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CD Review
Hans Rosbaud Conducts
- Gustav Mahler: Symphony #7
- Anton Bruckner: Symphony #4 'Romantic'
Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra/Hans Rosbaud
Vienna Symphony Orchestra/Otto Klemperer
Vox Box Legends CDX2-5520 2CDs 131m ADD
Vox's reissue program continues unabated with another two-CD set re-incarnating two classic recordings from the early 50's with Rosbaud and Klemperer in their heyday.
Hans Rosbaud was one of the great conductors of 20th century music and his affinity with Mahler's music is absolutely unparalleled. This reading of the Seventh is replete with fascinating details and a whopping fast tempo with the whole work just under 80 minutes.
Of particular interest is the interpretation of the two 'Nachtmusik' interludes, both wonderful examples of the composer's fascinating inner mind. The recording is serviceable but as with the Horenstein issues, this is absolutely indispensable.
The Bruckner is less so. Klemperer's swift tempi rob the music of its grandeur and occasionally I felt that I was going through a high speed train with all my visions blurred. In fact, the reading is just 51 minutes long, a full 15 minutes off other recordings, too fast for my taste.
However, Vox provides informative and detailed notes and this double set is worth acquiring for the splendid Mahler alone.
Copyright © 2007, Gerald Fenech
