Search - Hermann Abendroth :: Portrait De Hermann Abendroth, Vol. II -- Schumann: Symphony No. 1 / Brahms; Symphony No. 1 / Kalinnikov: Symphony No. 1 / Works by Johann Strauss

Interesting, often exciting and relatively individualistic

Jeffrey Lee | Asheville area, NC USA | 07/17/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For some, Hermann Abendroth may be an acquired taste. My comment pertains especially to his periodic utilization of a broader range of tempo than most other conductors. Aspects of his style are unusual if not entirely unique. Some might be put off while others might be turned on. To emphasize my point, one need only listen to the final movement of his Brahms 1 (recorded in 1956). There are a few unorthodox touches in the early pizzicato sections, a rather strange pause among notes during the start of the noble theme following the horn call and some sharply contrasting gear shifts at the close, partly reminiscent of Leonard Bernstein's New York Philharmonic version from several years back. Other than being a bit "different" this Brahms First is surely given an intense reading. Combined with the live performance factor, this makes for a pretty impressive listening experience except for one person's minor coughing bout at the beginning of the first movement. Though I mainly am fascinated by this performance I have mixed feelings about some of the conductor's arrangements...With the Schumann First Symphony (recorded 1955), my response is more definite. Though I've indicated before (See my review of Sawallisch's Schumann set.) that I'm not a particularly great fan of Schumann's music, I find Abendroth's "Spring" the most compelling account of that work I've heard. Though some might consider his performance a bit wayward or his forcefulness as going somewhat "over the top", I like the infectious exuberance, powerful dynamics and interesting shaping of musical detail. Unlike others with this piece, Abendroth maintains my interest throughout...The Kalinnikov First Symphony (recorded 1949) is a very tuneful and enjoyable composition. There are numerous passages that compare favorably with some of the finest examples of the great tradition of Russian tone colorists. Abendroth gives a satisfyingly trenchant yet sensitive reading, seemingly without idiosyncrasy...The remaining selections in this two cd set include four waltzes by Johann Strauss (recorded 1950), the best known being The Emperor and The Blue Danube. I find Abendroth too sober here. He really doesn't convey enough in the way of charm or a singing quality. Where is Erich Kleiber ?...The booklet that accompanies the set indicates the inclusion of Weber's Oberon Overture, but it is not to be found on either disc. Incidentally, this booklet contains some interesting comments about Abendroth as well as some poems written by him. Though discontinued, this collection constitites a stimulating musical document of an intriguing and heretofore relatively unknown conductor from a special era of music making."