Hickox shows bravery ... if nothing else

Press, 15 October 1986, Page 18

Hickox shows bravery ... if nothing else

Classical records review

ALLAN FRANCIS

BEETHOVEN. Symphony No. Three, played by the Northern Sinfonia, conducted by Richard Hickox. WORLD RECORD CLUB WR 9677 from ASV.

One can only admire a conductor who produces a symphony of the magnitude of “Eroica” in a form that matches his own ideas on the subject — that is to say, with a partial concession to authentic instrumentation, but only half way to Beethoven’s other instructions. This leaves an orchestra with about 35 players (as written), but with some slow tempos bordering on the sluggish. The results may have a certain charm, but it is a moot point whether one looks for charm in Beethoven rather than power. The rather bloodless results give one the feeling of hearing Beethoven through one headphone, but admiration none the less for tackling such a task against all common opinion. BEETHOVEN. Piano Concerto No. One. Choral Fantasia in C minor Op. 80, played by Julius Katchen, piano, with the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Pierino Gamba. AWARD CASSETTE AWC 8054. The old adage assuring us that “They don’t play them like that any more” certainly applies here. From the host of recorded versions available this would be my first choice —- both in the Concerto and the Fantasia. Even Alfred Brendel, the great Beethoven specialist, would have difficulty matching Julius Katchen in these spirited performances, the latter being superbly brilliant

throughout, a pinnacle of authority leaving nothing to be desired.

For me, this is the ultimate version to have, rising above age and fashion. Regardless of personal preference, Katchen will always have a special place in anyone’s library.

PUCCINI. La Fanciulla del West. Zubin Mehta conducts the Royal Opera House Chorus and Orchestra. Soloists include Carol Neblett, Sherrill Milnes, Placido Domingo, Francis Egerton, Robert Lloyd and others. WORLD RECORD CLUB issue from DG 413 285-1. Texts included. Regardless of all other considerations, Puccini’s “Girl of the Golden West” is the odd man out in his repertoire. No-one expects America’s wild west to form the background of an Italian opera — an unlikely setting at least, followed by an equally unlikely plot

It best suits Sherrill Milnes as Jack Rance — a superb villain. Poor old Placido Domingo may never have been so miscast. What can one expect of a singer of his class and genre? So many square pegs fill out roles that bend talents into unexpected shapes. “Black-hearted sheriffs,” “climactic poker games,” “hearts of gold” (gold being the ultimate aim), “crying goldminers” and, of course, the inevitable “poor little love story” will not sound

like typical Puccini to most opera fans. Yet this work has been the object of much attention over the years. On balance, it must be said that it is a masterly score, full of rich orchestral effects, so that eventually one is drawn into the magic of the work. One of the bonuses is the dark bass of Gwynne Howell and the compelling singing of Carol Neblett. In a work that makes a remarkable break from tradition, there is much to admire. It may be better in the concert hall, yet good enough to create mild enjoyment on record. SIBELIUS. SINDING. Violin Concerto in D minor. Suite in A minor. Andre Previn conducts the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Itzhak Perlman, violin. WORLD RECORD CLUB WI 9928 from EMI. One of the disconcerting features about classical artists is their occasional disappearance from public view. Perlman has recorded nothing new for some years, the only reminder of his dazzling talent being reissues such as these, this one now six years old. One is apt to be overwhelmed with the constant supply of new talent, but this recording reaches back 20 years or so to find hard competition. Chung, Heifetz, Oistrakh and Ferras provide the rival versions, with nothing so far from the younger set. Perlman surpasses his own account with Leinsdorf (1967), and the Sinding piece is equally astonishing in vitality and showmanship. It marks a productive time for Previn. too.