database
- Full website access
From £11.00 / month
Subscribe
If you are a library, university or other organisation that would be interested in an institutional subscription to Gramophone please click here for further information.