Furtwangler Eroicas

[HighlandDougie]

Erich Hartmann (Karl was the composer) retired from the orchestra in 1985. He published a book (Die Berliner Philharmoniker in der Stunde Null : Erinnerungen an die Zeit des Untergangs der alten Philharmonie / Erich Hartmann) about his time in the orchestra of which details may be found in:

https://portal.dnb.de/opac.htm?method=simpleSearch&query=134398939

More info at:

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erich_Hartmann_(Musiker)

[silvestrione]

The way this thread has gone off topic has something to do with my problem with Furtwangler, which is a reluctance to return to him very often, even though his performances are unique and tremendous. I tend to experience them as historical documents, rather than living performances, because the historical context is so often so powerful and can be felt as determining.


I listened to the 1944 Vienna Eroica again, and it is extraordinary, especially in the first two movements. The outburst towards the end of the slow movement is apocalyptic (yes, in 1944 it should be!), and the sense of every player totally involved in every note is palpable. I was disappointed he slowed for the trio in the third, and was not, on this occasion, as taken by the finale.