Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 in E Minor, Op. 64, TH 29 - Liszt: Mazeppa, S. 100 (Live)

Album review

Since establishing its own BR Klassik label, the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks in Munich has issued a variety of older performances. Did these 2013 live recordings make the grade because the Byronic tale of the Ukrainian (actually Ruthenian) hero Mazeppa, in Liszt's musical realization, is newly relevant? No word on that, but Zubin Mehta's take on this action-packed tone poem is the highlight of the album, grabbing one's attention directly with the tense opening counterpoint. The performance throughout is enhanced by strong engineering from the label; the sound is clear and gives a palpable sense of presence. The main attraction, the Symphony No. 5 in E minor, Op. 64, is perhaps a more ambiguous case. Nothing Mehta conducts is going to be pale or derivative, but in this, in the most emotionally turbulent Tchaikovsky, he delivers low-key music. The orchestra plays beautifully, especially in the slow movement, but sample the beginning of the finale for an idea of the even keel here. Those who are intrigued will find a well-executed performance as usual, and in general, there is much to interest Mehta fans in this product of his later years.

© James Manheim /TiVo