Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Karl Böhm, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra :: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 8

Magisterial

David Saemann | 01/13/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of my favorite Eroicas. The glow and perfect balances of the Vienna Philharmonic are something to treasure. The first movement goes a little slowly, with occasional tempo modifications, but the experience is like a beautiful travelogue. Although Bohm belonged to an older generation of German conductors, there is nothing heavy handed or stodgy about his conception. The sound engineering is lovely, too, with just the slightest constriction of the dynamic range. The Eighth is a little sloppier, but is vigorously played and highly vivid. The notes say that this Eighth, like the Eroica, is an analog recording, but I seem to remember Bohm making a digital version of it in his last years--and this certainly sounds like a digital recording. In any event, this is a Beethoven disc you will return to over and over for its insight, clarity, and heart."