Customer Reviews

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; Overture to Die Weihe des Hauses

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

 

 

Muti takes a much different approach to the Eroica than most conductors do. Instead of adopting a fiery approach in the Tocanini tradition, he brings out the sheer beauty of the music. This is a big gamble on a conductor's part. If the music does not move, it will just sit there like an oversized parked limouzine. But the Muti performance works in my opinion. True the opening is little on the reserved side but the performance grows and by the end of the first movement, the intensity is truly there. The slow movement is even better with the some really beautiful phrasing. The playing of the Philadelphia is exceptional, some of the best playing on any Beethoven CD you will ever hear. The Vienna and Berlin Philharmonics rarely ever play with this much power and finesse. At less than 7 bucks, a real bargain.

Harold

Even if you're willing to overlook the fact that one of the horn solo parts is completely missing in this recording, you'll probably still be disappointed at the dull conducting and whimpy performance of this masterpiece. Not enough thunder and energy in this recording. I really enjoy the digital sound and the famous portrait of Napoleon on the cover though, but that doesn't make up for the mediocre performance. In my humble opinion, Muti just doesn't seem to be the right type of conductor for Beethoven symphonies.

The Philadelphia Orchestra just may be the finest in the world and Muti's treatment of Symphony No. 3 showcases the many talents present within this superb orchestra. Buy it!