Search - Cesar Franck, Edouard Lalo, Gabriel Faure :: Franck: Symphony in D minor

Perfect Lalo; Ideal Franck

goodmusicman | USA | 07/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Edouard Lalo's Symphony in G minor is a true masterpiece and why it doesn't get the attention it deserves is beyond me. The only recording of it featuring a world-class conductor is this one with Thomas Beecham, who pioneered the work throughout his life. This performance remains unsurpassed in its intensity and drama. Beecham plays it like the masterpiece it is. While never losing sight of the balletic qualities of the work, Beecham emphasises its excitement, epic quality, and granduer. The performance by Yondani Butt and the Royal Philharmonic on ASV features jaw-dropping sonics and is very exciting, and should be in the collection of any Lalo fan. However, Beecham's recording is still the ultimate performance.

Franck's D minor symphony receives an exciting performance that is aptly suited to it, avoiding the over-the-top sentimentality of Bernstein, the paranoia of Paray (although the latter is still an important perspective), and the dullness of Masur and Guilini. Beecham also outclasses Monteaux who gives the work more grace and delicacy than it needs. Beecham plays it for the thrills, without any embellishments, allowing this great music to speak for itself, which is just what this symphony needs.

With the addition of the short Faure lyrical work and better sound quality than the earlier releases of these recordings, this CD is a must-own for fans of Thomas Beecham, Franck, or Lalo."

Clear, concise, and dynamic

Kreuger | 04/09/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I own Beecham's version of Franck's symphony in d, and Muti's Franck: Symphony in Dm; Chasseur maudit



And I prefer Beecham's reading of the symphony. Its a bit more muscular and forthright. What's more, the sounds quality is much better. The Philadelphia orchestra excellent as they are don't have the same clarity.



Its the difference between having them perform and wearing earmuffs or being in the room next door. It all sounds good, but its just a bit soft and muffled. The Beecham sounds like I'm sitting in the midst of the orchestra. The brass is wonderfully percussive and every group is clear and articulate. When the orchestra thunders and hits, they sounds awesome!



I'd definitely recommend this one. The sonorities are clear and sweet. The brass powerful. And the whole greater, I think, than the sum of its parts.

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