Customer Reviews

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 7

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I just realized something. This version of the Seventh, coupled with the First, is actually from 1958 (very early in Bernstein's career with the NYPO). While it is not a bad performance by any means, I encourage you to buy Bernstein's other performance of the Seventh with the NYPO, recorded in 1964. This later version is much better in my opinion. I would suspect the first reviewer's overly enthusiastic review is actually for this later version. This later 1964 version is also available in the "Bernstein Century" collection, paired with the Second symphony.

Sony doesn't let you buy Bernstein's outstanding versions of Beethoven Sym. #1 and #2 without buying two versions of the Seventh, one recorded in 1964, the other an earlier 1958 rendition, included here. Both are spirited readings but they don't rise to the level of Reiner, Karajan, or Kleiber. Bernstein took a fairly measured, relaxed view of this wrk, a la Bruno Walter, and we've become used to sharper concentration. Of the two readings, this one is inferior. It displays a bit more energy in the Scherzo, but the recording is murky at times and, worst of all, the finale is lax and boring, a far cry from Karajan's joyous, thrilling race to the finish.

The best thing here is the First Sym., as the Second is the gem of the other CD. Sony really shouldn't have forced us to buy both, but there you are. Bernstein's First is big and Beethovenian, with little reference to Haydn's classical decorum and smaller intentions. On its own terms it's quite alert and lively, with abundant humor in the finale. Again, expect somewhat measurd tempos comared to those we've become used to after the period-performance revolution.

When Deutsche Grammophon re-released Carlos Kleiber's recording of the Seventh Symphony, the praise heaped upon it was enormous. Yet Kleiber's interpretation owes a very great deal to Bernstein's earlier New York Philharmonic interpretation (which itself reflects lessons learned from Toscanini). The remasterings have greatly improved the sonic qualities of the recording, but the performance is superlative -- even considering those of Kleiber and Toscanini, the Bernstein/NYPO Seventh is (in my opinion) the definitive version, peerless. It has been written that other symphonies exist as works of art, but that the Seventh simply IS. Of the master's great symphonies it is perhaps the least specific, the most universal. Wagner's often-quoted sobriquet ("the Apotheosis of the Dance") in fact belittles this work: it is timeless, elemental, and Bernstein & the NYPO bring out the Promethean quality of the work better than anyone. The details are never glossed over: the wonderful "blue notes" of the end of the alternative melody in the Allegretto, for example, are often swallowed up in other performances. Not here. The parallelism between the codas of the first and fourth movements - the almost orgasmic quality of mounting tension -- is pointed beautifully. The electric frisson of the buzzing violas at the codetta of the exposition in the finale come through exquisitely: the whole finale fairly gushes with a torrent of libidinous energy, an outpouring of the Life Force. Indeed, in all particulars, the performance is both cerebral and yet spontaneous -- the feeling of sui generis is omnipresent. It is good that Sony are re-releasing these monumental and thrilling performances!

I cannot add a lot to the other glowing reviews except to say that if I was allowed to own only one cd this may very well be it. Truly a great recording, although Bernstein's later recording with the Vienna Philharmonic is also stellar.

Bernstein was a wonderful Beethoven conductor in his New York years, better that he became later on. Commenting on the later period, a Vienna Philharmonic player said, "When we play Beethoven with Bernstein, we play him Bernstein's way. When we play Beethoven with Karl Bohm, we play him Beethoven's way." There need be no such caveat about the performances on this CD. The recording of the 1st Symphony is as good as any I've ever heard. The Philharmonic is absolutely at its best, playing with superb ensemble and vivid sonorities. There is crisp articulation and sensitive phrasing thoroughout. The 1964 sound engineering is superb, too--the orchestra is captured in an ambient space, but with no lack of detail. The recording of the 7th Symphony dates from 1958, and is Bernstein's first recording of the score. It is a somewhat different kettle of fish. The tempo in the slow movement is the slowest I've ever heard, though somehow Bernstein brings it off. The same is true for the last movement. Despite its slowness, it sustains your interest through Bernstein's carefully sprung rhythms and play of light and shade. In the trio of the third movement, Bernstein also slows down noticeably before the ending. You may feel, as I do, that you never fully knew this symphony until you heard this recording. On the other hand, you may just be appalled. The sound engineering for the 7th is very good, if just without the superb balances in the 1st Symphony. This is a highly recommendable CD, even if, as I do, you have some of Bernstein's later recordings of the 7th.

I own the vinyl LP recording of Berstein conducting the Symphony No. 1 and find it uncanny in its insight into the work. I am amazed by it every time I listen to it. I am a big fan of Szell generally, but Bernstein takes the blue ribbon for the First Symphony. I had planned on buying the CD reissue of Bernstein's recording. If, however, as one reviewer suggested, it is not the same, or not entirely the same as the LP recording, I'll wait until I've saved my pennies for a high quality digital audio converter and make a CD of my LP. I haven't heard Bernstein's recording of the Symphony No. 7. I like the Szell and Karajan recordings very much. Kleiber was mentioned regarding the Seventh Symphony. I cannot offer an opinion on his Seventh, but his Beethoven Symphony No. 5 is one of the greatest Beethoven recordings ever, essential to any classical music collection. [[ASIN:B00007KMOX Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7] Bernstein's affinity with the First Symphony is on a level with Kleiber's and the Fifth.

While I think JPMARMARO has gone slightly overboard on this, it is indeed an excellent performance, particularly in the second movement, in which the multiple threads can be followed much more easily than is usually the case. The oboes do indulge in some excessive tremolo and the finale starts out a bit less vivace than it ought to, but almost everything else about this recording is first rate.

I believe that the 2nd movement of the Symphony #1 is from a different take. I noticed this while checking the timings of the 7th symphony, which we all know, is from an earlier performance. I also checked the timings of the 1st symphony and, voila - it's different. I think that the re-release of the 1st symphony on CD and the original LP set had a different version. The main difference: The 1st theme of the 2nd movement is not repeated.

So - there's another "debut" here...........

That's all, folks!

I need this CD to learn the second violin part of the frist symphony for a concert in late October. It arrived promptly and I am enjoying it!

The CD of Beethoven's First Symphony was exactly what I wanted, as I did not know how it sounded, and the orchestra that I belong to is playing it for the next concert. The quality is fine.