Beethoven Symphony Cycles

[cloughie]

Ah !,the first thing that comes to mind when thinking beautiful symphonic movements is Rubbra 6.2 (Canto,Largo e sereno)

LvB only
4.2
7.1
6.5
9.3
before 2.2 in my book

9.3 would vie for my no2 (9.4 definitely no37!)

[Richard Barrett]

Listening now to Immerseel's no.7 (the favourite Beethoven symphony of Xenakis). The acoustic is a bit more resonant, and unfocused in the bass register, than I would ideally like - more resonant than I would have expected from the Concertgebouw Bruges, the same hall where my own last CD recording was made, but the performance is certainly as good as any I've ever heard. Did someone say that the small string section might be disappointing? Not for me. According to research I've mentioned before by Stefan Weinzierl, the halls where Beethoven's orchestral music was first performed wouldn't have accommodated a large string section anyway. So yes, I'm coming around somewhat. It feels like a rediscovery.

[Beef Oven!]

Listening now to Immerseel's no.7 (the favourite Beethoven symphony of Xenakis). The acoustic is a bit more resonant, and unfocused in the bass register, than I would ideally like - more resonant than I would have expected from the Concertgebouw Bruges, the same hall where my own last CD recording was made, but the performance is certainly as good as any I've ever heard. Did someone say that the small string section might be disappointing? Not for me. According to research I've mentioned before by Stefan Weinzierl, the halls where Beethoven's orchestral music was first performed wouldn't have accommodated a large string section anyway. So yes, I'm coming around somewhat. It feels like a rediscovery.

Have you tried the Giovanni Antonini, Kammerorchester Basel?

[Richard Barrett]

Have you tried the Giovanni Antonini, Kammerorchester Basel?

No, you asked me that before I think, it sounds like it would be worth a try. Just finished Immerseel's no.5, time for bed.

[Beef Oven!]

Does anyone know if Giovanni Antonini completed his Beethoven cycle with Kammerorchester Basel? That’s to say, did he record the Ninth?

I have 1-8 but can’t see the availability of the final symphony.

As I’m sure many of us do, I’ve been dipping into various Beethoven symphonies here and there and currently prefer Antonini’s performances over all the rest, at least for the moment!

[Demetrius]

It hasn't been released - yet.

" Nach ausverkauften Konzerten mit Beethovens Neunter Sinfonie in Basel, Belfort und Glarus im September 2014 und weiteren Konzerten unter anderem in Zürich, La Chaux-de-Fonds und Gstaad in den Jahren 2015 und 2016 steht im Winter 2017 die CD-Aufnahme dieses epochemachenden Werks und damit der Abschluss des Beethoven-Zyklus an."

They intended to record it this winter, not sure when they intend to release it.

http://www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch/orchester/beethoven-zyklus/

[Beef Oven!]

It hasn't been released - yet.

" Nach ausverkauften Konzerten mit Beethovens Neunter Sinfonie in Basel, Belfort und Glarus im September 2014 und weiteren Konzerten unter anderem in Zürich, La Chaux-de-Fonds und Gstaad in den Jahren 2015 und 2016 steht im Winter 2017 die CD-Aufnahme dieses epochemachenden Werks und damit der Abschluss des Beethoven-Zyklus an."

They intended to record it this winter, not sure when they intend to release it.
http://www.kammerorchesterbasel.ch/o...thoven-zyklus/

Great!

Thanks very much indeed.

Something to look forward to.

[Alison]

Any views on the relatively new Herbert Blomstedt?

[Petrushka]

Any views on the relatively new Herbert Blomstedt?

I've got the set and have slightly mixed feelings about it. Good performances in good sound but somehow I think HB tries just a little bit too hard to be HIPP, particularly in the
9th, and I'm not sure it will bear repeated listening if this makes sense. If you want a set with the Gewandhausorchester I'd stick with the under-rated Chailly or the 1990s Masur.

I've only heard the complete set once so another listen might make me think differently.

[richardfinegold]

I've got the set and have slightly mixed feelings about it. Good performances in good sound but somehow I think HB tries just a little bit too hard to be HIPP, particularly in the
9th, and I'm not sure it will bear repeated listening if this makes sense. If you want a set with the Gewandhausorchester I'd stick with the under-rated Chailly or the 1990s Masur.

I've only heard the complete set once so another listen might make me think differently.

I haven’t heard the new Blomstedt, but I have his older set with Dresden. I am not familiar with the Chailly set but I can
‘T work up to much enthusiasm for the Masur.
I recently bought the Kletzki set with the Czech Philharmonic on Supraphon. I am fascinated with it, partly because of the sound of the Orchestra, but also the conductor. Nothing is rushed, note values are fully respected, but there is a tendency to develop a cumulative power. Somewhat like Klemperer, but with a freer sense of rhythm

[Barbirollians]

I like the Kletzki set a great deal and it includes a particularly fine Pastoral I think - Gramophone reviewers have been sniffy about it in the past but I wonder to a degree whether 1960s pressings may have played a part in that .

[pastoralguy]

I like the Kletzki set a great deal and it includes a particularly fine Pastoral I think - Gramophone reviewers have been sniffy about it in the past but I wonder to a degree whether 1960s pressings may have played a part in that .

Yes, I have that set as well and much enjoyed the Pastoral. I came across Kletzki's 'Pathetique' with the Philharmonia Orchestra, which was my first recording and introduction to the work, on an ultra cheap label and its blistering!

[Barbirollians]

I agree as are his Sibelius 2, Scherazade and Mahler 4 - an Icon box is way overdue .

[pastoralguy]

I agree as are his Sibelius 2, Scherazade and Mahler 4 - an Icon box is way overdue .

Yes indeed. I'm sure he recorded something with Ida Haendel as well.

[Dave2002]

Yesterday I listened to a significant proportion of Immerseeel's Beethoven cycle. I like it a lot.

However, when I got to the Pastoral, I really was suspicious as it seemed to me that it had been re-orchestrated with an organ. Was that my hearing, or was there really an organ added to the mix? Very odd.