Search - Beethoven, Wenglor, Burmeister :: Symphonies 7-9

Magnificent!

L. Johan Modée | Earth | 05/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Kletzki's Beethoven symphony cycle from 1964-68, with the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, is not as famous as other cycles from the same era. However, it deserves to be ranked very highly, in the ideal Beethoven Symphony Hall of Fame. Because Kletzki's interpretations are nothing but first rate performances. If you're used to other, more "mainstream" interpretations, these recordings will show you a truer Beethoven, or at least a Beethoven that you haven't heard before. The power, presence, and passion of these performances are simply breathtaking.



The orchestra deserves a special comment. The departments play with an electrifying commitment, which might be a rare thing when it comes to standard repertoire works. It's like they played this music for the first time. If you'll not be moved by this, nothing ever will.



Finally, the Supraphone engineering is excellent, capturing the spaciousness of the fine Dvorák Hall of the Rudolfinum Hall in Prague.



In sum, this is a magnificent Beethoven symphony cycle to cherish. I rank it together with Klemperer's (EMI), Furtwängler's (Music & Arts, EMI), Toscanini's (RCA), and Weingartner's (Opus Kura, Naxos) as one of the best cycles on record. Warmly and strongly recommended!

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One of the Best Beethoven cycles available

Tommy Nielsen | Kolding Denmark | 01/08/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Surprisingly, perhaps, this is one of the best Beethoven cycles available. There is no weak point.The Czech Philharmonic was and is an excellent band with a very distinctive timbre - from a time when all orchestras did not sound the same way. Still one of the best orchestras in the world. Along with the excellent but sadly a bit neglected conductor Pavel Klecki who does not miss one chance of telling us what this music is about. The rythmic vitality of the playing is astonishing. If you do not have a complete Beethoven cycle this is the best place to start - but beware: Most other rivalling sets will sound dull when compared to this. If you know your Beethoven symphonies buy this set (at bargain price) anyway: I assure you that Mr. Klecki will teach you a good few things about these symphonies that you did not know beforehand."