I just heard the most badass Tchaik 5 ever.

[MISHUGINA]

Ferenc Fricsay conducting Berliner Philharmoniker. Not even Karajan or Mravinsky in their full glory can trump him. Apparent date was 1949, it was released in 1998 as part of "Centenary" edition of DG but since got out of print. Anybody has this?

[Bonehelm]

Where and how did you hear that performance?

[rubio]

Is this it?

http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail/1825362

[Holden]

Yes, I have this and have to agree with you. What is even more amazing is the quality of sound for 1949. I also believe that this was Fricsay's first recording for DG

[Bonehelm]

But it's hard to believe anyone can do T5 better than the 70's Karajan!

[MISHUGINA]

But it's hard to believe anyone can do T5 better than the 70's Karajan!

*yawn*

[PerfectWagnerite]

I have it as part of the DG 1949-1957 10disc set. But that is the only disc from that set I have. It is coupled with Borodin's Steppes and Polovtsian Dances. I think it is pretty good, probably not as good as Marketvich and definitely not as good as Mravinsky (and who is?).

[Bonehelm]

*yawn*

But it's hard to believe anyone can do T5 better than the 70's Karajan!

[Michel]

I love Karajan generally speaking, but never understood his Tch 5; its too clunky and cumbersomce.

Mvarinsky was always my fave, but I would like o hear this - all the best recordings of it seems to be older.

[Bonehelm]

I love Karajan generally speaking, but never understood his Tch 5; its too clunky and cumbersomce.

Mvarinsky was always my fave, but I would like o hear this - all the best recordings of it seems to be older.

Really...but speaking of the 3 great Tchaik symphonies, I think Karajan do them the best in general...

[hautbois]

I got my copy of the Fricsay from Rolf's LP transfer. It was indeed an amazing recording, incredibly natural. What struck me most was that the tempi that was so organic, that it created an experience difficult to describe. It was as if, technically, he was making the musicians play on the edge of their seats, no comfort at all, full or tension and drama, just exploding in different directions, with no emphasis on precision that resulted in such satisfaction, mind staggering. But of course you have the sound to complain, because it was at a lot of moments so blurred and lacking in clarity. Thus, i also adore Solti/CSO and Haitink/RCO.

Howard