Repertoire/Reference Recording: Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture (The Best and Worst)

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The Ultimate Classical Music Guide by Dave Hurwitz

3 ай бұрын

Tchaikovsky: 1812 Overture. Minneapolis (Minnesota) Symphony Orchestra, Antal Dorati (cond.) Mercury Living Presence

Пікірлер: 47

@horacenyc492 3 ай бұрын

I used to roll my eyes when dad talked about how great it was to be a young man during the golden age of recordings and American orchestras. I'm glad he lived long enough for me to be able to tell him how right he was.

@stephenkeen2404 3 ай бұрын

I'm glad you picked an "original instruments" version. Modern steel, breech-loading cannons have a drier report, and less vibrato, than a muzzle loading brass cannon.😉

@kellyrichardson3665 3 ай бұрын

As a college student, I was in the orchestra during a summer festival in the mountains. We performed the 1812 Overture & when the first cannon shot blasted, it shook the orchestra and blew up the E string on my violin.

@JamesDavidWalley 3 ай бұрын

I wish KZbin would allow graphics in the comments, because this really needs one of my favorite "Calvin & Hobbes" strips, inspired by this work. As they are listening to a recording of it, Calvin comments, "I like it. Interesting percussion section." When Hobbes, looking at the jacket, replies, "Those are cannons," Calvin's face lights up, "And they play this in crowded concert halls? Gee, I always thought classical music was boring!"

@jgesselberty 3 ай бұрын

As soon as I read the title, I knew what the recording would be.

@westonpringle6757 3 ай бұрын

My family had this record when and I was a young kid and I listened to it over and over (I think I still have it). This probably was the first classical piece I became interested in. But my dad had a collection of circus music 45s that I also liked.

@bbailey7818 3 ай бұрын

The Mercury 'Wellington' is a reference, too. Morton Gould did a very fine 1812 for RCA with "his" orchestra and band. The stereo LSC emblazoned 'Stereo Spectacular' on the red cover. The more modest mono issue said "Sound Spectacular." I understand that Cancrizans' favorite version has the cannons backwards facing toward the orchestra.

@richfarmer3478 3 ай бұрын

I remember those Kunzel Telarc recordings used to come with warnings about the added sound effects(eg. Stampeding cattle and gunshots on the western extravaganza Round Up)

@billslocum9819 27 күн бұрын

The cover of the CD version has a yellow warning label: "Caution! Digital Cannons."

@kellyrichardson3665 3 ай бұрын

For the "entire town of Moscow bells" going off effect, I have a certain affection for the Robert Sharples Phase 4 Stereo (London) recording. Also, the realistic, kind of crumbling cannon shots are unique.

@ericleiter6179 3 ай бұрын

Near Indianapolis is the Conner Prarie village and every 4th of July they hold a Symphony on the Prarie event outside with the Indianapolis symphony and invariably conclude with the 1812 and fire off real canons behind the canopy of musicians...I got to sit on the far left side one year and watch them light them, along with impressive fireworks as well...and although I dont really love the piece, it was an unforgettable experience...amazing

@johng.arkenberg1070 3 ай бұрын

My dad played the 1812 Overture at Kansas University's music camp in the 1960s. For the performance they invited the artillery division from Fort Leavenworth - who brought their modern cannons. There was no rehearsal so the unsuspecting band were unprepared for the force of the cannons, which were situated to fire over the musicians. When the first round went off it blew music off the stands, scared some instrumentalists to tears, and generally caused chaos. According to my dad, the orchestra would gather their composure over the next melodic line only to again fall apart at the next earsplitting discharge. They continued to muddle along under this barrage until finally surrendering by the end.

@MusicologistJohn 3 ай бұрын

I'm glad you mention the Bernstein/IPO recording on DG. That entire album also with the Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture and Capriccio Italien is a banger! The trumpets for the IPO showed up for that recording session.

@edwardcasper5231 3 ай бұрын

I loved the video where paper bags replaced the canons.

@songsmith31a Ай бұрын

I have always admired the sonic tricks employed by the Decca engineers with their ground-breaking LSO/ Alwyn recording of the "1812". The orchestra respond brilliantly to Alwyn's ideal direction, passion and fire - especially in the finale, with the guards band adding weight to the "cannon**", bells and sweeping instrumental playing. (**)Rifle fire with multiplied SFX treatment to realistically resemble cannon fire). Coupled with scintillating versions of Capriccio Italien and Marche Slav, it is a must-have recording from the great Decca LP days.

