Go to track five for the Goethe-inspired Calm Sea and Prosperous Voyage, a splendid work, and optimistically titled, for a reading of gentle dawning, full-sail momentum, generously lyrical, and with the momentous appearance of trumpets to signify the ship has reached a safe harbour. Yet, Muti (Philharmonia), also Warner, is not undone. Leave the disc running for three charming Songs without Words, nicely orchestrated by the conductor, and then turn back to the opening of the CD for the ‘Scottish’ Symphony, atmospheric from the off, the exposition (repeated) virile, full of expressive curves and beguiling detail, the second movement swift and joyous, the third of intense import, and the Finale vigorous and rounded, with each attacca between movements well-timed. If you collect these works, there is no reason here to hesitate. Warner Classics 2173272325.
Lahav Shani & the Rotterdam Philharmonic record Mendelssohn (Meeresstille und glückliche Fahrt and the ‘Scottish’ Symphony) for Warner Classics.
