Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, George Szell, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Beethoven: Symphony No. 5; Piano Concerto No. 3

An original and magnificent 5th and fine concerto

alzo | UK | 03/07/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Emil Gilels has never been one of my favourite pianists and in this recording of the concerto he has done nothing to really change my view. Gilels goes for the dazzling technical approach rather than a lyrical style, although the Gilels/Szell partnership makes for a very fine recording. The fluctuations in tempi make this performance seem rather experimental and it doesn't really convince as a truly committed interpretation though it does feel very fresh - the outer movements are at their best when Szell is driving the orchestra forward, the third movement is particularly good. Overall this is a recording worth getting if you have a few of these and are looking for something a bit different.I have many recordings of Beethovens 5th and gave up long ago expecting to hear anything new from it. This recording blew me away - it reminds me of Kleiber's recording - only I feel it's better. Szell manages to achieve the fury that you would expect but it's a more thoughtful performance than most and exposes the despair in the first movement better than any other recording I've heard. The finale is played at high tempo and is absolutely superb. This is a refreshing and original recording from Szell and even if you have 20 recordings of this symphony this will bring something new.I also must make a mention of the sound quality which really is quite brilliant for a live recording in 1969."

A reference musical document!

Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 10/24/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"These live performances recorded in Salzburg possess the always captivating attraction. a magisterial orchestra, a famed conductor as Szell was and a solvent pianist as Gilels.



in this case the result was even m,ajor than the sum of the parts. The jewel of the crown was the Fifth Symphony. Gilels sounds extremely cold and analytical (that always was his major capital sin as performer). But the only fact we are talking a bouit an historical register amkes of this album a reference document, even if you are not a fan of Gilels or Szell."