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Beethoven from Adam Fischer
Posted by Mike H on November 12, 2020, 4:49 pm
I am only just catching up with the Naxos Beethoven symphonies from Fischer and, after 4 listen throughs, I am still in a mild state of shock. So a few random thoughts that I hope might make others venture to listen.
1. Although a chamber orchestra it is only rarely that you notice a lack of power and on many, many occasions there is a fine transparency. 2, The speeds are fast, sometimes very fast, exciting to be sure but occasionally breathless. However all praise to the orchestra who somehow keep up with the conductor. 3. The recording is first rate, no qualms there.
Having started this I am not sure how to continue, words do not seem sufficient so can I suggest you sample as follows:
a) the finale of No.1 - how fast can it go/should be? b) the Eroica first movement and in particular the opening three minutes of the finale. I played this passage in a Klemperer recording and followed it with Fischer. Do try it ! c) the opening of the 4th, explosive or what ?
I could go on for ages but far better that I leave it up to you to sample. Hearing is believing.
If the above sounds negative, it is not meant to. I have ben thrilled and stimulated by these performances - I dragged out my (very old pre Del Mar) scores but found they didn't help at all.
Have fun listening, I did, his is what music is all about !