This 2002 recording of the Tchaikovsky 4th Symphony is one of great clarity and emotion from distinguished maestro Valery Gergiev and the Wiener Philharmoniker. Indeed, it merely demonstrates why Gergiev demands our attention as one of our most important, most insightful, conductors, leading the world's greatest orchestra in a riveting interpretation that is noteworthy for its clarity and emotional depth. Gergiev's interpretation is one that is replete with precise intonation, as well as empathy, for Tchaikovsky's score; it is one that does not wallow in excessive emotional displays, as for example, Leonard Bernstein's final recording of this work with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra for Deutsche Grammophon in the late 1980s. For a live recording, the sound quality most closely resembles that of a studio performance, and judging from the fact that this was recorded over the span of four days in mid October 2002, one has to presume that both Gergiev and the Philips producers opted for some "corrections" in what is otherwise, a recording derived from live performances at the Wiener Philharmoniker's sonically memorable home, the Grosser Saal of Vienna's Musikverein. Gergiev's conception of this work as a piece emphasizing the role of Fate is notable for its relentless energy, drive, and emotional richness, courtesy of the Wiener Philharmoniker's virtuoso playing, especially from its principal musicians in solo passages. If merely to emphasize these points, Gergiev has opted for brisker tempi, with the third movement - consisting solely of pizzicato playing by the string section - among the fastest I've heard. Without question, I have to recommend this glowing interpretation as, quite possibly, the best I have heard either on a recording or live (I can gladly mention too that it is one I have heard live, thanks to Gergiev's rousing performance of it with the Wiener Philharmoniker earlier this year at Carnegie Hall; his conception of this work hasn't changed at all.).

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1.0 out of 5 stars Good performance poor recording, 28 Mar 2008

By	P. Bruce "P Bruce" (Oxfordshire) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Excellent performance by the orchestra under Gergiev.

Very poor recording quality, it is compressed and distant. Not worthy of SACD.

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