5 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Mostly for Celibidache devotees only..., July 14, 2000
This review is from: CELIBIDACHE / Münchner Philharmoniker - Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8 (Audio CD)
You are unlikely to ever hear a Seventh quite as idiosyncratic as this one. The first movement is almost painfully slow, although Celibidache does give considerable attention to the detail in the score and the overall impact of the sound his orchestra is making. It is almost as if he is trying to milk each note for all it is worth and really hold onto the sound. Although the first movement comes to a thundering climax, I still say it is far too slow. The second movement didn't move me too much, ditto for the third. The highlight of the Seventh is a tremendous Finale, with fine brass and a great sense of drama. The Eighth is better, and it seems to be a more traditional reading. The playing is very good but nothing outstanding here. Better versions of the Seventh include Ashkenazy/Philharmonia on Decca, Bernstein/NYPO on Sony (1963), and Kleiber/VPO on DG. For the Eighth you might try Dohnanyi/Cleveland Orchestra on Telarc. The audience applause is kept on the disc, which I like, but some listeners may find it a nuisance.
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