Zubin Mehta. An under-rated conductor?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Whilst we may question the what and when, I guess we would both agree they've all made positive contributions to the music scene and I've added many recordings of all to my bulging shelves, and replaced many of their LPs with CDs over the years.

This thread asks whether Mehta is underrated, the same could be asked about Ozawa.

In general, I much prefer Mehta's recordings (Ozawa's Gurrelieder is the only thing he's done that I really like) - but yes, they have had a similar career pattern: high praise when their recordings first appeared in the 1970s, reached a critical peak by fifteen years later, not much in the "news" since.

[Barbirollians]

In general, I much prefer Mehta's recordings (Ozawa's Gurrelieder is the only thing he's done that I really like) - but yes, they have had a similar career pattern: high praise when their recordings first appeared in the 1970s, reached a critical peak by fifteen years later, not much in the "news" since.

Did Mehta's reputation suffer from being blamed for the state the NYPO was in when he left - there is a narrative that it was rescued by Masur?

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Did Mehta's reputation suffer from being blamed for the state the NYPO was in when he left - there is a narrative that it was rescued by Masur?

Oh, good point - I think you've hit on something here, Barbi.

[cloughie]

In general, I much prefer Mehta's recordings (Ozawa's Gurrelieder is the only thing he's done that I really like) - but yes, they have had a similar career pattern: high praise when their recordings first appeared in the 1970s, reached a critical peak by fifteen years later, not much in the "news" since.

With the availabilty of the bargain boxes I have caught up with some Ozawa back catalogue and there are some really good performances - yes a lot of it is standard repertoire but well worth a listen inc. his work with the Saito Kainen Orch.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Ah - I've never heard ear-to-ear with Ozawa, and stopped seeking out his recordings. I think the last time I heard a new recording of his was the Brahms #1 with the Saito Kainen Orch, which didn't at all rock my boat. (There was the film of Oedipus Rex, too, now I come to think of it, which wasn't bad, but ... ) I feel I ought to get more from his Musicianship - highly approved of by both Karajan and Bernstein, for goodness' sake (and other beverages) - but never have been able to.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Barenboim ... has been active as a conductor since the late '50s - he had studied conducting with Swarowski at around the same time as Mehta and Abbado. His first regular appearances away from the piano (conducting Mozart Symphonies in the same concerts that he also performed the Piano Concertos) in 1966.

Corrections and Clarifications: Barenboim studied conducting with Igor Markevich in 1954, before his classes with Swarowski. His first appearance with the ECO as a conductor was in 1965. (He also studied harmony, counterpoint and composition with Nadia Boulanger starting in 1955.)

[hafod]

There is of course James Loughran (85 at the end of the month) to add to the maelstrom of conjecture and speculation.

[visualnickmos]

I think we may have strayed a little bit from the thread title. I'm not entirely sure of what is actually meant by 'under-rated' in this context? I'm assuming it means that we don't hear much about him; concerts, recordings etc... but does that mean people don't 'rate' him.....?

Never mind that, I find his Dvorak symphonies 7, 8, and 9 very enjoyable. Some very delicate and accurate nuances come into play, and they have a freshness to them. They get my vote.

Then there is his Mahler 2 - the only Mahler from him in my collection. May need to rectify that, but not sure where to prioritise....

[cloughie]

There is of course James Loughran (85 at the end of the month) to add to the maelstrom of conjecture and speculation.

And indeed his successor at the Halle - Stan the Man!

[Roslynmuse]

Another LP I was fond of was Candide Overture/ An American in Paris/ Appalachian Spring - haven't heard it for years. Has it made it onto CD?

[Conchis]

Perhaps he needed a stint with a London orchestra on his cv. He'd have been a good choice to follow FWM at the London Philharmonic.

Apart from Brahms I'm struggling to think of any recorded symphony cycles from Mehta. Decca looked elsewhere.

I'm slightly intrigued by the Beethoven Fifth and Sixth now.

Apparently, the LPO offered itself to him in 1988, after a particularly powerful Elgar concert (in memoriam of Jacqueline du Pre). He thought about it seriously, but turned the offer down.

[Conchis]

Having thought about it, I believe Mehta is under-rated (though hardly under-paid).

The common charge against him - that he is somewhat superficial and doesn't get beneath the surface of the music he conducts - also seems unfair to me. It might be more reasonable to say that he doesn't have the personal idiosyncrasies that we associate with 'big name' conductors like Bernstein, Karajan or Furtwangler In other words, he doesn't have a distinctive 'signature'.

His discography is very impressive indeed. Everyone loves the Trovatore that he took over at very short notice (I forget from whom) and his Vienna and Los Angeles Mahler symphonies are likewise superb.

His association with the Three Tenors did his critical standing no good (they could have got just about anyone to do that job, couldn't they?) but has probably ensured that he never has to work again, unless he wants to. I can't comment on the state in which he left the NYPO, but that also seems to have done his reputation some damage: not that Masur, who succeeded him, lasted long,...

Apparently, he doesn't recall his early experience at Liverpool with any affection: supposedly, he experienced 'racism'....

[Zucchini]

He may not have to work but this robust interview and profile from the Jewish Chronicle majors on his natural affinity with Israel, India and the Middle East, the Mehta Foundation etc. and makes it clear that he is indefaticable and a pretty fomidable character:

http://www.thejc.com/news/world-news/134171/zubin-mehta-israel-has-lost-europe-now-it-losing-america%E2%80%99

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

not that Masur, who succeeded him, lasted long

??? Masur was Music Director of the NYPO between 1991 and 2002 (and was Conductor Emeritus thereafter) - so his period was just two years shorter than Mehta's (1978 - 91).

[Conchis]

??? Masur was Music Director of the NYPO between 1991 and 2002 (and was Conductor Emeritus thereafter) - so his period was just two years shorter than Mehta's (1978 - 91).

Sorry - must have got confused with Masur's LPO appointment (which didn't last long). That, and the Mehta near-assocaiton with the LPO must have caused the mistake.