What Levine?

[bhodges]

I have both and Edward is correct: Levine is slower overall but not in every movement of the Schoenberg. There is a significant difference in content, too: the Dorati CD has Webern's Op.10 while Levine has Op.6. The Op.6 fourth movement (Langsam, marcia funebre) makes Levine's CD essential, I think. The movement is massively conceived, taken extremely slowly (5'36) with a climax of staggering power.

Sarge

Totally agree about the Op. 6 fourth movement: my favorite of any version I've heard.  Fantastic snare drum work, and a rock-steady crescendo.

--Bruce

[dirkronk]

There is a significant difference in content, too: the Dorati CD has Webern's Op.10 while Levine has Op.6.

Good catch, Sarge. I was going by memory and, as happens on occasion, it misfired. I didn't recall the different piece, just the same composer! Thanks to all for the commentary, too. This Levine disc definitely goes onto my want list.

Dirk

[not edward]

Talking of outstanding (and unusually slow) recordings of the 2nd Viennese School:



Yes, I think Mutter's superb here, but Levine and the CSO are wonderful too.

[dirkronk]

Just a note to let you know that I have acquired and listened to Levine's Holst The Planets. I have always found myself liking the Boult approach to this piece, but this preference did not prevent me from appreciating Levine's take. I was, in fact, quite impressed. I'll give it another spin next week, but based on the sampling of recommendations I've followed through on so far, I think I'm going to be quite happy with the lists I'm compiling from all of your commentaries.

Thanks again to everyone who's posting,

Dirk

[bhodges]

I like Levine's Planets, too--just heard it last year for the first time.  My favorite is Dutoit's with Montréal, but I did enjoy Levine's take, along with the superb Chicago playing.  The sound on Dutoit's recording might still be slightly better, although I haven't done an "A/B comparison."

--Bruce

[DavidRoss]

I like Levine's Planets, too--just heard it last year for the first time.  My favorite is Dutoit's with Montréal, but I did enjoy Levine's take, along with the superb Chicago playing.  The sound on Dutoit's recording might still be slightly better, although I haven't done an "A/B comparison."

Levine nails Mars.

[M forever]

This may be a little too obvious a joke, but I can't resist: Mars is a strange name for a little boy these days.