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Ludwig van BEETHOVEN
(1770-1827)
Symphonies - No. 2 in D, Op. 36; No. 4 in B flat, Op. 60.
Berlin State Opera Orchestra/Erich Kleiber (No. 2), Hans Pfitzner (No. 4).
Naxos Historical 8.110919 [AAD] [62'39]
Crotchet
 

Erich Kleiber's 1929 Polydor/Brunswick account of the Second shows its age not only in terms of its recording quality, but also in the conductor's free handling of the text. The latter is not necessarily a bad thing, as too many squeaky-clean 'authentic' performances have demonstrated over the last couple of decades. The introduction to the first movement is surprisingly brisk (and very effective), but the Allegro molto tends towards the sluggish. Whilst the second movement is marked Larghetto (itself a cautionary instruction against lethargy), it is also in 3/8 time, all of which surely points to a brisker speed than Kleiber's. It speeds up as the movement progresses, anyway. For those not used to this outlook, be warned that there's a gear-crunching speed change at the Trio in the third movement. Ultimately I cannot feel convinced by this performance.

Unfortunately the recording quality afforded to the Pfitzner is no improvement (if anything it's worse). But here is a prime example of how a fine performance can make the ambient chip pan seem trivial. Pfitzner conjures up a pregnant sense of mystery in the first movement's introduction. His sense of rhythm throughout the piece is masterly. The transition to the recapitulation is magical because of his preparation and grasp of structure. The Adagio flows beautifully and inevitably, for once the dotted rhythm not sounding as if the needle has stuck in the groove. For a period when brass playing could be, shall we say, variable, the high horn entry in this movement is impeccable. Although there is some hesitancy and scrappiness in the last movement, this performance is one to return to and learn from.

Reviewer

Colin Clarke

Performance

Kleiber


Pfitzner

Recording

 

 

 

 

 


Reviewer

Colin Clarke

Performance

Kleiber


Pfitzner

Recording


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