Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Furtwangler, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Beethoven: Symphonies 5 & 7

Another Excellent Performance of the Fifth and the Seventh

Archaeologist | Los Angeles, CA | 05/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Furtwangler's readings of Beethoven's symphonies vary over a span of some 35 years from his first concert in 1918 until his death in 1954, as if he would constantly discover and re-discover different aspects of Beethoven's music. He tried various approaches, each one with its own character. This one with the Vienna Philharmonic is a very noble balanced performance of the Fifth, especially in the first movement where Furtwangler seems to master the pounding flow of the music in the pleasant "classical" sound of the Vienna Philharmonic. As for the Seventh on this CD, Furtwangler delivers rather a "dramatic" Seventh with its fanfars and dancing melodies; a more personal but still a superb reading of the Seventh. The transfer is very good."

Unforgettable!

Sungu Okan | Istanbul, Istanbul Turkey | 05/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD has two historic recordings of Furtwangler. These performances are in cult status. Furtwangler and his Wiener Philharmoniker performed so sensitive and Beethovenien power. In my opinion, Wilhelm Furtwangler's Beethoven readings are definitive. Actually, there are "authentic" readings with period instruments made by Harnoncourt, Norrington, Hogwood. But these Furtwangler readings (may be both in modern and authentic reading) are reference, I think. Furtwangler, of course, one of the greatest conductors of century, and these Beethoven recs. are his best.



Symphony No. 5 performed not fast, flamboyant as Karajan. But Furtwangler sound has a more deep atmosphere, it is more phsycological, impressive. Because, he didn't take a fast tempo, so he could give the full precious meanings of all Beethoven notes! The first movement is tremendous, and 2nd slow movement is a lyric singing music. The last movement is triumphant, of course.



Symphony No. 7 is marvellous too. Especially the famous 2nd Allegretto movement is may be the best performance, you can weep whn you listen it. It is really drammatic, pathetic.



The sound quality is very good mono, recorded in 1950's. Even, these are historic recs. And worth to listening.



At this price, you can not wrong with it. Highly recommended.

"

Good but Not the Best Furtwangler You Can Get

A. Chiang | 11/10/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Both 5th and 7th are pretty good, Furtwangler usually has a more expansive view of Beethoven's symphonies; however these two seem to me dragging a little. My recommendation is get Furtwangler's 5th with BPO 1943 live and Beecham's 7th with RPO 1959. Furtwangler's war time recording of 5th is perhaps most glorious 5th anyone can expect. Beecham's 7th provides us the most lively 7th symphony available."