① Schubert: Symphony No. 8 in B minor "Unfinished" ② Weber: Overture to the opera "Oberon" ③ Wagner: Prelude to Act 1 of the opera "Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg" Conductor: Yevgeny Mravinsky Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra Recording: 1978 ①③, 1982 ② All live recordings Mravinsky's unique interpretations are evident throughout, resulting in a highly individual performance. The "Unfinished" symphony features a beautifully blended sound and a stern expression, a purely musical and penetrating expression. In particular, the second movement richly draws out the lyricism and is a rewarding listen. The "Oberon" overture also expresses the romance of the piece with delicate ensemble beauty. Music critic: Koh Yoshino Uno (regarding Schubert's "Unfinished") "The infinite emotion and exquisite nuances hidden deep within this performance are nothing less than proof of Mravinsky's genius. The first movement, from the very beginning, exudes a noble atmosphere, inviting the listener's soul to another world. The second theme (1:22) is not sung coldly. The subsequent dynamics and accents are surprisingly free, sometimes sharp, sometimes soft, with an infinite variety, and the expression constantly changes, with tempo changes and overflowing cantabile (song) appearing, making it not so straightforward. The beginning of the development section, the dark storm of passion (7:11) that wells up from deep within with powerful force and surges, is something that one cannot help but be thrilled by. The second movement is also a masterful performance. When listening live (as is the case with the first theme of the first movement), the tone has a pale light, and it is even more delicate, making one almost feel like dying, but even on CD, the soft start of the strongest sound immediately after the second theme (3:31) makes the listener's back shiver. The magically changing dynamics of the development section (after 4:07) are the same." Both are centripetal performances that strongly reflect Mravinsky's individuality, and the interpretation is, after all, a step or two removed from the Viennese sentiment. However, his original reading is logical, and the music is carried with high purity, so one is drawn in before one realizes it. It is also full of the thrill unique to live performances. (From CD Journal) Domestic early pressing [out of print] No obi, no scratches on the disc 23 Slight scratches and yellowing on the white part of the plastic case *Bulk purchase discount available (requires prior comment) 2 items purchased → 150 yen discount, 3 items purchased → 300 yen discount 4 items purchased → 450 yen discount