81 of 87 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Mixed bag - some good readings, but weak overall, April 15, 2003
This review is from: Beethoven: Complete Symphonies; Sir Simon Rattle/Vienna Philharmonic (Audio CD)
Rattle's new Beethoven Symphony cycle is a pretty solid disappointment given the high expectations that I, and many others, had for it. My first impressions were lukewarm, but I was hopeful that the cycle would grow on me. Unfortunately, the opposite occured, and after several weeks aquaintance, this cycle has dropped even lower in my estimation.
As has been noted by many, Rattle makes the VPO play in a period style with little vibrato, quick tempos, and generally spare (if rhythmically detailed) textures. This approach has been successfully applied before (Zinman, Mackerras, Harnoncourt), but Rattle doesn't pull it off as well as the aforementioned others in my opinion. To much of the time the orchestra simply sounds unpleasantly thin, edgy and off balance, as opposed to lean, lithe and transparent.
The thin, edgy sound of the orchestra is exacerbated by the sub-par engineering which is seriously lacking in midbass weight, in addition to having a rather narrow soundstage. Add to that too much emphasis on the high mid-range and the basic sonic picture is unattractive.
Having pointed out these initial basic flaws, I would say that Rattle scores highest marks in the 3rd and 9th symphonies which are very well done, especially the 9th, which is one of the best modern recordings I've heard despite some idiosyncracies in the finale. The rest of the performances are quite mixed.
The first two symphonies are given quick, period style performances as has become almost the norm these days. Rattle's versions are not bad, but not appreciably better than many others I've heard, and not as good as Abbado's.
As I mentioned, the 3rd is quite good - particularly in the first movement which is quite exciting, and in the harrowing second movement. The finale is a bit of a let down, but the reading overall is very strong.
The 4th and 5th are also two of the better readings in the cycle, however I would not consider them competitive with the best available. But they were enjoyable. I would have liked even more fire in the first movement of the 5th, though.
The 6th is terrible, IMO - one of the worst I have ever heard, and the major "turkey" of this cycle. Everything sounds calculated, mannered and unnatural, and in many places Rattle's reading really hangs fire. Tempos are on the broad side, which I don't mind (Celibidache's reading is one of my favorites), but in this case the whole reading is curiously lifeless. The 6th is my favorite of the LvB symphonies, but this was a major chore to sit through. A total bust.
The 7th and 8th are not so great either. I dislike Rattle's fussy way with the first movement theme of the 8th, and the finale is a little slower than I would have liked. The 7th just doesn't sound convincing to me, and I found the vibrato-less period-style incarnation of the VPO more annoying here than elsewhere.
The 9th really is superb, however, and I hope that it is released on its own, because it really is a worthy performance for any collector. The whole period-style thing seems to have been scrapped for this work, and the VPO really sounds more in their element. The first movement is close to ideal - perfectly paced, dramatic, and full of fire. The second is quite good, and the slow third movement is very beautiful. In the finale things go astray a bit, particularly in the coda, which is just bizzarre and totally unconvincing (what's with the piccolo?). But all things considered, this is worth a listen if you ever get a chance.
I would not recommend this cycle to someone looking for their first complete cycle. Blomstedt/Dresden on Brilliant Classics is much better overall, and can be had for under $... Otherwise get individual performances. This cycle is strictly for the curious, and those willing to take a chance - maybe you will like it better than I did.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
29 of 33 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fine Beethoven From Rattle, But Better VPO Sound, July 22, 2003
This review is from: Beethoven: Complete Symphonies; Sir Simon Rattle/Vienna Philharmonic (Audio CD)
It's a pity that Simon Rattle's Beethoven symphony cycle is the last in a series of recent recordings using Jonathan Del Mar's newly revised Barenheiter edition of Beethoven's symphonic scores. Otherwise, it might have earned recognition as the best recent Beethoven symphony cycle recording. Still it is by far the best Beethoven symphony cycle recorded by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. But should it be regarded as first choice for those interested in a Beethoven symphony cycle, especially one using the new Jonathan Del Mar-edited edition?
Simon Rattle demonstrates in these recordings that he is a fine interpreter of Beethoven's scores, which he indicated previously in his Beethoven piano concerti cycle with pianist Alfred Brendel, recorded too with the Vienna Philharmonic. However, he doesn't quite match the lyricism or textural richness attained by Harnoncourt, Zinman or Abbado. Instead, for most of the symphonies, these are simply well played, clinical accounts of the Jonathan Del Mar scores. The most notable exceptions are those of the Third Symphony (Rattle's interpretation, especially of the first and second movements, is among the most exciting I've heard, easily comparable in quality to Abbado's most recent account, Giulini's with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, or any of Karajan's.) and the 9th Symphony. The 5th symphony is a fascinating interpretation too, and one of the few which adhere closely to the brisk interpretations favored by Zinman and Abbado. Unfortunately, the 6th symphony lacks the majestic lyricism I've heard in Bruno Walter's classic account with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra and the rich textures I've heard in Harnoncourt's and Abbado's (When I met Harnoncourt earlier this year I had remarked to him that I was not impressed with his COE recording of the 6th symphony, but it's actually much better than I had thought, since it is a rich, texturally glowing account which requires repeated listenings.) versions. And the worst account in this cycle has to be Rattle's interpretation of the 7th symphony; much to my surprise he isn't as inventive as Abbado in using swift changes in tempi or as successful as either Carlos Kleiber or Abbado in emphasizing the score's intricate architecture.
So should you buy Rattle's account of the Beethoven symphony cycle? My answer is yes if you treasure the rich sound produced by the Vienna Philharmonic in its concert hall, the Musikverein. The sound quality is among the best I've heard, equal to Abbado's. But if you prefer more exciting, dynamic accounts of Beethoven's symphonies, then I would recommend instead, Harnoncourt's and Abbado's, with Zinman's a first choice for those on a budget.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
much better than expected, given the other reviews...., October 3, 2005
This review is from: Beethoven: Complete Symphonies; Sir Simon Rattle/Vienna Philharmonic (Audio CD)
I purchased this set with a little trepidation after reading some of the negative reviews here. I recently upgraded my stereo equipment and was looking for a modern recording which would have excellent sound quality. I am also a fan of Simon Rattle, so this seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
After I turned it on, I heaved a huge sigh of relief. Comments about the sound being "thin and edgy", with a "narrow soundstage", were a bit off the mark. It does lean toward the bright side, but I think it is more from the effect of the hall than from bad engineering. From what I can hear, the Musikverein is fairly live and sounds more like LA's new Disney Hall than the old Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (which has a muted tubby sound). A live hall will tend to accentuate the treble, so on a sound system which is already bright (as many speakers and amplifiers tend to be), it probably would sound a little overly bright. However, on a sound system which tends to be neutral to warm (as mine is, with Conrad-Johnson amplification and Vandersteen speakers), this recording sounds lively, detailed, and though a little lean, I cannot say it sounds edgy.
As for soundstaging, my feeling is that of someone sitting in the tenth row. While the breadth of the soundstage is not enormous (think first row), it is more than adequate. The soundstage also has adequate depth, which becomes more apparent when the timpani comes into play. However, what might be missing is soundstage height, which is why I feel like I am listening to the orchestra more edge-on than at a high angle.
One thing that puzzles me is that the cover says that these were recorded live; however, I didn't hear a bit of audience noise. Maybe it was done in the hall in one take, but without the audience there? I don't know. I didn't hear one sneeze or cough.
In all, excellent sound quality combined with a refreshing (though not outlandish) interpretation. If you find the other Beethoven Symphony cycles boring, look into this one.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
