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Bartok: The Miraculous Mandarin, 2 Portraits; Prokofiev / Abbado

Release Date: 12/04/2014
Label: Deutsche Grammophon Catalog #: 410598 Spars Code: DDD
Composer:  Béla Bartók ,  Sergei Prokofiev Conductor:  Claudio Abbado Orchestra/Ensemble:  London Symphony Orchestra ,  London Symphony Chorus ,  Chicago Symphony Orchestra Number of Discs: 1
Recorded in: Stereo

On the whole, these are very exciting, powerful performances. The Miraculous Mandarin has divided critical opinion, some enjoying the swift tempos and Abbado's sensitivity to textural detail and low dynamic levels, others finding it a bit slick at such points as the very quick "chase" fugue. There's no questioning the collective virtuosity of the LSO, and the biggest problem (for me anyway) is the early digital recording, which is a bit glassy and lacking in body. This is certainly true when compared to the (analog) Prokofiev, where the sledgehammer impact of the Chicago brass seldom has been more satisfyingly caught. The Two Portraits also are extremely well done, especially the "Grotesque", with its wonderfully Read more snarling sarcasm. If the coupling appeals to you, then it's hard to imagine anyone being disappointed with this Arkivmusic.com "on demand" reissue, minor reservations concerning the engineering notwithstanding.

--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com
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