Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Oldrich Frantisek Korte, Lovro von Matacic :: Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; Korte: Flutes' Story

An outstanding "Eroica"

L. Johan Modée | Earth | 04/06/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 1959 recording of Lovro von Matacic's interpretation of Beethoven's "Eroica" is exceptional in every way. After several repeated listenings, it strikes me as one of the greatest thirds on record, comparable to Furtwängler's live 1944 Berlin recording (Music & Arts) and Klemperer's 1959 studio recording (EMI). Von Matacic's conception of the first and second movements is both powerful and masterly structured - especially the funeral march is presented with a moving intensity second to none. The scherzo is wonderfully lively - one minute faster than Furtwängler's and Klemperer's. And the final movement is simply glorious, performed with great brio and concentration.



The recorded sound from the Dvorák Hall of the Rudolfinum concert hall is big and bold, though somewhat too reverberating. The Czech Philharmonic Orchestra is in top form, giving their very best under von Matacic's baton.



Oldrich Frantisek Korte's "Flutes' Story" from 1926 (recorded in 1968) is an interesting and rare fill-up.



In sum: An essential recording, bargain priced - warmly recommended.

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