Search - Edvard Grieg, Per Dreier, Oslo Philharmonic :: Grieg: Peer Gynt (Complete Incidental Music) (2 CDs)

Most complete of "complete" Peer Gynts , but...

R. Lane | Tracy, CA USA | 01/14/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first of three "complete" Peer Gynt recordings, made in the late 70s in England. Yes, England, but with many Norse forces. This issue includes every piece Grieg ever included in any production of Peer Gynt, even if it was not written for Peer Gynt. Most notable among the "not written for Peer Gynt" items would be the Norwegian Dances.
Ranking the 3 recordings on artistic and accoustic merit, this recording boasts the best orchestra (the LSO is far superior to Blomstedt's San Franciso Symphony or Jarvi's Gothenburg), the most authentic (i.e., Norwegian) voices, and probably the best "recorded" sound, though not the best "venue" sound. The recorded sound, though, is marred by a terrible digital transfer that dates from the mid 1980s. The CDs suffer from the shrill digital harshness that typified early digital recordings and analog transfers to digital media. I would categorize the conducting as mildly profound. Beecham he is not, but he certainly digs for depth in the score more than the other two mention herein.
Blomstedt's (on London/Decca) gets stars for theatircal experience. That recording was based on an actual theatrical production in Grieg's time. You sense the drama, almost opera like. As such, I consider the Blomstedt the best conducted of the three. It suffers form a dry accoustic, non-Norwegian voices, and poor orchestral playing. Copies of this sold in Europe (such as from Amazon.co.uk) come in a nice slip case with full English translations, a great plus that further emphasizes the operatic experience.
The other recording, from Neme Jarvi on DG, includes all of the music Grieg composed only (or at originially) for Peer Gynt. While the Unicorn voice may sound more Norwegian, I think the singing is of the highest quality on the Jarvi. The orchestral playing is marginal, the "venue" sound is the best of the three, and the "recorded" sound is acceptable. The recording is marred by poor conducting though. Jarvi is nowhere near as imaginative as Dreier, or as consistent and full visioned as Blomstedt. I sometimes think a robot conducted the performance.
So which one to buy?
For imagination and inventiveness, this Unicorn Gynt.
Great singing, and pleasant sounding? Jarvi.
Theatrical experience? Blomstedt."

Peer Gynt Indeed

Gustavo Caicedo | U.S.A. | 01/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just cannot understand why would somebody prefer the Peer Gynt Suites to the complete recording. In this work you don't only get the over-played Hall of the Mountain King and Morning Mood but also you get many surprises along with them. To say which ones, would be impossible, since the whole score is amazing, but I know I got my money's worth. The sound is very good -very low hiss - , and the orchestra, chorus, and singers do a superb job. I had given up on finding a complete recording of this play - not the usual scraps - , but now that I did I feel like one of the privileged few. Now, let's listen to those Trolls again ..."

My Vote for the Penultimate Peer Gynt Recording.

Gustavo Caicedo | 03/05/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I can't vouch specifically for the CD, but I have had the reel-to-reel version of this premier recording of the COMPLETE incidental music written by Grieg for the Ibsen epic drama since it was recorded by Unicorn in 1978. Per Dreier is the excellent conductor of the London Symphony and the Oslo Philharmonic Chorus, with wonderful Norwegian soloists. There is much here that isn't included in the Peer Gynt Suites as they are usually recorded, so there are some nice surprises. I love this recording and am really happy to find that Unicorn-Kanchana has released the CD. It's hard to imagine that you'll be less than thrilled by this music."