Originally posted on June 4
Newly remastered in HD 192kHz/24-bit from original tapes
Released during this month are three twofers of remasters for SACD of central repertoire recorded by the Berlin Philharmonic and Herbert von Karajan during the 1970s for EMI. Studio Circé has once again done an excellent job (see Tchaikovsky/Muti below) – not a trace of analogue hiss, for example, even on quality headphones, with no contamination of low/quiet frequencies.
As for the performances, the Mozart issue, the final Six Symphonies, are, surprisingly, too often sloppy, sleepy and smooth: the Finale of the ‘Haffner’ tame – trumpets and timpani negligible – the Minuet of the ‘Linz’ heavy-footed and weary. In truth, while the ‘Prague’ and ‘Jupiter’ have their moments, only Numbers 39 & 40 are the most recommendable, the set as a whole best for those already familiar with these accounts who fancy fresh sonics.
Of the Bruckner, Symphony Seven glows in the dark and there is indeed something sepulchral about the whole, if a little glutinous at times, a wide dynamic range comfortably accommodated; ditto in the Fourth (Romantic), ear-grabbing from the off with earthy basses. Haas’s edition is claimed; not entirely, for the violins are raised an octave at one point. Elsewhere, Karajan can be macho, unleashing stentorian brass and timpani, although the Jesus-Christus-Kirche (interior photo below) copes and also allures.
Standing out is the Schubert, if a shame that this isn’t Karajan’s complete Symphony cycle: maybe Nos.1 to 4 will follow. Meanwhile, No.5 mixes charm and sinew; the Sixth is a total winner, capped by a Finale that is ideally no faster than a gentle walk and staying there throughout; the ‘Unfinished’ is at times dark, disturbing, and despairing; and the ‘Great’ is powerful and virile, in which Karajan observes all repeats in the Scherzo and Trio (making it the longest movement of the four), the former fleet and incisive, the latter slower and rapturous, and in the ultimate coda trumpets and timpani are thrillingly assertive. Also included are three stylish selections from the Rosamunde music. Both discs play for eighty minutes-plus. Warner Classics 2685465519 is released on June 26. Schubert: Outstanding
2685465517, released June 5.
2685465518, released June 19.
As a postscript, the above recordings were produced by Michel Glotz, with whom I had correspondence regarding Alexis Weissenberg, primarily about him possibly documenting Rachmaninov with Ozawa and Berlin (for DG), which didn’t happen. Due from Warner is a box devoted to that great pianist, some Concertos conducted by Karajan.