Since the hatchet job review of our Prokofiev CD by MusicWeb
International, specifically the preposterous claim of “indifferent
orchestral contribution” by the Omsk Academic Symphony Orchestra under the
baton of Maestro Vladimir Rylov, we have been paying attention to recent renditions of
Alexander Scriabin's orchestral masterpiece « Le Poème de l’Extase »
that was the main fare in the second part of our May 1, 2014 concert.
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| Vladimir Rylov and the OASO in rehearsal April 28, 2014 |
It started a few weeks ago, with a CBC Radio 2 In Concert broadcast of a live
performance by the excellent Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra conducted by
Hannu Lintu. However, the ecstasy was short and never reached much height...
Then came the authoritative “Listening Studio” MusicWeb report on a new recording by Mikhail Pletnev and the Russian National Orchestra on
PentaTone, a favorite label of the MusicWeb crew.
“A few minutes into the performance both LM and JQ noted with approval the sound of the bass drum.”
Obviously their hearing is still fine... to say nothing of their insightful musical assessment.
“In this performance and recording the climaxes are mighty but the many soft passages sound suitably sensuous. The last climax is overwhelming in its intensity.”
At that point, I could not resist and dug up the new recording eClassical page and, despite having to press on play every 30 sec, listened to the “overwhelming
climax” that so enthralled such an Aéropage.
And, I compared it with Rylov’s performance (recorded thanks to a little
handheld Edirol set in 24bit/96kHz on concert night with permission from the
conductor, naturally).
So it is my pleasure to share this exclusive, LIVE recording of Scriabin's piece, for you to enjoy on MP 3 format. After listening to this magical
rendition you’ll understand why rushing this music leads others nowhere and what
a real climax is all about.
And it’s FREE.
How “ungenerous” of me…
Marc VILLEGER