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Review by andrewb April 22, 2008 (8 of 10 found this review helpful)
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Performance: Sonics (MC): |
The first minute of the symphony immediately distinguishes this recording; at once separating it from most others with a clarity of vision and understanding that continues to the symphony’s end. The famous opening two strokes of the symphony are very precise and sharp, incisively commanding attention, leading onto a deliciously detailed and refined reading of the first movement. The use of vibrato is restrained, as one would expect from Manze, but is expressively used as needed to add to the enjoyment.
The Helsingborg Symphony Orchestra is a small orchestra and this comes across to great benefit throughout this disc, with remarkably light and delicate playing. There is none of the relentless attack and thumping which seems to have become popular with other so called historically informed performances of Beethoven, an approach that can sometimes be over used and become tiring to the ear.
The second movement is full of refinement, the tempi and pointing seeming to be perfect, with a funeral march that is noble and stately but never ponderous. Speeds throughout never seem fast, although the timings are fairly typical for this symphony; there is excellent forward momentum which never sounds rushed as it can in some Beethoven performances.
Throughout this is a reading of exceptional clarity, which involves and gives immense enjoyment. It is also one of those discs that I have to keep playing and hearing again; it is rare that a recording has this ability to so continually fascinate the listener.
As a conductor this disc must be Manze’s finest recording achievement to date.
Accompanying the symphony on this disc are twelve ‘contredances’ and the finale from the ballet Creatures of Prometheus, these are not random choices made to fill up a disc, but are used to illustrate the genesis and development of the idea behind the symphony’s finale. This might not attract the average listener, appearing to be too academic, but in fact they are very enjoyable pieces in their own right, played as well as the symphony, and a splendid alternative coupling. Manze provides a very informative and readable note, which describes the history of the symphony when it was composed and first played, relating the additional pieces on this disc to the symphony. Informatively, he also lists his own version, with timings, of the ‘SOGs’ or ‘strokes of genius’ that populate this great symphony.
Very good recording quality, although not one that amazes. There is an excellent of spread of instruments between the front speakers and a reasonable depth to the image. The sound detail is clear and natural with each instrument precisely and lucidly placed within the image.
The packaging is Harmonia Mundi’s usual digipak with a loose booklet.
Although we do not need another Beethoven symphony cycle on SACD, I very much hope that this becomes one.
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