Waldbühne In Berlin 1997: "St. Petersburg Night" (2000)

"In the summer months, the Berlin Philharmonic gives a Concert in the Waldbuhne, Berlin. In 1997, the concert was under the leadership of Zubin Mehta. This DVD is directed by Bob Coles who contributes imaginative camera work and superb sound to enhance the pleasure shared by the vast audience sitting or standing all around the stage. The concert is made up of popular Russian classics. The Berlin Philharmonic plays in its inimitable way for Mehta and all participants seem to be enjoying themselves. Daniel Barenboim gives a virtuoso performance of the Tchaikovsky warhorse, and although there are some shaky passages here and there, there is a real rush of adrenalin at the end of both the first and last movements. When it comes to the lighter pieces at the end of the concert, Mehta lets his hair down and at one stage loses his baton and has to make do without. With such good sound, notes and production, it is a winner." (John Phillips, Musicweb Int.)