Royal Danish Symphony Orchestra - Mozart / Beethoven / Brahms: Sym.29 / 3 / 4 Klemperer / Danish Royal Opera - Import 2 CD

Credits:

Royal Danish Symphony Orchestra

Description:

Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3, Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”; Brahms: Symphony No. 4; Mozart: Symphony No. 29 Otto Klemperer, conductor; Royal Danish Opera Orchestra This is the first-ever release of this live recording. It features a collection of works from Klemperer’s signature repertoire. The "Eroica" was recorded on April 26, 1957, and the other works on January 28, 1954. This album captures concerts from Klemperer’s peak, when he was delivering performances brimming with vigor. The sound quality is excellent for a monaural recording, rich in detail, and it’s a delight to clearly hear the distinct voices of each section—a hallmark of the Klemperer sound. The powerful tonal reproduction by Paul Bailey, well-known for his ART remasters, is quite impressive. The album opens with *Leonore*, performed at a brisk tempo with a running time of 13 minutes and 19 seconds. Its vigorous expression and overwhelming energy are quintessential Klemperer in concert. The sense of speed and power in the coda are also striking. Mozart’s Symphony No. 29 was also a repertoire Klemperer excelled at. Here too, the surprisingly elegant treatment of the melodies and the impeccable sense of rhythm effectively convey the charm of this work. Brahms’ Symphony No. 4 is also an excellent performance, but perhaps due to the recording date and the orchestra’s characteristics, the power of this performance is truly remarkable. In the third movement scherzo, with its surprising pauses, one can almost hear Klemperer’s enthusiastic shouts of encouragement; together with the extremely vigorous finale, it presents a performance that stands in stark contrast to the “feminine” interpretation of the Fourth, and it is simply magnificent. This is actually the eighth recording of the “Eroica.” While the rigor of the structure remains as always, the dynamic sense of tempo and the wide range of expression—unique to a live performance—are truly impressive. Combined with the intense tension that pervades the entire work, it leaves an unparalleled impression. It is a passionate, masterful performance that makes one want to say this raw, almost brutal power and the complete lack of gentleness or softness are Beethoven himself.

Tracklisting:

1. Leonore Overture No. 3 in C major, Op. 72b
2. Symphony No. 29 in A major, K. 201 (K. 186a): 1. Allegro moderato
3. Symphony No. 29 in A major, K. 201 (K. 186a): 2. Andante
4. Symphony No. 29 in A major, K. 201 (K. 186a): 3. Menuetto
5. Symphony No. 29 in A major, K. 201 (K. 186a): 4. Allegro con spirito
6. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: 1. Allegro non troppo
7. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: 2. Andante moderato
8. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: 3. Allegro giocoso
9. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: 4. Allegro energico e passionato
1. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Eroica"), Op. 55: 1. Allegro con brio
2. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Eroica"), Op. 55: 2. Marcia funebre (Adagio assai)
3. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Eroica"), Op. 55: 3. Scherzo (Allegro vivace) & Trio
4. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Eroica"), Op. 55: 4. Finale (Allegro molto - Poco andante - Presto)
5. Applause