Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 3 "Scotch" / Overture "The Hebrides"
Otto Klemperer / Philharmonia Orchestra
Testament / EMI Columbia SAX 2342 Reviewed by RP
In this, the most pastoral of Mendelssohn Symphonies, we see play maker Otto Klemperer (who was renown for his slower than usual speeds) develop an expansive and powerful reading that is, for him, remarkably unfussy in conception. If there is a weakness this lies not in his interpretation, but with a Philharmonic Orchestra that isn't always at its best.
However, their playing for The Hebrides, by contrast, is so greatly improved that to call them "outstanding' would be no exaggeration. Clearly, the cagey old Doctor imposed his will in no uncertain terms - with the Philharmonic players responding tremendously.
Returning to the Third Symphony and the depth of these orchestral (Brahmsian-styled?) textures is warmly reproduced. Contemporary reviews of this 1961 recording cited it for spaciousness and I wouldn't disagree! Additionally Testament have cleaned up the original Columbia's slight tendency towards opaqueness in and around the tuttis and orchestral fringes. This refined level of clarity allows the strings, in particular, to open out - revealing incisive characteristics which propel both works along at their natural tempi. Without doubt this is a nice record to own. A gripping performance of the Overture and reasonably sure-footed Symphony will please Klemperer acolytes and create a few new converts as well.
Supplier: Vivante 0208-977-6600
