The Mumbai Concerts [Israel Philharmonic Orchestra; Pinchas Zukerman; Amanda Forsyth; Denis Matsuev; Zubin Mehta] [Accentus Music: ACC10383] [Blu-ray] [Region Free] [2018]

Review based on the DTS 5.1 Blu-ray region free disc as received.This anniversary disc, recorded in April 2016, celebrates Zubin Mehta’s 80th birthday by combining the two concerts held in his home city of Mumbai. For these he led with the Israel orchestra, of which he holds the title of Music Director for Life, and clearly has very close ties. The concerts are well recorded both visually and sonically as one would expect from any discs produced by Paul Smaczny he does not disappoint. Furthermore the discs are attractively priced bearing in mind the two concerts included.As the Bluray/DVD market has developed the inevitable comparisons can be made. In this case the Dvorak overture has been chosen for two BPO concerts led by Jansons and Rattle, The Beethoven concerto is also available in performances by Faust, Mutter and Znaider, and the Brahms concerto is otherwise available with the BPO/Rattle. Ravel’s La Valse is available with the BPO/Rattle and the Daphnis suite concludes a BBC Proms concert with Bringuier. All of these have considerable appeal but within their specific concert couplings so can be ignored in this case.The first concert opens with a genial view, rather than an exciting splash, of Dvorak’s popular Carnival Overture. This genial approach suits the Beethoven concerto where Zukerman provides a strikingly affectionate view of the music. This lack of outward display suits the composition very well and offers a rewarding centre piece to the concert. The concluding two contrasting Ravel items rise appropriately to the occasion and round the event off in a lively and exhilarating manner. Overall therefore this concert can be judged a success regardless of any individual preferences.The second concert is generally rather more exuberant in feel and this reflects the nature of the programme. Thus the overture to Richard Strauss‘s Die Fledermaus (the Bat) opera opens the concert in light-hearted mood which is well caught by Mehta and his orchestra.The Brahms Double concerto is generally more outgoing than the equivalent Beethoven concerto in the first concert. This is partly because of the need for the two soloists to engage with each other as both Pinchas Zukerman and Amanda Forsythe do and also because of the more demonstrative nature of the writing. This is another success and is followed by the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto 1 played by soloist Denis Matsuev.Denis Matsuev is a powerful player not given to ignoring opportunities for virtuosic display as can be done with this concerto. Such an approach was likely to provide much enthusiastic applause and so it does. Matsuev provides a jazz styled improvisation that commences with a nod to blues followed by an extended passage which essentially gets faster and more dynamic as it progresses. This also receives an enthusiastic response from the audience and the concert ends in a suitably upbeat manner.Comparisons with individual alternatives, such as those mentioned in paragraph two above, can be made with possible alternative preferences of separate items but this is the only way to obtain them in one neat package. Such comparisons are not therefore very relevant bearing in mind the qualities of this overall package.This compilation should be generally rewarding and can be given a very warm welcome. Considered entirely on its own terms this amounts to an attractive pair of concerts.

More than three hours (Two separate concerts) of delightful music. The pieces are widely known to Classical music listeners. The video recording is very good and the sound recording is excellent (surround 5.1). Just listening (with a cup of tea), what can be better, except being there in Mumbai?Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra are as good as always, and the soloists too. Are this the best recordings of each piece, I am not sure, but as a whole and for those three hours, it is an absolute delight, and that what matters.The attached booklet gives appropriate background information of the occasion and the pieces performed. Highly recommended

Sous la prestigieuse direction de Zubin Mehta, le remarquable orchestre Philharmonic Orchestra d’Israël nous propose un excellent concert très éclectique....Antonin Dvorak- Ludwing Van Beethoven -Maurice Ravel- Johann Strauss- Johannes Brahms et Piotr Ilyitch Tchaïkovski....Trois excellents protagonistes, Pinchas Zukerman (violon)- Amanda Forsyth (violoncelle) et Denis Matsuev (piano) apportent aux œuvres programmées une formidable plus-value..Avec une mention toute particulière pour la brillante Ouverture de Antonin Dvorak, et plus particulièrement pour le Concerto pour piano et orchestre de Tchaikovki, splendidement interprété par le grand pianiste Denis Matsuev; un savant mélange d'émotion de lyrisme et de virtuosité. Et pour terminer le concert, une éblouissante improvisation de Denis Matsuev sur des airs de Gershwin...Le son parfait et les images sont magnifiques, un Blu-ray passionnant qui ravira bien des amateurs de musiques classiques. Un petit détail cependant, Tchaikovski n'est pas mort en 1937, comme cela est indiquè dans le livret, mais en 1893...Le colis m'a été livré dans un emballage impeccable. Merci au vendeur pour son professionnalisme.

Es ist wie erwartet. Zubin Mehta ist ein großartiger Dirigent, ebenso die Künstler.Die Lieferung war sehr promt.

Terrific performances of some of my favorite classical pieces. Matsuev's take on the Tchaikovsky piano concerto was amazing.

programme intéressant et diversifié .Belle image et excellente prise de son .