An interesting coupling, this, and an appealing release overall. Leonard Bernstein also recorded Beethoven’s Op. 131 quartet with the Vienna Philharmonic, and not surprisingly that version offers a greater degree of contrast than does Previn’s. Especially in the central variation movement Bernstein achieves a raptness of expression (at a much slower tempo) that this version never approaches, and his quick movements have more bite too. Though more placid, which is not to say tepid, Previn’s performance is just as beautifully played and even more warmly recorded, and it’s the only place to go if you want Toscanini’s arrangement of Verdi’s lively, appealing jeu d’esprit (Bernstein includes another Beethoven transcription). And that’s all there is to it. The strings of the Vienna Philharmonic remain one of the wonders of the orchestral world, and how can you not enjoy hearing them strut their stuff? Lovely fun.
