Dvorak - Cello Concerto, Strauss - Don Quixote - Maisky, Mehta, BPO

 

Release Date: 03/09/2004 Label: Deutsche Grammophon Number of discs: 1 Composer: Dvorak, Richard Strauss Performer: Mischa Maisky,  Tabea Zimmermann, Zubin Mehta cd info/ buy

Review:

This is a wonderful release, in no small part because of the great Berlin players and the lavish sound from DG's engineers. I have never heard a warmer-sounding recording, and it's a joy to catch the nuances of Maisky's tone. He is a musician of touch rather than force or charisma (compared, that is, to Rostropovich and De Pre), which is all to the good in the Dvorak. Warhorses must be revived with fresh phrasing and new insights, and Maisky brings both. Mehta offers discreet accompaniment, choosing not to go too symphonic. Mehta's interpretation of Don Quixote, with his attention to detail, the clarity, canny sense of pace and breathtaking subtlety is marvelous. Violist Tabea Zimmermann equals Maisky in musicality. Maisky is somewhat more romantic and yielding than Ma with Maazel, but you can still tell that this is a more modernist reading. Here, Quixote speaks in mutters and sighs that are uncannily human. The death of Quixote is played with very touching gentleness. In all, this CD shouldn't be allowed to fall between the cracks -- it's very satisfying.

 

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