Tchaikovsky: Manfred Symphony, Op. 58

June 2010

“infectious, bracing and idealistic by turns, the results are both lively and heartfelt.”

“Jurowski conducted [Tchaikovsky’s] heart-on-sleeve melodrama with total conviction. Jurowski obviously has a special relationship with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and you hear it in their acutely responsive playing”

2010

“With a work as episodic as the Manfred Symphony, particularly in the long first movement, there is much to be said for a live recording, with dramatic tension more readily sustained.
Vladimir Jurowski, the LPO's brilliant young principal conductor, directs a powerful performance in which the tension never flags.
Recorded live, the sound is clear and well balanced.
In his characteristic manner, Jurowski presses the music hard, generally to impressive effect, except that he goes too far in the second-movement Scherzo. At his hectic speed it loses much of its sparkle and gives little idea of the programme which the composer was illustrating – the Alpine Fairy appearing to Byron's hero Manfred. Compared with Pletnev (above) – outstanding and made in the studio – the ensemble is not as crisp though more than acceptable by general standards.
The 'live-ness' offers ample compensation, though, making this a strong recommendation at mid-price and a welcome addition to the orchestra's own label.”