Erich Wolfgang Korngold - Symphony in F sharp; Much Ado About Nothing

Erich Wolfgang Korngold: 

Symphony in F Sharp, Much Ado About Nothing 

London Symphony Orchestra

Andre Previn

Previn once again secures deftly shaped performances and reveals himself as a very fine Korngold conductor, giving us yet another different view of the magnificent Symphony in F sharp, which is still only just beginning to acquire the status it so justly deserves.

"It’s good to see Andre Previn championing the music of Korngold again . . . [giving] us yet another different view of this magnificent work, which is good for a symphony that, after 40 years, is still only just beginning to acquire the status it so justly deserves. . . . [Previn's] is a much darker interpretation, with the first movement driven by a biting, perhaps even angry, passion (it’s frighteningly bleak at times), and I’m not surprised that the Mahlerian overtones which are often implied are much less obvious here. . . . [H]e coaxes wonderful playing from the LSO. The sombre Adagio is superbly controlled and beautifully crafted . . . , and in the finale Previn responds readily to the movement’s optimistic and playful spirit. Overall he achieves a very satisfying and balanced interpretation of this symphony. As a filler Previn gives us the short but genial Much Ado About Nothing suite, Op. 11, for chamber orchestra. . . . Previn once again secures deftly shaped performances and reveals himself as a very fine Korngold conductor. . . . [I]f I had to direct newcomers to this symphony now then this disc would have to receive a strong recommendation." -- Michael Stewart, Gramophone

This recording received a 1998 "Critic's Choice" award from Gramophone magazine.