A few weeks back, I offered Dean Dixon conducting Tchaikovsky's Pathetique. That version is a fine performance but admittedly falls short to the absolute splendid take here under Artur Rodzinski. From a "Columbia Special Products" release, this performance is simply one of the finest, if not the finest, interpretations of this over recorded classic that I know of. It is too, a rather melancholy reminder of what should have been and, alas, what did not become of Artur Rodzinski as his career in the United States was self destructing on account of his severe personality disorder.
No doubt that Artur Rodzinski was a man of considerable gifts and high expectations. Respected by Toscanini and Stokowski for his supreme orchestral training skills and infallable ear, Rodzinski during the mid 1930's through the mid 40's acquired a reputation as one of the most brilliant orchestral leaders anywhere. Within a short period of time, he took a provincial Cleveland ensemble and raised its standards to close to the very best. George Szell would dispute that last statement but the proof exists in the excellent recordings that came out of Cleveland during Rodzinski's tenure.
From Cleveland, Rodzinski moved to the dangerous waters of New York to head the Philharmonic Symphony. This was the beginning of his psychological meltdown though moments of brilliance were captured, like this Pathetique. Recorded in 1947, shortly before Rodzinski fled to Chicago, the PSONY play like men possessed. Detail, phrasing, sense of "line" are magnificent. This is a Pathetique for the ages, much like I would say of Mravinsky's anguished, and rather polar opposite, 1960 recording. Rodzinski's entirely unemotional approach works superbly.
If Rodzinski had been able to maintain focus, his career would not have shattered, only to resurrect late in life as he approached his end on earth. No, he most likely would have assumed the mantle of the leading orchestral conductor in the US, probably succeeding Toscanini as a household name. Well...speculation I know but what if?
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