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Tchaikovsky - Symphonies Four, Five And Six - Herbert Karajan/Berliner Philharmoniker [2007] (NTSC)

Artist: Tchaikovsky, Bpo, Karajan
Average Customer Rating:

List Price: ~~£19.99~~
Our Price: £14.59

Product Details
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: Exempt
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0044007343845
Format: Classical, NTSC, Import
Label: Universal Classics & Jazz
Manufacturer: Universal Classics & Jazz
Number Of Discs: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Universal Classics & Jazz
Release Date: 2007-11-05
Studio: Universal Classics & Jazz
Theatrical Release Date: 2007-11-05

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Customer Reviews

The Best recording of Pathetique, 2008-12-03
I have many live recordings of Tchaikovsky's last three Symphonies conducted by Karajan, and one thing I've noticed is that some of them surpass his studio recordings made in 70s (DG&EMI) which are considered as his best recordings. It seems Karajan allows the orchestra to push boundary even further often in live performance. Or is it because he allows more freedom in live for the orchestra to express itself? Anyway I feel the live recordings have less control and more spontanuity which adds to the excitement and a sense of danger. That is especially the case with many performances of Symphony Pathetique. Take for example the incredibly charged Tokyo live performances in 50s and 80s.

Personally, I think this Berlin Philharmonie live filmmed in 1974 surpasses even those live performances and offers the most intensely felt and beautifully crafted account I've ever known. The first movement is exceptionally good with the wonderfully shaped introductions of the second theme and the powerful explosion and climax with extra emphasis on brass. The inner movements are perfect and the last movement is utterly compelling and deeply moving. Coupled with very fine performance of 4 & 5th, this DVD is a treasure for anyone who loves these symphonies.

Gripping Performances & Magical Art of Conducting, 2008-11-27
Karajan was the first conductor to pioneer the art of filmming as important part of presenting music as the music making itself, and you can clearly see how masterfully Karajan realised his vision in this film which was directed partly by Karajan himself.

Footages of the performances are shot very effectively from various angles, focussing on both conductor and each instrument in accordance with progress of the music. Some footages are cleverly shot from instrumentalists' point of view (or even behind basses) to give you a feeling of being in the orchestra. Throughout the performances, Karajan looks like completely possessed by the music and alone in his own world, oblivious of the orchestra and the audience, but in this film you can see there is an almost telepathic rapport between him and the orchestra. Like a thrown stone making ripples on water, even subtlest nuance of his hand movement is immediately reflected on the orchestra just like a magic. Karajan's intention as a film director is obviously to share some of that magic with us, and that makes these already gripping performances even more captivating and even awe-inspiring.

70s' Berlin PO is of course all mens club, which looks somewhat bizaare today. 70's old colour film has a nostalgic feel which does not detract at all from the quality of the filmming. Definitely a must-buy and better hurry before it becomes out of print, as most of classical DVDs are not always reissued after deletion!

Electrifying Tchaikovsky concerts, 2007-12-15
Herbert von Karajan's lifelong fascination with Tchaikovsky's three last symphonies is arguably nowhere better documented as with these electrifying concerts with the Berlin Philharmonic, filmed live in December 1973. The idiosyncratic nature of these symphonies seemed to have suited Karajan like a glove. Already at the very beginning of his career back in 1929 he programmed Tchaikovsky's 5th. By the 1970s after several recordings and even more concerts, he possesses a tight grip upon the overall structure of the works, relishes in the ever-changing rhythms and complex form of the 4th symphony, clarifies the polyphony of the 5th or emphasizes the melancholy and the tension of the 6th. In all he blends sensuous beauty, playful tenderness with ferocious outbursts, but above all - seasoned opera conductor as he was - the music sings from every bar.

Needless to say with Karajan one doesn't have to look for historical accuracy in performance practice (woodwinds and trumpets are doubled) and liberties are taken with tempi, but who cares which such music-making? The Berlin Philharmonic responds as one. By its precision, virtuosity and power this ensemble was in those days absolutely stunning.

Captured on 35mm film and in glorious stereo, the image quality is exceptionally good for being almost 35 years old. Photographed by Ernst Wild in the Berliner Philharmonie under the artistic supervision of Karajan himself, the famous image of the maestro seen constantly amidst his musicians is already in place, while the then groundbreaking films, initiated by the French movie director Henri-Georges Clouzot with whom Karajan worked in the 1960s, remain inspiring models of how to shoot an orchestra. The many deep side-shots focusing on lines of similar instruments have retained their visual beauty and poetry. Soundwise this DVD is a treat as well (in PCM stereo or 5.1 surround sound), revealing more than anything the superb quality of the Berlin strings (in the 4th and 6th divided left and right).

Strongly recommended for all admirers of Tchaikovsky, Karajan and great orchestral playing.