Search - Borodin, Gergiev, Rdm :: Symphonies 1 & 2

Sturdy

David Saemann | 12/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sviatoslav Richter did not understand all the praise Gergiev generates. Richter felt that Gergiev evinced no emotion in his performances. Based on these performances of Borodin, I would have to disagree. These readings are sensitive and beautifully, thoughtfully paced. The phrasing is totally idiomatic, too. There is a tenedency to bend phrases like taffy in Borodin. Gergiev, however, has a deep understanding of the structure of these works, which he conveys with a wonderful feeling for dynamics (typically Russian in the brass) and light and shade. This was an early Gergiev/Rotterdam Philharmonic collaboration, but the orchestra already seems totally attuned to the conductor's artistry. I love their live recording of Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet, and the current CD is almost as good. The sound engineering is full and detailed, with just the slightest lack of focus. There are more lyrical performances of the Borodin 2nd, such as Malko's and Ansermet's, but Gergiev's in its own way is a notable accomplishment."