Rodney Corkin writes:

>I'd like some opinions regarding period instrument performace of
>Classical period music, especially Beethoven.

Beethoven's symphonies lend themselves very well period instruments.  For
example I have a cycle of them by the Hanover Band (under two conductors)
and I find myself playing them quite as often as I put on Furtwaengler,
or Wand, or Celibidache,all using modern instrumentation.  But there is
a definite difference in sound.  The funereal parts of the Third or the
Seventh sound drier, more neutral, as do the joyous parts of the Sixth.
HIP delivers a more matter-of-fact Beethoven.  But for those who
(sometimes) like a less lapel-grabbin' sound, HIP can be the answer IMO.

Denis Fodor                     Internet:[log in to unmask]