Subject: | |
From: | |
Date: | Sat, 10 Jun 2000 10:22:19 EDT |
Content-Type: | text/plain |
Parts/Attachments: |
|
|
[log in to unmask] writes:
>The report I just received is that it's not the BPO but the Berliner
>Staatskapelle. Here is what one e-source said to try to get me to buy it:
>
> "Seldom have Beethoven's works been performed so well, by such
> a strong ensemble, with modern recording technology. Owing a
> slight stylistic debt to Wilhelm Furtwangler, Barenboim delivers
> an expressive and powerful, yet thoroughly original, Beethoven
> cycle that is already garnering critical acclaim." ...
Bought it, heard it, traded it.
There's no accounting for taste. The performances were strong, sensitive
and on the slow side (which I tend to like). However, none of it got me
to the edge of my seat or seemed to touch me very deeply. (That may be
me rather than Barenboim . . . I don't know.)
The studio recording lacked bloom and space. I tend to like to listen for
the "hall." I love Vienna Sofiensaal (spelling?) or other recordings that
give me the illusion of spaciousness, with air around the sound. This
recording struck me as congested and claustrophobic. I know it is
state-of-the art; perhaps they could have tried a different venue?
I also thought that the layout on 6 CD's, with no overtures to fill, was
extravagant (the Pastorale is on one CD, takes up just over 45 minutes);
surely they could have given us more music or cut the price of the set?
Jim Saunders
Portland, OR USA
|
|
|