The New York Philharmonic has recorded some exceptional performances of Tchaikovsky’s Pathétique, and Lorin Maazel’s new live recording joins that list. Tempo-wise Maazel is certainly closer to Mitropoulos’ dashing speed than to Bernstein’s slow grandiosity, though in the finale Maazel exhibits a depth of feeling that’s more similar to the latter conductor. The first movement is light and quick, yet Maazel shows real tenderness in the famous “big tune”. I’ve heard the climax rendered with more grimness and gloom (Gergiev, Ashkenazy, Mravinsky) but Maazel’s pointed anger suits his straightforward, focused approach. Likewise, the second-movement waltz goes at a quick-step, with no change in tempo for the trio. The march-scherzo generates excitement, but the New York Philharmonic outdid itself (and everyone else) in its breathtakingly-played performance for Bernstein. The finale is best–a truly satisfying blend of emotion, virtuosity, and discipline, profoundly rendering the music’s heartbreak.
The Philharmonic plays wonderfully, without a hint of routine, making Tchaikovsky’s warhorse sound remarkably fresh. The live recording, though somewhat dry and shallow, has good clarity and impact. A very fine performance, available via download on iTunes, accessible from the New York Philharmonic website (http://nyphil.org/buy/estore/itunes.cfm). [1/2/2008]
