Recording-wise, André Previn’s tenure as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (1985-89) was a largely successful one. The present disc is one of a handful of excellent recordings Previn made for Philips, which captured the orchestra in rich, vivid sound. The performances are impressive too, starting with a vigorous and exciting Ruslan and Ludmilla overture and a tempestuous Night on Bare Mountain. In The Moldau, Previn wonderfully captures the shifting moods and colors of the various locales depicted in the work. Only Romeo and Juliet disappoints as Previn’s tepid reading downplays the music’s passion.
There’s nothing to disappoint in the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s performance, however. The players do themselves proud as they deliver the goods with sterling musicianship and discernible enthusiasm. You’ll hear virtuoso playing from all sections–from the piccolo right down to the tuba. This quality alone makes the disc worth hearing, and you can do so again thanks to Arkivmusic.com’s “on demand” service.
