Our latest recording of the Mendelssohn symphonies, including the "Midsummer Night's Dream", has been reviewed by many international media representatives. We have compiled excerpts from their praise here.
«This new release of Mendelssohn’s complete symphonies confirms the symbiotic relationship Järvi has forged with the orchestra, and is jam-packed with exciting, at times electrifying, music-making ... Many rival versions of this music exist, but it’s difficult to think of any which surpass Järvi’s for insight, immediacy and sheer enjoyment.»
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The reviewer compares the recording of the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich with that of the Chamber Orchestra of Europe (COE) under the direction of Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
«In cantabile themes … the Zurich strings produce a richer, deeper sonority than the lissom COE. Yet tonal warmth and, where needed, weight go hand in hand with that essential Mendelssohnian quality of airy lightness. Bass lines are nimble and expressively shaped; and violins are divided antiphonally throughout, to crucial advantage in passages such as the combative development in the Reformation’s opening movement (where Järvi is even more urgent than Nézet-Séguin) or the darting tarantella at the centre of the Italian’s saltarello finale. … Both cycles are brilliantly executed and reveal a deep affinity with the composer’s spirit and distinctive sound palette. On disc, at least, Mendelssohn has never had it so good.»
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«Conductor Paavo Järvi sets a new standard in the interpretation of Felix Mendelssohn's works with the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich and his latest recordings for the Alpha-Classics label ... Järvi's commitment and artistic sensitivity make these recordings an experience that captures the timeless beauty and emotional spectrum of Mendelssohn's works in a compelling way ... Paavo Järvi, known for his innovative approach to conducting, once again shows his outstanding class in this recording. His deep understanding of Mendelssohn's musical language is reflected in an interpretation that is both sensitive and passionate ... This recording is an impressive testimony to Mendelssohn's musical genius and the interpretative mastery of Paavo Järvi and the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich ... What makes this recording particularly special is the absence of any routine. Every note, every phrasing seems fresh and spontaneous, carried by a sincere joy of music-making that is reflected in every moment of the performance.»
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«This is a first-class orchestra and this duo seems to work really well with Paavo Järvi. Everything is just right. That's the interesting thing, so you can't say he's doing Mendelssohn in a completely new way or very fast or very slow or has completely new ideas, no, he hasn't actually. He plays pretty much exactly what is there, but incredibly animated, inspired and does exactly what he has to do. You hear everything you need to hear, just the feeling: everything is right, everything is done right. You really enjoy listening.»
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«Nevertheless, Järvi has retained an early Romantic freshness for this mostly cheerful, life-affirming music, which is also radiant in the Reformation Symphony and the 'Lobgesang' ...»
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«One of the most successful aspects of these performances is their rhythmic vitality. This is apparent right from the start of the First Symphony: with crisp horns and woodwind, and great clarity in the timpani, Järvi provides momentum and a keen sense of direction. It can be easy particularly in the earlier symphonies to become too stodgy, but Järvi avoids this trap altogether. Even when pianissimo Järvi propels the music onwards, whilst accents and sforzandos are scrupulously observed. This drive is on show in many other places also, whether it be the Scherzo of the Scottish Symphony, bursting with energy and dexterity, or the Italian Symphony with the radiant joie de vivre of the opening and impressive turns from the strings and flutes in their endlessly-swirling triplets during the final movement.»