@SuperBondfan007 3 ай бұрын

Dave, I was so very pleased to see this video out today. I think I mentioned either in one of your Random Review: Tchaikovsky edition videos, or your How I Discovered Tchaikovsky video, how much of a huge fan I am of this piece. In fact I'm pretty sure I know it like the back of my hand. I do in fact have this recording, in the edition with Wellington, (among many other versions) and have heard it several times. My only minor quibble is that it's just a little bit too fast, but otherwise it's great. And one of my bucket list items is to see/hear it performed live. Lastly, I admit that I had thought of being one of those who requested a repertoire video for the 1812, but wasn't sure if it was--- worthy, for lack of a better term. But thanks for highlighting it today!

@jeffanderson3584 3 ай бұрын

The TELARC version was the first digital recording with a live cannon was vicious on a stylus. When the first explosion occurred, the stylus would skip over the vinyl. I attempted every weight possible but finally used a nickel on the stylus.

@michaelcarroll7621 2 ай бұрын

I was stingy so I used a penny.

@jimcarlile7238 3 ай бұрын

Ah, teenage sound systems. This makes me remember how that old Ormandy LP of Mahler’s 10th would always freak out my Silvertone changer during the beginning of the fourth movement. It ended up sounding like one big scratch.

@jimcarlile7238 3 ай бұрын

Fifth Movement! it’s been a while.

@poturbg8698 3 ай бұрын

I saw a Pittsburgh Symphony performance at Point State Park, which is where three rivers come together. There were multiple howitzers across the river on Mount Washington. The cannon fire completely wiped out the sound of the amplified orchestra during the end of 1812. Fireworks followed, of course.

@rugerthedog396 3 ай бұрын

Ah, the Telarc 1812 LP. First attempt to play the cannon shots at home resulted in my tone-arm flying out of the groove, sending the stylus into the label. Got a new Audio-Technica cartridge and added a bit of "extra" tracking force and was completely shocked when the cannon shots tracked perfectly. Now that I had the right stuff, I had to figure how to get that signal through all the electronics and transmitter equipment for my evening program on local radio. Was hoping the extreme low frequency of the cannon would not make the transmitter lose its frequency lock. Got that all to work pretty well too, the first (and only) time we tried it. I still have and play LP's, but they can be such a pain.

@mvgladwin 3 ай бұрын

The early Decca (Stereo) recording with Kenneth Alwyn conducting the LSO is also an excellent version, coupled with exciting versions of Capriccio Italien and Marche Slave. The 'cannon' in this recording are actually slowed-down pistol shots. Was available for years on Vinyl, Australian Eloquence reissued it more recently.

@songsmith31a Ай бұрын

Pistol fire? My own recent post mentioned "rifle fire" and I'm prepared to stand corrected. The same very convincing effect was obtained whatever. I still prefer it to all other versions.

@classicalalways 3 ай бұрын

Bravo for a new possible segment - the WORST recording (you hit the nail on the head with why as well) - it should've could've been good given Dutoit's other Tchaikovsky, but these things happen. And you nailed the reference as well - not just amongst critics, everyone must hear the explanation of the canon and a chance to hear canon shots directly as the great bonus to Dorati's recording (perhaps the best bonus ever on a CD). Unfortunately, my personal favorite has no cannons and is in stereo - and is stunning nonetheless - Reiner. But LOVE the idea of a worst along with a reference when you can ,if you will. And regardless of any past comments I may have had - checking KZbin each day to see what is up your sleeve. You make it fun, informative, and most importantly compelling.

@DavesClassicalGuide 3 ай бұрын

Many of my "repertoire" videos have a "worst" component.

@HassoBenSoba 3 ай бұрын

Two thoughts: 1.) Despite Tchaikovsky's low opinion of this work (and its public abuse during the past 60 years), it's really very well-written; Tchaik definitely did not phone it in. In particular, the 2 battle sections are complex, and a real challenge to play well. I've done it a couple of times indoors, in real concert settings, since it's deserves the best treatment. 2.) The early stereo era was indeed the "golden age" of the industry, with RCA and Mercury at the apex, as you point out. Among the other noteworthy stereo enterprises was Harry Belock's Everest Records; I know they're hardly available these days, but they represent a unique "slice" of that exciting age.I feel that your platform would be a great way to enlighten record collectors worldwide who may not even be aware of the weird and wonderful Everest legacy. LR

@DavesClassicalGuide 3 ай бұрын

If it gets reissued in some systematic way, I'll talk about it.

