OT: Savall Beethoven 3

[ChrisH]

This weekend I happened to swing by my local used CD shop and found a stellar recording of Beethoven's third by Jordi Savall and the Les Concert des Nations.
I've quickly fallen in love with this spirited, punchy, and wonderfully played recording. I've been listening non-stop. This is, perhaps, the most exciting Beethoven I've heard yet. Just a joy on the speakers. Wondering if any on this board are familiar with this recording.

It's quite expensive on Amazon, but if anyone is interested in a rip please PM me.

[david johnson]

i am unfamiliar with the recording.

dj

[ChrisH]

It's a HIP performance, using 35 players. It's swift, filled with great textures and clarity. Savall usually conducts renaissance repertoire and baroque works. This Beethoven 3 is late as he seems to get in music. This man doesn't make a boring recording. We have swift tempos, and a very raunchy brass section. I think the size of the ensemble really gives the players a chance to speak to with each other. I'm not sure if I've ever heard a band play with such tight abandon. It's almost reckless; but they pull it off very well. This is much better than efforts by Norrington, Immerseel and Goodman. At least in my estimation.

Here's two samples.

Movement II. Marcia Funebre
http://www.box.net/shared/t2yf9tyzop

Movement IV. Finale
http://www.box.net/shared/4havau5flz

[barry guerrero]

Another good, early-music influenced recording of the "Eroica" is the Anrew Manze/Helsingborg S.O. one on Harmonia Mundi. Timings are: 16:53; 16:11; 5:29; 11.48.

As you can see, those timings aren't especially fast, but it certainly doesn't sound slow or ponderous either. It's yet another good one. It also comes with some excerpts from Beethoven's "Creatures Of Prometheus" ballet.

[ChrisH]

Another good, early-music influenced recording of the "Eroica" is the Anrew Manze/Helsingborg S.O. one on Harmonia Mundi. Timings are: 16:53; 16:11; 5:29; 11.48.

As you can see, those timings aren't especially fast, but it certainly doesn't sound slow or ponderous either. It's yet another good one. It also comes with some excerpts from Beethoven's "Creatures Of Prometheus" ballet.

I've not heard that disc. Sounds interesting though. Thanks for the heads-up, Barry.