Search - Beethoven, Ashkenazy, Philharmonia Orchestra :: Symphonies 5 & 7

Outstanding in every way

J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 01/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Among the many versions of these two symphonies I own and play frequently, I return to this disc most frequently. Although some regard Kleiber's wonderful recording of the Fifth as the standard(with good reason), I would also raise this disc among the best. The Fifth is a warm, noble, evocative performance with astonishingly clear sound from the Philharmonia(the recording quality is better than Kleiber). Ashkenazy's view of the Seventh is altogether more exciting than Kleiber and other rivals, more joyful and more dancing. If anything it outshines the Fifth. Again, the recorded sound is spectacular. In my opinion this cd proves that Ashkenazy is not only a brilliant pianist, but also one of the best conductors of our time. This cd is also available in the "Penguin Music Classics" series also available thru Amazon. You won't be disappointed with this cd."