Search - Beethoven, Grofugue, Klemperer :: Symphony 3

A great EROICA and a great GROSSE FUGE

Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 11/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Otto Klemperer turned in a great recording of Beethoven's EROICA Symphony (No. 3 in E flat Major) and of the GROSSE FUGE, an orchestration of a movement from a late string quartet with the Philharmonia Orchestra about 45 years ago. The EROICA is big and brash, with slower than normal tempos (for today) but is warm hearted, and in a genial, humane manner somewhat resembling Furtwangler (without variations in tempi) or Bruno Walter. I, III, and IV are played a little slower than what has become the norm today; there is no exposition repeat in I.

But allegro movements do not drag, and Klemperer gives the impression of a solid, granite like work of art to be admired, like a great sculpture. It suits Beethoven's EROICA well, but would not suit a Haydn Symphony, for example.



The GROSSE FUGE is an intense piece, rather like some of Beethoven's late piano sonatas: the HAMMERKLAVIER, for example. It is not easy to listen to, but grabs you by the shirt and says "GIVE ME YOUR FULL ATTENTION." It is beautiful yet intense; it is not peaceful or restful music. GROSSE FUGE works well in orchestral form, and Klemperer's intensity serves Beethoven's late work just fine.



Recommended for both works. I also like Karl Bohm/Vienna Philharmonic(DG) and Szell/Cleveland (Sony) for the EROICA."