Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Cleveland Orchestra, George Szell :: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 6

Essential CD

L. Ku | New York | 08/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's no secret that George Szell has always been regarded as one of the finest Beethoven intreperters ever, and after listening to this classic recording, one fully understands why. The first symphony, which I don't hold as a major Beethoven, is nicely played, though I'd complain that the Cleveland is awfully harsh on some of the opening notes and puts on too much accents. My favorite recording of the first symphony has always been an old one with Krips and the LSO, though that one lacks in sound quality and is hard to find find these days. Neither is the case with this Szell/Cleveland rendition; EMI Classics has a hefty reputation and another gem here. The sixth symphony as played here; I really can't imagine how any one can do better, or why anyone would want to record the sixth again; just seems absolutely pointless with the masterful performance out there. Szell vividly captures the programical story; you can just see yourself walking in the countryside, enduring through the thunderstorm, and passing by the merry gatherings. One notable spot - at the end of the opening movement, there's a very tricky solo for clarinet with upward arpegios. Cleveland principal, the legendary Robert Marcellus pulls it off perfectly and effortless. Brilliant playing."

Más de lo mejor

felipe | Chile | 11/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Siguiendo con el ciclo de sinfonías de Beethoven dos maravillas, en interpretaciones soberbias, y ademas una obertura genial para completar el CD.

La sinfonia N° 1 es bella, muy alegre, muy juvenil, si bien comienza con un Adagio, la obra en general es juguetona, la primera sinfonia para demostrar lo que vendria.

La 6a sinfonia es casi un poema sinfonico, una epopeya de los campos y la vida en las bellas tierras europeas.

Tenemos bailes y danzas, temporales, apacible trabajo en la campiña, y mas. La Orquesta de Cleveland bajo la batuta de Szell suena como ninguna (la prefeccion cercana a Ormandy), las cuerdas y los vientos son perfectos, la frescura espontanea de Szell (dicen que ensayaba hasta la espontaneidad) hacen que en este caso, esta sinfonia suene natural, dulce, apacible y por cierto de belleza casi perfecta.

Al finalizar este CD un agregado, la obertura Egmont, en una gran interpretación.

Beethoven en manos de sus mejores interpretes."