Honeck/PSO/RR Beethoven 9th SACD (off topic)

[John Kim]

This has been the year's most anticipated recording and I've heard it on Idagio.

It has great moments in I. and II, but III. is nearly ruined because of the weak climax (which is also rushed) and short duration (12.5 min). The Finale is where Honeck and his players put all their punches in. Curiously, Honeck zips through tenor's march section and the subsequent development passage (pure orchestra tutti). But the rest of the movt. goes really well at normal tempi.

Overall, despite the shortcomings I quite like it. It's a fast performance clocking just over 62 min. and the engineering is nothing short of astonishing.

What are your thoughts?

John

[erikwilson7]

I still need to check this out. I was deterred by D.H.'s review, but I ought to judge for myself. I shared his sentiments regarding the Tchaikovsky 4; it sounded great, but the interpretive risks he took felt too mannered rather than artistic or spontaneous, like all of his previous recordings.

[John Kim]

Yep, Honeck's Tchaikovsky Fourth is a huge disappointment. His frequent use of crescendo-diminuendo (and vice versa) borders on mannerism and robs much energy and continuity of the music especially in the first movement.

[barryguerrero]

"What are your thoughts?"     .     .    .    I don't care - much adu 'bout nothin'. I have the Sinopoli/Dresden/DG recording, as well as Kristjan Jarvi's recording of B9 in the Mahler retuschen. That's all the Beethoven 9 I need.

[Prospero]

To each his own, Barry. But it is hard to imagine Mahler without the symphonic challenges of Beethoven. Is not M2 a direct descendant of the Beethoven 9th. For me, all great works ask for varied engagements and interpretations. And what symphony is more important than the Beethoven 9th. What does one make of the Toscanini 1939 version? Mahler heard Toscanini conduct Wagner's Tristan at the Metropolitan opera and said, while different than the German tradition that it was a significant approach. So, Toscanini's Beethoven might be worth knowing. And what of the Furtwängler 1951 version for a different and notable approach? Many different ways to grapple with the expanse and daring of the Beethoven 9th.
Best to all,
Tom in Vermont

[barryguerrero]

Tom, it's just one recording of Beethoven's 9th out of - I don't know - hundreds (?). For as seldom as I listen to B9, I don't need more than what I already own (and I have way too much Mahler, but can't help myself there). The Sinopoli/Dresden one is really good, very satisfying. I think I also have a 'burned' copy of the Blomstedt/Dresden one. And speaking of the Mahler connection, I have the very fine Kristian Jarvi recording of B9 in the Mahler retuschen. You can't get much closer to Mahler than that!   .      .     .      .    I've heard the Furtwaengler - I know its features and benefits, but I don't need to own it. Same for Toscanini. No harm intended.

[erikwilson7]

I acknowledge the historical significance of Beethoven's 9th and I've heard many recordings, but I must be one of the only people in history who doesn't really care for it. I do like the scherzo a lot, and that's about it.

My favorite recordings are Skrowaczewski, and Solti / Chicago.

[barryguerrero]

When it comes to Beethoven symphonies, I actually prefer the non-biggies: 1, 2, 4 and 8. I do appreciate a really good performance of the "Pastoral" from time to time. I don't need to hear the 7th ever again, as great as that symphony is. As for the "Eroica", it does need to be an exceptional performance to keep my attention. The piece is a tad under-orchestrated for its length and weight. Honeck is really good with the "Eroica". I also like my old Hermann Scherchen recording of it (real fast first movement).

[akiralx]

As for the "Eroica", it does need to be an exceptional performance to keep my attention. The piece is a tad under-orchestrated for its length and weight. Honeck is really good with the "Eroica". I also like my old Hermann Scherchen recording of it (real fast first movement).

Scherchen's must be the fastest - another fast and very exciting Eroica I really like is BPO/Karajan from 1977 (second DG cycle) - expo repeat missed as usual but the orchestral playing is amazing in that recording.

[erikwilson7]

I really like that ‘77 Karajan recording too. I ought to check out the Scherchen.

PS: the Eroica is my favorite Beethoven symphony