Search - Beethoven, Szell, Cleveland Orchestra :: Symphonies 3 " Eroica " & 8

Good 3rd, Better 8th

05/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While Szell's 3rd is very good, it isn't as good as some others I've heard (Klemperer comes to mind). His 8th, however, is simply the most outstanding recording of this symphony that I have ever heard. The precision of Szell's orchestra has always been legendary and that reputation is fully evident in this recording. So too is the sense of excitement that Szell on a good day can bring to all of Beethoven's symphonies. Sometimes I think that Szell's true talent in Beethoven was to make great recordings of the even numbered symphonies. His second is my favorite second. His sixth is my favorite sixth. His greatest attribute in this recording of the eighth symphony is his ability to build drama and to then release it several times in the course of a single movement. This results in a matchless sense of drive and energy. His first movement especially I cannot imagine bettered. That the playing is well balanced and strong throughout the different orchestral sections should not even need to be stated. It is the Cleveland Orchestra, after all. All of this combines to show us why Szell is one of the greatest interpreters of Beethoven-- he holds the form close to HIS heart and relies on Beethoven's genius to reach YOUR heart. Conductors who try to add emotion to Beethoven's symphonies, I find, only screw it all up, for the expression is inherent in the symphonies themselves. Szell, I think, understood this, as did the Cleveland orchestra."

A VICTORIOUS EROICA FOR SZELL AND HIS FORCES

demien | U.S.A. | 08/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 3rd symphony was at first a dedication to Beethoven's hero Napoleon until Beethoven found out that his hero had appointed himself emperor. Beethoven then proceeded to scratch out Napoleon's name from the score and thus we have the "Eroica." The heroic element is obvious here along with the power of individualism which is what Beethoven represented. Beethoven considered a free thinker to be a rare thing in a society where man was content to be led instead of being his own leader. Now the "Eroica" is an epic symphony that presents mans fierce battle for liberation that concludes with a jovial victory. The piece is divided into two parts. The 1st and 2nd movements reflect the struggle,courage,conflict, and tragedy that man must face. The 3rd and 4th movements reflect man's victory over his oppressors and the joyous celebration of release. Szell and his forces convey Beethoven's picture through a lens which has the widest scope resulting in a pristine lucid view that is devastating in its detail. This is Beethoven interpreted with an incredible sense of balance,precision,sparkle,and vigor. The 8th symphony was inspired by a remark made to Beethoven by Rossini. Rossini stated that he had the highest respect for Beethoven's art but he should try to lighten up... Thus you have the 8th symphony and a performance to match the "Eroica." Now lets see if this is a worthwhile purchase by stating the obvious... You have one of the greatest conductors in George Szell. You have an ensemble that is arguably the best ever. You get two incredible performances for a very modest price. MMMM...I think i'll give it a try!"

OUTSTANDING

demien | U.S.A. | 03/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"SZELL AND THE CLEVELANDERS GIVE YOU A LEAN MEAN EROICA THAT GIVES FULL RESPECT TO THE COMPOSERS SCOPE. THIS ISN'T SZELL CONDUCTING SZELL IT'S SZELL CONDUCTING BEETHOVEN. TIGHT PRECISION OF ENSEMBLE DOMINATE THIS INTERPRETATION ALONG WITH A KEEN FEELING FOR THE MOOD OF EVERY MOVEMENT YET THERE IS NO EXAGGERTATION PRESENTED IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS VISION. THE FIRST MOVEMENT FLOWS LIKE WATER WITH A DRIVING TEMPO THAT UNLEASHES THE MAJESTY AND THE DRAMA WITH AN ARTICULATE EASE. SZELL HAD TRAINED EVERY PART OF HIS ENSEMBLE TO BLEND IN WITH EACH OTHER SO THAT THERE WAS NO OVERPOWERING ASPECT AND EVERY VOICE COULD BE HEARD CLEARLY. I BELIEVE THIS WAS IMPORTANT BECAUSE OF SZELL'S OBSESSION WITH DETAIL AND THE IMPORTANCE TO PRESENT EVERY DETAIL FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT. SORROW AND FURY ARE DEEPLY FELT IN THE PLAYING OF THE CLEVELANDERS ALONG WITH A IRON WILLED CONCENTRATION IN THE FUNERAL MARCH THAT MAKES FOR COMPELLING RESULTS. THE SCHERZO IS FILLED WITH A JOLLY WIT AND DANCES WITH GLEE AT A SENSIBLE TEMPO. THE FINAL MOVEMENT FIRES OFF WITH A CRISP ATTACK THEN SZELL UNFOLDS THE CELEBRATION OF TRIUMPH WITH A CUTTING DISPLAY OF VIRTUOSO ORCHESTRAL COUNTERPOINT AND SHARPLY DEFINED SENTIMENT. SZELL WAS ARGUABLY THE GREATEST CONDUCTOR AND HEAR YOU HAVE A MEMENTO OF HIS ART AT SUCH A GENEROUS PRICE WITH A GLOWING PERFORMANCE OF BEETHOVEN'S 8TH. TO ME THAT SOUNDS LIKE A DEAL TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE. BUT IT IS. MAKE IT HAPPEN! CHEERS. O.F."