Tchaikovsky: Sym. No. 5; Serenade for Strings

KHCD-2012-062DL (STEREO) - Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 5 - Israel Philharmonic Orchestra/Zubin Mehta; Serenade for Strings - Israel Philharmonic Orchestra/Georg Solti - This CD is the product of 2 separate near mint Decca-UK LPs. The 5th Symphony was recorded in the summer of 1968 in Kingsway Hall during the IPO's visit to London, and was released in 1969 to good reviews. The sonics are typical late-60s Decca, with a natural soundstage; the timpani in particular have a wonderful presence. Mehta's tempi are well balanced, and this performance is a bit more satisfying than his later recording with the Los Angeles Philharmonic (on Decca as well). The Serenade has Solti at his most ingratiating, and the IPO strings respond well to his demands. Sonics are classic late 50s Decca, close-in but with surprising depth and vividness.