Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Bernard Haitink, London Symphony Orchestra :: Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 'Eroica'; Leonore Overture No. 2 [Hybrid SACD]

Fine Beethoven 3rd Symphony and Lenore Overture from Haitink

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 01/26/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bernard Haitink's latest Beethoven symphony cycle may lack the passion and excitement found in other recently recorded cycles using the Jonathan Del Mar-edited Barenreiter Edition of these symphonies, but I don't think that these are apt criticisms of this recording of a fine account of the Beethoven Third Symphony and a superb performance too of the second Leonore Overture (The most passionate, exciting version I have heard yet remains Claudio Abbado's revelatory, quite dazzling interpretation, among the highlights in his latest Beethoven symphony cycle with the Berliner Philharmoniker.). However, I suspect that not only will it not be dismissed by most classical music critics and fans, but instead, it will find ample praise in some circles. Haitink offers a fine, often fascinating, account of Beethoven's 3rd Symphony which pays ample homage to period instrument practice and is blessed with exemplary playing from the London Symphony Orchestra (Indeed, I find this version far more interesting than his critically acclaimed Philips recording from the 1970s - or is it 1980s - with him conducting the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.). Haitink's latest traversal favors rather brisk tempi, with the only disappointment being the second movement's "Funeral March", which doesn't seem as appropriately dour as others I've heard lately, most notably Abbado's. However, unlike a previous reviewer, I don't regard this as a fundamentally flawed aspect of this performance, but rather, a unique interpretation offered by this venerable conductor; moreover, I think the London Symphony Orchestra offers inspired performances from its winds, horns and strings from the opening notes of the riveting first movement to the very end of the last. Having enjoyed this freshly realized, vivid account of the Beethoven Third Symphony, I am eagerly looking forward to hearing the rest of Haitink's new Beethoven Symphony cycle; judging from this recording, it most likely is one blessed with superb direction from Haitink, superlative playing from the London Symphony Orchestra, and last, but not least, splendid digital recording from the LSO Live recording team. If my predictions bear fruit, then this latest Beethoven symphony cycle will be one sought after by devout fans of classical music, the London Symphony Orchestra, and Bernard Haitink.

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