Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Riccardo Muti, Philadelphia Orchestra :: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5

A rare achievement

04/15/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD offers both the classical and romantic side of Beethoven. Beethoven's first symphony is very Mozartian, the melody is endless. While not quite partaking in the strenuous arguments characteristic of his later style, certainly hint at a capacity for an aggressive, almost violent edge to the surface antics.
I am not going to talk about the fifth symphony since most people are familiar with it already. Instead I am going talk about the performance. Muti opts for a rather quick tempo for the 2 symphonies coupled here. Don't get me wrong, nothing is rush! He has this far-sighted concept in fifth symphony, you can notice this effect especially in the openning movement. The final movement, of course, blows everyone away! If you are looking to add another version of beethoven symphonies, look no further.
RECOMMENDED!"

Exciting and lyrical

HB | Fort Mill, SC | 10/28/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"For over 3 decades the benchmark recording of Beethoven's 5th has been Carlos Kleiber/VPO. It is an exciting performance but the last time I listened to it I found the slow movement lacking beauty and tenderness. It was almost like Carlos was trying to get it over with. I first heard the Muti recording on Sirius radio. I loved it and had to buy it. The performance was just as exciting as the famous Kleiber but with much more tenderness. The early first symphony is also outstanding. One more thought about the 5th: Muti is the first conductor to make the repeat in the finale sound right. However, I still think that repeat should be avoided."