Beethoven (1770-1827) - Symphonies Nos.2, 7 : Philippe Jordan / Vienna Symphony Orchestra - Import CD

Credits:

Natalie Dessay

Description:

The Vienna Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1900 as the "Vienna Performing Society Orchestra" and boasts a long history of more than 100 years. The orchestra's first recording of Beethoven's complete symphonies was undertaken by Philippe Jordan, who became chief conductor in 2014; the complete works were recorded during the spring and summer of 2017, and these were released one by one every six months. As with the first and second collections of the Zycles, this album is accompanied by a highly readable commentary by Walter Weidlinger, "A Festival of Extremes." Weidlinger provides a detailed description of the works and at the same time introduces the listener to the way Jordaan perceives and approaches the works. In his commentary, Philippe Jordan describes the Second Symphony as "Beethoven's most luminous, raw, joyful, and brilliant symphony." He says, "It is Beethoven's most luminous, raw, joyful and brilliant symphony. The second movement, Larghetto, is "one of Beethoven's most beautiful slow movements, where everything sings! He said. On the other hand, the 7th Symphony "is more rhythmic than the 2nd, which is more melodic. The "No. 7 Symphony" is the most beautiful of all the symphonies in the movement.As for the famous second movement, he says, "It has a funeral-like character, an episode in the major key, and a fugato that is close to the adagio movement of the 'Hero' but without so much weight, which reminds me of Schubert." He feels that the C major symphony "Great" is similar in its lightness in the funeral and a bit of solemnity in the joyousness of the funeral. Recorded in the rich acoustics of the Musikverein's Great Hall, these performances are ambitious, utilizing the traditional sound of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra while at the same time introducing Jordaan's new innovations in the details of intensity, phrasing, accents, and so on. There is always a new perspective in his playing, a new approach, and a new discovery. The accompanying detailed commentary will deepen your understanding of Jordaan's original reflections on each piece, the way he perceives motives and melodies, repetition in performance, and other interpretations based on firm convictions. Naxos Japan

Beethoven Collection List