Yoel Levi and his Atlanta band provide meaty performances in this set of Rossini overtures recorded for Telarc in 1994, now available at lower price to Musical Heritage Society members. The orchestra’s sound is big and robust, giving satisfying heft to William Tell’s thunderstorm, and to the dark drama of Semiramide. But there’s lightness too, as in the delicate dancing of La Gazza Ladra. Missing only from these exceptionally well played readings is that last element of uninhibited bravura, something to be found aplenty in Fritz Reiner’s unmatched performances with the Chicago Symphony. Then there’s Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic’s wonderfully gutsy renditions to provide another sharp contrast to Levi’s polished surfaces. Still, Levi’s interpretations are fully in the spirit of the music, and his soloists (particularly in William Tell) bring obvious joy to their work. Telarc’s solid and impactful recording makes this release a modern collection well worth considering. [3/12/2001]
