Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado - Mussorgsky: Songs and Dances of Death / Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 (1994)

I came to this disc after listening to Abbado's previous version of the Tchaikovsky 5th with the Chicago Symphony. Reviewing that earlier recording, I found it to be a sensitive reading, but lacking overt Russian passion. Abbado seemed to view the symphony as predominately charming, balletic at times. In fact, the same can be said of all his recordings of the late Tchaikovsky symphonies in Chicago. Elegant and graceful, the Chicago readings are pleasing, but not life changing.

In Berlin, Abbado's concept of Tchaikovsky seems doesn't seem much different. What separates this reading from Abbado's previous reading is, not surprisingly, the Berliners. Abbado's keen eye for nuance produces the most exquisite sounds from his orchestra. But Abbado himself seems to be more alert, more imaginative. There's more excitement in the finale, and a general greater flexibility. No headlong rush of passion ever shows its head, but we're in a world class environment. If you want this symphony done with finesse and dazzling detail, this recording is one of the best you'll find. I don't mind turbulence and swaying melancholy, though, and Abbado isn't tempered that way. The Berliners don't terrify us with their power as with Karajan. But to be fair, Abbado is probably more varied than Karajan, at least in his voicing.

The Mussorgsky "Songs and Dances of Death" that opens the disc features great singing from Anatoly Kotcherga. One couldn't ask for better accompaniment from Abbado and the Berliners. Abbado seems more awake than in the Tchaikovsky, with intense, dark conducting that flows with freshness.

In all, this is an attractive disc, even if Abbado remains too laidback in the Tchaikovsky.