Suggestions for LvB cycles for a CM neophyte
Fri, May 6 2011, 5:13AM
#2
RE: Suggestions for LvB cycles for a CM neophyte
I second (third, fourth, fifth?) the Karajan recommendation. If you're collecting benchmark recordings, you need this.
Other thoughts:
I'm not a fan of Kleiber, finding him too affected. In the 6th, you want Bohm in Vienna, not Berlin (the Berlin cycle rather four-square in arid sound). The problem with the Cluytens cycle is the big booming bass drum that lays atop everything (also a problem with some HIP performances). Blomstedt's Dresden cycle was caught on the crest of one of the enthusiasms that periodically sweep the classical listening community, but I'd recommend against it; if you can't perform Beethoven with passion and guts, please just don't bother.
Sun, May 8 2011, 6:42PM
#3
RE: Suggestions for LvB cycles for a CM neophyte
As for complete cycles, I'm still loyal to Schmidt-Isserstedt's VPO set, Szell and more recently Klemperer who years ago in my youth I would have rejected as too slow. Now I think the sheer power of the unique sound he gets from the Philharmonia (with antiphonal first & second violins) is fantastic. Also split violins from Monteux who gets superb playing from the revamped LSO at their finest and as with Klemperer superb unsurpassed early stereo Kingsway Hall sound.
The best individual Beethoven symphony recording I have ever heard however is still Toscanini's 1930s New York Philharmonic-Symphony 7th which I grew up with on 78s. I bought Kleiber's 7th expecting great things but don't like it: Cantelli's Philharmonia 7th is far superior as stereo versions go.
Have only heard the 9th from Solti's Chicago cycle and would agree with gr8gunz as far as that's concerned. I like Solti's VPO Eroica and his VPO 5th is stunning except for the second movement which for some reason almost comes apart. Eliot Gardiner's & Norrington's I find unlistenable and would dispose of in the nearest skip. The most listenable relatively recent performances I have heard are from Peter Maag's Orchestra di Padova set. I always liked the 9th given away with the Gramophone some years ago with a particularly moving slow movement. I recently purchased (from the Chandos Classical Shop) the 2nd & 4th and have found these also splendid performances: moderate string forces, clearly defined woodwind and horns, deeply felt performances from a conductor with whom I emphasize and recorded with good sound in a fine acoustic (despite the download only being available as an MP3). I shall pursue the rest of the cycle: impressive.
PS Like Wand too but don't find the sound as good as the older stereos I mentioned.
Mon, Nov 14 2011, 10:22PM
#4
RE: Suggestions for LvB cycles for a CM neophyte
I know this conversation is dead; anyway for my own pointless diversion here are my favourite Beethoven cycles; all of these have in common the sense that every bar has been considered and nothing taken as read, as different as they all are!
Cleveland Orchestra, George Szell
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Kurt Masur (2nd cycle) - the Eroica is wonderful.
Chamber Orchestra of Europe, Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Anima Eterna, Jos van Immerseel
Tue, Nov 15 2011, 6:03AM
#5
RE: Suggestions for LvB cycles for a CM neophyte
I would recommend Gunter Wand for a traditional reading and the new Chailly cycle for big boned readings at high speeds.
Tue, Nov 15 2011, 7:43AM
#6
RE: Suggestions for LvB cycles for a CM neophyte
If you prefer "big, muscular and in-yer-face" performances with modern instruments then I can suggest nothing better than Daniel Barenboim's set with the Berlin Staatskappele, one of the truly great German orchestras and having a unique sound. After a lifetime of demonstrating his credentials as a truly great Beethoven interpreter - two recorded cycles of the sonatas, two of the concertos (the first with Klemperer no less), amongst other things - he came to record the symphonies only about ten years ago. He wanted, as he has said, to mature into them. The results of this careful preparation are there for all to hear. Everything in these performances is beautifully judged and I have been able to listen to these incomparable works afresh after being closely aquainted with them for fifty years. Barenboim's interpretations are undoubtedly in the great German tradition of Klemperer and Furtwangler, but he is his own man with many unique insights. The recorded sound is simply magnificent. The set is currently available on Amazon at an amazingly low price.
Tue, Nov 15 2011, 3:36PM
#7
RE: Suggestions for LvB cycles for a CM neophyte
Oh no, not Barenboim, anybody but Barenboim.
His attempted failure to imitate his hero Furtwangler, the lack of rhythmic drive, the inability to rise up to, let alone above, the likes of Klemperer and Wand all mitigate against this set.
Just take any symphony and put it against, say, Klemperer and the failings of Barenboim become obvious.
Wed, Nov 16 2011, 1:24PM
#8
RE: Suggestions for LvB cycles for a CM neophyte
I agree with what you say, but only in relation to the ninth symphony. In the first movement he loses his way, if he ever found it in the first place! There is as you say, a lack of rhythmic drive, and there is also no real sense of forward momentum in this movement. Even the incomparable Klemperer had his misjudgements. His second recording of the seventh (not the 1955 one, which is magnificent) is to my ears just ponderous.
Thu, Nov 17 2011, 3:49PM
#9
RE: Suggestions for LvB cycles for a CM neophyte
I agree with what you say, but only in relation to the ninth symphony. In the first movement he loses his way, if he ever found it in the first place! There is as you say, a lack of rhythmic drive, and there is also no real sense of forward momentum in this movement. Even the incomparable Klemperer had his misjudgements. His second recording of the seventh (not the 1955 one, which is magnificent) is to my ears just ponderous.
I don't recall this.
Am I being trollied/trolled again?
Wed, Dec 7 2011, 8:50AM
#10
RE: Suggestions for LvB cycles for a CM neophyte
Sorry! Something has gone adrift her - probably my fingers!
Mon, Dec 31 2012, 9:08AM
#11
RE: Suggestions for LvB cycles for a CM neophyte
For those who know me well I know I can only mention Gardiner and Chailly. I've wanted to keep away from the additives of late 19th century inflections. These two cycles have literally grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and hardly ever let go. I know that a period instrument cycle such as Gardiner's might not be to everyone's taste. However, the ORR packs a punch despite their size. The good thing is that this cycle is available as a budget-priced release of about 15 quid for the 5-disc set.
There is one cycle on modern instruments in modern sound and with a traditional philosophy that finds favour with many and that is, of course, Wand.
Apologies, I should have thought of it earlier.