Klemperer's 'Failures'

[Guest]

I'm currently working my way throgh the Klemperer Romantic Symphonies box. So far, a stunning level of achievement is in evidence - blow me if OK (fronting a British orchestra) doesn't show the Viennese a thing or two about Strauss in his Fledermaus/Wiener Blut/Kaiserwalzer recordings!

I'm looking forward to hearing (for the first time) OK's forays into Berlioz and (especially) Tchaikovsky. His Pathetique is considered by some to be a rare failure - OK trying to find things in the music (dignity, for one) that just aren't there.

Which got me thinking - I don't think I've heard a Klemperer performance which I'd say was disposable. Even when not what we'd call 'idiomatic', OK still had a point of view of a work which he managed to get across to the listener, whether the listener agreed with him or not. Having lived with his Bruckner 8 for a few weeks now, I think I can even forgive him the huge cut he imposes on the finale (he wanted to get rid of the coda to Mendelsohhn's Scottish Symphony,too, the booklet tells us, but Legge overruled him).

I remember Klemperer's Walkure Act 1 as a failure, but it's years since I've heard it, so I might have to reassess it when it's reissued next year.

Where do you think Klemperer 'failed' - if, indeed, he failed at all?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

I'm looking forward to hearing (for the first time) OK's forays into Berlioz and (especially) Tchaikovsky. His Pathetique is considered by some to be a rare failure - OK trying to find things in the music (dignity, for one) that just aren't there.

?

That's an attitude that I thought had died out in the 1970s.

[richardfinegold]

That's an attitude that I thought had died out in the 1970s.

I don't agree with the notion that Tchaikovsky's music, and in particular the Pathetique, doesn't contain dignity, but I do understand where others may form such an opinion. The emotions are very heart on sleeve, and no one will confuse the composer with a stiff upper lipped British Composer or a more emotionally distanced North German, for example. Nonetheless, I would argue that the final moments of both I and IV represent someone who is coming to terms with complete emotional desolation.
I agree with Mandy in that this music would not seem to be in OKs wheelhouse, but it would be interesting to hear the attempt.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Furtwangler also made a wonderful recording of Tchaikovsky 6' even though it was outside his normal repertoire.

[PJPJ]

I thought the EMI recording of the Schumann piano concerto with Annie Fischer surprisingly lumpy and inaccurate.

And to follow on, EA, WF's Sibelius is powerful stuff, too.

[amateur51]

I thought the EMI recording of the Schumann piano concerto with Annie Fischer surprisingly lumpy and inaccurate.

And to follow on, EA, WF's Sibelius is powerful stuff, too.

Step outside and say that

Annie Fischer and Maestro Kletzki will have a word or two to say to you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkMQ1q4V4Vs

[PJPJ]

I was surprised, and mystified. She's on excellent form in the video.

[Barbirollians]

I was surprised, and mystified. She's on excellent form in the video.

She is in fabulous form with Keilberth on ICA Classics too . Was she not renowned for hating the recording studio ?

[Barbirollians]

I ahve only just started on this box and the Schubert 5 and 8 are just as marvellous as I remembered from the old EMI Eminence issue . The 9th is very clear sighted too - an unvarnished reading of great impact .

[Barbirollians]

I had forgotten just how " magical " his Midsummer Night's Dream is . Wondrous playing and conducting .

The Scottish Symphony seemed to run out of steam a bit in the finale . Hebrides bracing if not as elemental as Furtwangler or as seaspray as Previn .

[Mandryka]

.

The Scottish Symphony seemed to run out of steam a bit in the finale . Hebrides bracing if not as elemental as Furtwangler or as seaspray as Previn .

As I stated above, he was conducting 'under duress' at that point.

Listened to the Franck Symphony yesterday afternoon - what an amazing performance! Unlike any other I've heard before......and none the worse for sounding not in the least bit French!

[amateur51]

and none the worse for sounding not in the least bit French!

Such a relief, as Franck was Belgian

[Pabmusic]

Such a relief, as Franck was Belgian

[PJPJ]

I hope that's Belgian beer. It's rather good.

[cloughie]

Not exactly a failure but I would not put his 'New World' in my top 10 Klemperer recordings ot my top 10 Dvo 9s!