Beethoven (1770-1827) - Symphonies Nos.1, 4 : Rafael Kubelik / London Symphony Orchestra, Israel Philharmonic (Hybrid) - Import SACD Hybrid

Credits:

Holst / London Symphony Orchestra

Description:

Kubelík's masterpiece Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4 is released on PENTATONE's remastered series of SACD hybrid discs. This is the complete Beethoven symphonies recorded by the Czech master Rafael Kubelík (1914-1996) between 1971 and 1975. This recording is famous as a unique project in which all nine works were recorded with different orchestras. This disc features Beethoven's Symphonies No. 1 (London Symphony Orchestra, recorded in 1974) and No. 4 (Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded in 1975), recorded when Kubelik was in his 60s, and is a remarkable release from PENTATONE's remastered series. The first is an energetic performance that brings out the best of the London Symphony Orchestra's capabilities, with a fresh sound and rich emotional expression (the presentation of both movements is repetitive).On the other hand, the performance of No. 4 with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra especially shows the beauty of the string part. The rich sound that spreads out grandly is appealing. This is a masterful performance that reminds us again of Kubelík's solid ability to draw out the characteristics of both orchestras and perform them! The remastering this time was also handled by Polyhymnia International (a company established in 1998 by the technical team of Philips Classics as an independent company) in the Netherlands. The sound has been carefully reissued from the original master tapes, and has been restored to its original state. Please enjoy the three-dimensional performance, which is also notable for the double-winged arrangement of the violins. King International Inc.