Search - Beethoven, Giulini, La Scala Philharmonic :: Symphonies 1 & 7

Inspired in places

Steve Hanks | Tacoma, WA USA | 08/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I think there can be a lot of legitimate disagreement about this recording (and indeed about Giulini's whole La Scala Beethoven cycle). I personally think the performances are not as interesting as his older Los Angeles Philharmonic Beethoven (only a 3 and 6 as far as I know), or the even older Chicago Symphony recordings (which does include a 7, 8, and 9 at least). I don't think the readings are quite as deep, and I definitely don't think the Scala orchestra is the equal of either LAPO or CSO).That being said, I enjoy both symphonies on this recording immensely. The first is done at a medium-slow tempo which makes the inner movements especially shine, with Giulini's impeccable phrasing and orchestral clarity. All in all, a very enjoyable reading of this symphony.I find #7 more problematic, particularly because the 4th movement lacks for me a certain fire and drive that's difficult to attain at these slow tempi, but which Giulini *usually* seems to pull off (in his LAPO "Eroica" for example, which is slow but absolutely gripping). The last movement of this 7th is not gripping. The second movement is, however. Giulini should be the standard by which all symphonic 2nd and 3rd movements are measued, and this symphony is no exception. The gorgeous second movement is moderately slow, extremely carefully phrased, and utterly interesting and compelling throughout. The 3rd movement is done equally well.So should this be your only recording of Beethoven's 7th? Absolutely not? Should you have it if you love the piece, and want to learn more about it by listening to one of the great musicians of our time? Absolutely."

Merely average

J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 04/17/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Not a bad recording, but certainly not a great one either. Guilini and La Scala fare better with no.1 which is taken at a lighter, brisker pace and which brings out all the genius of the young Beethoven. No. 7 doesn't quite hold together, and although there are moments of power and distinction, as a whole it doesn't really move. It sounds heavy, like the whole piece is sort of dragging along. The dance-like nature of the piece seems to be lost, and while I generally am a fan of Guilini, there are many Sevenths out there far better. Try Ashkenazy and the Philharmonia (on Decca with the Fifth), or Bernstein and Vienna Philharmonic (on DG with the Fourth)."

A good, moderately-priced, DDD recording . . .

Johnny Bard | Orlando, FL | 02/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Carlo Maria Giulini is one of those underrated conductors whose work (especially his earlier sessions with the Los Angeles Philharmonic on DG) has proven difficult to surpass. His DG 1982 release (Beethoven's 5th and Schumann's 3rd Symphony) with the L.A. Philharmonic remains one of my favorite discs. Giluini's recording with Perlman (Beethoven's Violin Concerto) on EMI (1977/ADD) is also considered to be one of the best still in print. On this disc (1992), Giulini has teamed up with Sony and the La Scala Philharmonic Orchestra to record Beethoven's 1st and 7th Symphonies. Like his 1993 release on Sony (Beethoven's 2nd and 8th Symphonies), Giulini does a capable of job of leading the orchestra through these two monumental works ('capable' meaning a good but not outstanding job). Technically, the disc sounds wonderful (thanks in part to Sony's 20-bit technology). This DDD recording sounds as good as anything out there today. Giulini's interpretation of Beethoven here is also good, but not the best around. While I enjoy listening to this disc, I still prefer hearing Barenboim's recent recording of both symphonies (part of his complete Teldec Beethoven cycle). Barenboim's interpretation, in my opinion, simply has more muscle and passion. Giulini's is more tempered (especially when compared to his earlier DG release). Both conductor and orchestra on this Sony release deliver competent interpretations/performances of the symphonies. It's just that as a whole the disc doesn't deliver that knock-out punch that I've usually associated with Giulini. As an introduction to both of these Beethoven symphonies, I definitely recommend the Giulini/Sony release. The sound is great, and the performances are fine. But I also recommend listening to other interpretations (to determine what suits your tastes best)."