Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Pierre Monteux, Frederick Fennell :: The #1 Beethoven Album

Based on Egmont Overture -- Tied for Very Best Beethoven Rec

Mark A. Weiss | Germantown, MD United States | 02/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK, I love the Egmont Overture -- so that is what I am juding this CD by. The listing of CD tracks can be seen elsewhere so I need not list them for you in my review. I've reviewed several Egmont Overtures (see all my reviews if you like), and two Egmont's are far superior to all the others: FRICSAY (conductor)'s magnificent recording (from 1958, but the CD sound quality is the BEST SONICALLY OF ALL!!!!) and the recording of the Egmont on this CD(set of 2 CD's). FRICSAY is a lush, magisterial, respectful, full-of-contrasting-moods recording of the Egmont. It is, at times, almost humorously slow (but still engaging). Its biggness, supreme profundity, full rich sumptuous sonics, and variety of moods makes it a must have. One could argue though that the Egmont in this set of 2 CD's is truly optimal. Plenty of profundity -- and not a "one-note" kind of profundity as in the Egmont & Ruins of Athens CD. But no distractingly exaggerated slowness in parts as FRICSAY did. Here there is no amping up the profundity to creation-of-the-universe proportions like Fricsay did. But there is profundity aplenty -- and not in the let-the-music-speak-for-itself European tradition. Beethoven does need more than that. This CD does it perfectly, optimally and with excellent sonics. If you need creation-of-the-universe profundity with the most rich sonics possible, you'll have to get the Fricsay. If you want the best liner notes -- to learn about how Beethoven adored composing for Egmont, you have to get the Egmont & Ruins of Athens CD. Optimal Egmont good enough for you? Get this "#1 Beethoven Album" by DECCA. You will DEFINITELY say "Wow! Thanks, Man!" (Gary Oldman, actor, commentary track in film "Immortal Beloved" -- quote about what happens when you listen to Beethoven.)



As for the CD other than Egmont. No comment because I haven't listened to it -- other than the Egmont track. Judging by Egmont, this CD set is one you have no excuse not to buy."