A revelation
pm444 | Okemos, MI USA | 05/11/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These performances offer much to the listener who enjoyshearing familiar works played in a new and exciting way. Yes, thetempos are very fast, but the pace is never frantic or hurried: the performances hold together with a surprising cohesiveness that belies the actual timings. I prefer them to the Norrington performances because they are not on original instruments, so you get the full richness of tone. The recordings are well-balanced, with outstanding digital sound. You can't beat the price, either... Highly recommended unless you think the fast tempos will bother you."
Heard many times but never as good and fresh as Zinmans.
pm444 | 04/20/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I know several recordings of these symphonies. But the most I like the new recording of Zurich Tonhalle. It is fast (nearly how Beethoven wrote in the score) is is clear (you hear voices you never heard on a record before) and it is a pleasure to listen to- you can feel the joy of Zinman and its (almost) young tonhalle orchestra."