Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Pierre Monteux, London Symphony Orchestra :: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 2/4/5/7; Pierre Monteux

A fine Beethoven set, volume 2

Andrew R. Weiss | Raleigh, NC USA | 07/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pierre Monteux recorded the complete Beethoven symphonies at the end of his long life. Symphonies #s 1, 3, 6 and 8 were recorded with the Vienna Philharmonic, of which he was a frequent guest conductor, and #s 2, 4, 5, 7 and 9 with the London Symphony Orchestra, of which he was the permanent conductor at the time of these recordings (between 1961 and his death in 1964). From my own listening, Monteux did better with orchestras of which he was permanent conductor (San Francisco Symphony and London Symphony), or with which he had long-standing associations (Boston Symphony), than with those where he guest-conducted. The SFSO and LSO in particular reflected Monteux' orchestral values and sonorities: clear, clean and lean string textures; light, clear and colorful woodwinds; and powerful, raspy brass. Monteux applied these sounds, and his intelligent understanding of the structure of each score, to his Beethoven performances with great results. These are not Teutonic Beethoven performances, but they are great ones. Symphony #2 fares the least well, mostly due to the relatively poor sound which hides woodwind details. #4 is a delight from beginning to end, strong and light and full of joy. And #s 5 and 7 are both supurb. #5 has great forward momentum and fire, and #7 has a genuine dance-like quality which I have found unusual in most performances. Both are heroic performances, fleet and light and with great strength and lyricism. In Beethoven, an understanding of musical structure and architecture is very important (to me, probably the most essential element for a truly conherent and persuasive performance), and I tend to favor those conductors who really understand this and communicate it (Monteux, Klemperer), and to avoid those who don't (Solti). Monteux's Beethoven can easily be a "standard" set, one to which you will return time and again. Nothing is overstated, sentimentality is rigorously avoided, and each score is given an honest, clear, committed, understanding and emotionally complete performance. Symphony #9, which was recorded for a different company (Westminster), is available separately and is also well worth getting. I have owned copies of these performances since they first came out on RCA's Victrola vinyl records in the early 1960's and I can attest that they stand the test of time and rehearing. Highly recommended."

Outstanding

Andrew R. Weiss | 10/05/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Monteux does a wonderful job with these symphonies. The 5th and 7th are fantastic. While I do take issue with some of Monteux's tempi, I can see where he got them, and they don't detract from my enjoyment of these works one bit. While not sticking perfectly to Beethoven's tempi, Monteux definitely captures the spirit of the works. The contrast between the first and second movements of the 5th is absolutely wonderful. On very few recordings does the second movement of the 5th seem like it belongs to the same symphony, but Monteux beautifully captures Beethoven's contrast. And then there's the 7th. It has this joyous, rollicking feel that truly captures the emotions of Beethoven's score. Again, a rarity. Overall, I'd say these recordings are a MUST for anyone who appreciates these pieces of music."

Beethoven with power

elmuncy | 08/28/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have many versions of the Beethoven symphonies. Most of them sound the same, with minor variations. These are the first that I've been willing to play over and over, and still enjoy every time. The original instrument versions make the weighty symphonies sound like chamber music. This is the most fiery Beethoven available."