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More of Peter Maag's Magnificent Legacy

Peter G. Watchorn | Cambridge, MA USA | 04/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It can be said in a few short sentences: these performances by Peter Maag and the London Symphony, recorded by Decca during one of their finest periods, are simply definitive. Adding to the magnificent effect is the sumptuous acoustic environment provided by London's Methodist Kingsway Hall, where many of Decca's greatest recorded achievements were realised. The Swiss, Johannes Peter Maag was, indeed, one of the finest conductors of his age (his greatness and profound depth of musicianship far exceeding that of many better-known "star" conductors). At one stage Maag went into voluntary "retirement", embraced Buddhism and moved to Hong Kong to reflect on life and art. Happily for us, he resumed his career in music. I would urge listeners to acquire not only this release, but also the "Midsummer Night's Dream" release in its entirety on Decca "Legends" (there are a few items missing from this disc: however, this one has the "Hebrides" Overture, so you need both).Oh, and by the way, those wishing to explore more of Maag's magnificent legacy should also check out the astonishing complete Beethoven Symphonies and the late Mozart Symphonies on the Arts label (digitally recorded in the 1990's with the Orchestra of Padua and Venice, of which Maag was chief conductor in his last years). Peter Maag, who died in 2001, truly lives on in all of these remarkable releases. He was one of the greatest and most sensitive conductors of the 20th century, and, to that extent, a star in his own right. Incidentally, Alfred Cortot, Ernest Ansermet and Wilhelm Furtwaengler, three of Maag's principal mentors (all of whose influences are clearly discernible here in the present release) expressed great faith in his abilities, which Maag's outstanding achievements (including this one) fully justified. Buy it!"

Classic quality

Ryan Richards | Midland, MI United States | 12/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mr. Schryer basically said it all with his review, so I offer my words only to underscore his main point: Maag's interpretations of these works are among the finest ever recorded. I bought this CD for the outstanding Hebrides overture; every other recording of the Hebrides I've ever heard falls several miles short of this one. It was pleasant (but not surprising) when the rest of the CD dazzled me the same way. This is orchestral playing from one of the golden ages of symphony orchestras, with a level of quality that's hard to find anymore. The sound is balanced between all instrument families (a surprising rarity nowadays), and the polish and brilliance of the orchestra combines with Maag's true gift for interpreting Mendelssohn to produce a truly classic recording. This recording *defines* "polished performances." If you're looking for the definitive interpretation of any or all of these works, you're going to find it here, the same way I did."

Superb performances of Mendelssohn masterpieces.

D. R. Schryer | Poquoson, VA United States | 07/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Peter Maag, although not a "star" conductor, is a very fine conductor with a special affinity for the music of Mendelssohn and Mozart. The performance of Mendelssohn's "Scottish" Symphony presented on this CD is so outstanding that it has stood for decades as the one against which all other performances of this work must be judged. The Hebrides Overture and excerpts from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" are equally fine. This is Mendelssohn at his best conducted superbly."