BaL 31.01.15 - Beethoven: Symphony no. 3 in E flat "Eroica"

[visualnickmos]

I assume he only played the EMI studio Furtwangler recording . The 1944 certainly is not turgid and nor is the live 8/12/52 which when the Tahra set was released Rob Cowan declared it the greatest Eroica he had ever heard . No sign of VPO/Kleiber ?

Don't recall....

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Don't recall....

I refer m'learnéd Forumista to #149.

[Barbirollians]

The VPO is a better performance than the Cgebouw IMO .

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

The VPO is a better performance than the Cgebouw IMO .

I refer m'learnéd Forumista to #149

[Alison]

I can't seem to get on with ever so slightly self aware Chailly version: somehow the newness of approach gets in the way of a full exploration of the symphonic discourse. Plenty of vim, not much tension.

[silvestrione]

I loved the Norrington extract, but was discouraged by the fact that he twice emphasised that this was a performance that was especially good in the first movement (as if there were disappointments in the rest of the performance). Can anyone cast light on this, before I seek out a purchase of this version?

By the way, anyone interested in the once highly regarded Paul van kempen/BPO version, it is about to appear (in March) on Decca Eloquence (an advert in the new Gramophone), coupled with 5 and 8.

[visualnickmos]

I loved the Norrington extract, but was discouraged by the fact that he twice emphasised that this was a performance that was especially good in the first movement (as if there were disappointments in the rest of the performance). Can anyone cast light on this, before I seek out a purchase of this version?

By the way, anyone interested in the once highly regarded Paul van kempen/BPO version, it is about to appear (in March) on Decca Eloquence (an advert in the new Gramophone), coupled with 5 and 8.

I can only speak from my own thought, here; The Norrington Eroica is pretty 'hot' throughout. No weak links as far as I'm concerned. In fact, the whole cycle is very well-worth seeking out. (On the river people for £7,99) It is one of my favourite LvB symphony sets. RN's 7th is a particular fav. of mine. Also the recorded sound quality is excellent. I know RN is sometimes much-maligned on here, but ignore the "critics" and try for yourself; after all - we are our own most valid critic!

So what am I saying? Roger Norrington - yes - if you liked the extracts, chances are you'll like the whole damn shootin' match!!!

[Barbirollians]

No mention of the Cluytens !

[visualnickmos]

No mention of the Cluytens !

That's true

[Barbirollians]

That's true

The Cluytens is terrific - opens spectacularly doesn't let up and heavens what lovely wind playing .

[Bryn]

The Cluytens is terrific - opens spectacularly doesn't let up and heavens what lovely wind playing .

Indeed! Knocks the 60's Karajan recorded with the same orchestra into a cocked hat, (to my ears anyway).

I am about listen to this BaL 'again' via the iPlayer. However, before I do, a question. Did either the Philharmonia/Sanderling or Helsingborg/Manze get a mention?

[Barbirollians]

Indeed! Knocks the 60's Karajan recorded with the same orchestra into a cocked hat, (to my ears anyway).

I am about listen to this BaL 'again' via the iPlayer. However, before I do, a question. Did either the Philharmonia/Sanderling or Helsingborg/Manze get a mention?

Manze was given a passing nod of approval .

[Barbirollians]

I hadn't listened to the Cluytens in a while so thought I should dig it out .

It is just as wonderful as I remembered . Indeed , it strikes me as a real library recommendation type performance . First movement starts with one of the most shocking recordings of the opening chords I know and then sails along at a good but not mad lick . The funeral march is not too slow but nor does it sound jaunty like the Chailly ! It is very moving indeed . A zippy Scherzo follows and then a performance of the finale that does not treat it like an afterthought .

Oh and that wind playing - marvellous .

Knocks Harnoncourt into a veritable millinery of cocked hats .

[Bryn]

Manze was given a passing nod of approval .

Thanks, I might give the SACD a spin tomorrow. I got it around the same time as the kammerorchesterbasel/Antonini, which latter I found more to my liking.

[BBMmk2]

Who won this BaL? I hope Abbado did, in his remastered edition.