Search - Ludwig van Beethoven :: Beethoven: Sinfonia n.9 / Symphony No. 9 (Vienna, live, 1960)

Massive, precise, powerful

04/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording typifies everything Klemperer has been known for. Two strengths of his with both Bach and Beethoven performances are his solid bass lines and also the way he makes every individual part come out very clearly. Klemperer is the ultimate power conductor, which also works with this. Unlike some performances which merely lead to the final "Ode to Joy" movement, Klemperer carries it through all the way. On the scherzo movement, I like the way he runs all the repeats (AABB Trio, AB) as compared to some who just rush through it. Klemperer has a way of highlighting Beethoven's little practical jokes. A couple come in the scherzo movement where the bassoons play around with the theme and suddenly out of nowhere the tympani comes in and makes an unsuspecting listener jump out of his chair, as well as when Beethoven leads into a false second run of the trio and then closes the movement by slamming the door. Also after the "vor Gott" cadence, Klemperer highlights the surprising transition from the angel chorus to the marching band. All and all it does end on a grand and glorious note."