Search - Beethoven, Bernstein, Nyp :: Symphonies 1 & 3 " Eroica "

Rockin Eroica

Richard Springs | Redmond, WA United States | 02/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A faster paced 3rd, but who can complain or raise an issue, this is an exciting proformance full of gusto and fun. This 1964 recording of the Eroica sounds like it was recorded yesterday so don't let the early date influence you. This is a major highlight in Bernstein's carrier with Beethoven. The first sym. is also a landmark which reveals how splendidly Bernstein got the best out of his NYPO. All the force and attention to detail you desire in a performance. Ya the Royal Edition deal is a bit cheesy, but the Brits know good music and that the best performances can be found in America!"

A great Beethoven bargain at 75 min.

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 11/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sony has reissued Bernstein's famous 1964 Eroica in quite a few versions. This one from the 1990s Royal Edition (silly name!) gives you the most music for your money. It is out of print, however, and must be searched out at eBay or from used CD dealers.



The Firts Sym., as LB approaches it, is more slashing, bigger sounding, and just as heroic as the Eroica--it is fully Beethovenian. Obviously the conductor's instinct was to elevate an early symphony into the world of the later ones. Stylistic tastes have changed considerably since then, but even for its time this Bernstien recording was larger scaled than, say, Szell's or Walter's. It is even bigger than Karajan's in his 1962 cycle, though both conductors are on the same page. No Haydn here. Bernstein gives us the same moderately fast tempos as Karajan but is 2 min. slower in the andante.



I have reviewed the Eroica under its most recent Bernstein Century release (another silly name)but as far as I know, the same remasteirng appears there and in this more generous coupling. In sum, the First and Third Sym. are outstanding examples of LB's way with Beethoven in the NY phase of his career."