This is a very handy three-disc set in spite of the fact that there are better individual recordings available for the major works included–especially Francesca da Rimini and the “Manfred” Symphony (although most of the better recordings of “Manfred”–Muti, Chailly, Haitink, Markevitch–are now out of print). These performances also are among DG’s better, more consistent-sounding orchestral recordings of recent vintage. Mikhail Pletnev’s generally quick, streamlined approach to the idiom means that a lot of music gets crammed on this Trio set, and what glorious music it is! But it’s also too bad that Pletnev has a habit of underplaying percussive effects in the more bombastic moments. Still, if it’s percussive effects you’re looking for, the texturally soggy, almost balletic “Manfred” is outclassed by some of the most realistic-sounding canon shots ever in the ubiquitious 1812 Overture. The Marche slave isn’t too poor in this regard either, and in the lesser-known works–Fatum (Fate), The Voyewoda, or the Festival Overture on the Danish National Anthem–swiftness and lightness might be considered a major virtue. For its sheer convenience, this collection is truly a case of the whole being better than the sum of its parts. As for “Manfred”, you’ll just have to visit the used or import markets if you don’t already have one of the good ones.
