Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Wilhelm Furtwangler: Beethoven Symphonies 5 & 7

Furtwangler = definitive performances = reference

Manasi Vydyanath | 08/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These performances, offered by Allegro in their 'Classica d'Oro' series, were formerly released thru a few other labels (notably Deutsche Grammophon and Music And Arts). Of course there are different bootlegs out there (some emerging possibly from Russia and Korea) but sound quality is not always a priority. I've had the chance to grab a (German-made) Deutsche Grammophon cd recently : It sounds "cleaner" than the Allegro -- a bit "more defined" could be a good description, but the difference is not huge. However, those original mono recordings are rather limited in their range, even though i've heard far worse. Nevertheless, the D G edition sounds good -- if you can't locate it or the excellent Music And Arts, you can safely acquire the Allegro which sound's ok. Concerning the Fifth, I 100% agree with the other reviewer that "nothing comes close to this one [...] for sheer power and awesome beauty." Furtwangler's genius can be witnessed in these heroic interpretations. His powerful Fifth will even manage to surpass the great Klemperer in specific areas. The war time worry is discernible as is the somber temper of these 1943 recordings. The singular atmosphere thus contributed the phenomenal result that goes beyond mere live music production. There were political and, above all, historical connections -- a crossfire of various predispositions and meanings that, in the end, have written a new chapter in the chronicles of Beethovenian music. The Seventh Symphony is just monumental as it should be. Probably -- and perhaps certainly -- the greatest performance from the archives (one of the greatest, for sure). Even the excellent Reiner (with C.S.O.) does not come close. I won't go into myriads of details about the performance, but i will just add that the fascination grows deeper with every new listening. There's a lot goin' on here. Furtwangler and the very strong Berlin Philharmonic play sometimes at frenzied levels and speeds, overlapping some wonderful soft passages -- almost unequaled for freshness and lyrical grandeur : This is Beethoven's territory! And what about the fact that such splendid music was created in the middle of chaos? Nonsense. Beethoven's (and Furtwangler's) artistic vision and response to chaos. In spite of somewhat limited sonics (i.e., it's not the latest DDD with full impact), these live performances are amazingly solid, powerful, energized and full of splendor. More definitive performances : A reference. *****"

Most Glorious Beethoven 5th I've Heard

A. Chiang | 11/10/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just listen to the lived 1943 recordings of Beethoven 5th and 7th and I thought I have heard enough 5th in my life...This performance by Furtwangler and BPO during the WWII is absolutely the best 5th I've come to know after so pretty much listening to all of mono, steoro, and digital recording available. Although I still prefer Sir Thomas Beecham and RPO's 7th, but the 5th alone is worth it. This is the most glorious Beethoven."