Classical Net

The Internet's Premier Classical Music Source

Related Links

Recommended Links

Give the Composers Timeline Poster



Site News

What's New for
Winter 2018/2019?

Site Search

Follow us on
Facebook    Twitter

Affiliates

In association with
Amazon
Amazon UKAmazon GermanyAmazon CanadaAmazon FranceAmazon Japan

ArkivMusic
CD Universe

JPC
ArkivMusic

Sheet Music Plus Featured Sale

CD Review

Ludwig van Beethoven

  • Symphony #3, 'Eroica', Op. 55
  • Overture "Leonora" #1, Op. 138
  • Overture "Leonora" #2, Op. 72a
Philharmonia Orchestra/Otto Klemperer
EMI Great Recordings of the Century 567740-2 71m ADD
Find it at AmazonFind it at Amazon UKFind it at Amazon GermanyFind it at Amazon CanadaFind it at Amazon FranceFind it at Amazon Japan

Thankfully, EMI has reissued these seminal Beethoven recordings in their latest batch of GROC releases after having deleted them some years ago. Klemperer's first forays into the symphonies and overtures for EMI were always considered as being far better than his later stereo remakes.

This 'Eroica' fairly bubbles with life and the clarity of the mono sound is also pretty impressive in EMI's new transfer. Klemperer conducts with a granite-like understanding of the score and the Philharmonia players are no doubt, deeply inspired by the occasion. I have always valued this 'Eroica' very highly and in its new incarnation it definitely lives up to its reputation. Just listen to that famous 'Funeral March' for further evidence to this statement.

The overtures are also pretty thrilling especially the Leonora #2 which has a whirlwind coda of brilliance and magnificence. I'm eagerly awaiting the 5th and 7th from the same batch of recordings now!

Copyright © 2002, Gerald Fenech

Trumpet

© 1995-2022 Classical Net
Use of text, images, or any other copyrightable material contained in these pages, without the written permission of the copyright holder,
except as specified in the Copyright Notice, is strictly prohibited. All Rights Reserved.