@joseluisherreralepron9987 3 ай бұрын

Oh, my. I have that Telarc LP...it's fun just to look at the massive groove modulations; the groove is about 1 mm wide and you can see the shots in the groove. Similar is the Telarc LP to the Ormandy/Murray Saint-Saens Symphony No. 3...lots of groove wiggle action that is fun to the eye! Cheers! I have the Mercury LP; the dynamics are constricted because of the early stereo 45/45 cutting system, but the CD is a system destroyer...crockery, bric-a-brac and pets and small children are thrown hither and yon. Lots of fun if the neighbors are not home!

@timrauser8201 3 ай бұрын

This choice is absolutely spot-on! No question. My vote for worst is Karajan's which just sounds so muddy and ... off. Yuck. My guilty-pleasure recording is actually Domingo's outrageously epic recording with the Philharmonia. The extreme slowness of that ascent just before the coda / final canon section is so thrilling to me. Absolutely cinematic. And the recorded sound is great, too: a very deep and clear soundstage, although I'm sure the clarity is enhanced by the oft-slowness.

@CaptainSpyro 3 ай бұрын

I'm a big proponent for any version that includes an organ. As such; Sian Edwards and Royal Liverpool with Ian Tracey on organ is amazing. Also love Alexander Gibson with the New Symphony Orchestra of London as that supposedly includes organ, carillon, church bells, and canons.

@AlexMadorsky 3 ай бұрын

Everyone stop what they’re doing right now and watch Yuri Simonov conduct the 1812 Overture on KZbin. The most entertaining gesticulating I’ve ever seen a conductor do. And yes, Dorati is the indisputable reference here.

@barrygray8903 3 ай бұрын

Excellent chat. Back in the day I imprinted on the excellent Mehta/LAPO performance on London LP, coupled with an excellent account of the R & J “overture/fantasy.” In the years since I’ve heard and enjoyed performances by Dorati ( unquestionably the reference, as you say), Bernstein ( NYPO and IPO), Haitink, Sian Edward’s ( with the RLPO, a real sleeper), and Previn ( a very pleasant surprise). Solti/CSO is brilliantly played but somewhat perfunctory, with overbalanced bells at the conclusion. Recordings utilizing a chorus for the end leave me cold.

@carlconnor5173 3 ай бұрын

And I thought Ormandy’s was the best.Holy Cow! I love how Tchaikovsky did that downward spiral thing just before the bells started taking over. Those bells! Then the bells with the canon shots, then all hell breaks loose with the orchestra joining in. As vulgar as it is, it’s a masterpiece!

@AbsoluteDakka 3 ай бұрын

"If you did it inside, the cannons will sort of obliterate the orchestra... figuratively, if not literally" - 10/10 lol

@DaveReamWaysIn 3 ай бұрын

I remember that Telarc record!! 😆

@danielreid5114 3 ай бұрын

Hi Dave - I think the 1812 is a good starter work to get people interested in classical music - I agree with your good and bad choice but if you want to hear an amazingly bad one then I would recommend the Portsmouth Sinfonia version - played by an ‘orchestra’ of musicians but all playing instruments they can’t play - it’s so bad that it’s good!

@nattyco 3 ай бұрын

I have the original LP and the re-mastered CD. I prefer the LP, the sound is a little more immediate and clear but both are amazing. My only gripe with the CD is at the end the bells and cannons completely overwhelm the orchestra-but maybe that was the sound engineer's intention.

@robhaynes4410 3 ай бұрын

I was told long ago that in some recordings they will, instead of firing cannons, fire rifle blanks into empty steel trash cans. I have no idea whether that's true or not, but it always struck me as a possibly ingenious substitute.

@michaelcarroll7621 2 ай бұрын

My father told me that when he was in college he took part in a performance where firecrackers were thrown into an empty steel drum.

@geraldmartin7703 3 ай бұрын

The French seem to have an aversion to the 1812 since recordings by a French orchestra/conductor are sparse. Charles Dutoit is Swiss so doesn't count. There was an ancient L.P. credited to Pierre Dervaux; but really that's all I can find.