INKPOT#30 CLASSICAL MUSIC REVIEWS: BEETHOVEN Complete Symphonies/Wand (RCA Symphony Ed.)
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The Nine Symphonies No.1 in C, op.21 (1799-1800) No.2 in D, op.36 (1801-2) No.3 in E-flat, op.55 “Eroica” (1803-4) No.4 in B-flat, op.60 (1806) No.5 in C minor, op.67 (1804-8) No.6 in F, op.68 “Pastoral” (1807-8) No.7 in A, op.92 (1811-2) No.8 in F, op.93 (1812) No.9 in D minor, op.125 “Choral” (1817-23) |
Edith Wiens soprano · Hildegard Hartwig alto
Keith Lewis tenor · Roland Hermann bass
North German Radio (NDR) Symphony Orchestra
conducted by GUNTER WANDRCA Symphony Edition (BMG Classics) 74321 20277-2
5 discs [356’00”] mid-price
by Koh Boon Heng


This tendency towards muddiness conversely adds to the luxuriant atmosphere of the Sixth Symphony (the “Pastoral”), another highlight of the set. The lack of complete clarity actually contributes to the suggestion of serenity. The lower strings throb beautifully in the first movement. This version may lack the shimmering quality found in other drier recordings, but the idyllic mood is still effectively conveyed. The merry-making peasants do seem a trifle withdrawn, but the rustic picture of the farmers resting after a long season of working the fields is vividly portrayed.
The Seventh Symphony again suffers in comparison to Carlos Kleiber’s maniacal reading (coupled in the abovementioned Fifth, it is a necessary purchase. Buy it NOW!). The buildup in the first movement is relatively ponderous, while the brisk second movement does not really plumb the emotional depths. The third movement is strangely weighty, while the finale is rushed and lacks the dervish grin of Kleiber. Unfair as the comparison may be, Wand’s reading seems almost pedestrian. The Eighth Symphony is an altogether more successful affair, as Wand brings out a delightful Viennese lilt to the fabulous work.
Any cycle of the Nine will inevitably be judged by the Ninth Symphony, the “Choral” Symphony. Happily, Wand’s version is well-taken. It is not as dramatic as Karajan’s 1977 version or as razor-sharp as Gardiner’s, but Wand’s succeeds by delivering a “no-frills” Ninth. The warm recording again enriches the spacious Adagio, but also hinders the cacophonic entry in the fourth movement. The timpani in the second movement sound splashy, more like oil barrels. There is, however, a sombre serenity in the introduction of the Joy theme — a clear sign that Wand grasps the heart of the work. The four soloists are fine (though not superlative) and work well as a team, although the choir is not ideally recorded. There is a hint of routineness, as the choir seems at times to be talking through, rather than singing in a declamatory spirit.

Anonymous, after a painting by Josef Stieler
Overall, this set is very good indeed. All nine symphonies are beautifully sculpted by a conductor who obviously has known them intimately most of his life, and the recording is nicely sympathetic. The drawbacks concerning the Fourth, Fifth and Seventh are, in perspective, minor, as they are being compared to legendary versions. These are well-balanced, sensible performances, lacking idiosyncrasy, very traditional yet not pedantic. It is highly rewarding to listen to a cycle by one orchestra/conductor team — one gets a consistent guiding vision of the symphonies, which is in itself a wonderful learning experience — and the Wand set is the best such cycle available. Due to this factor, this set is THE one to buy if you desire a complete cycle. If you already have a complete cycle, it is still worth your while to get your hands on Wand’s “Eroica” (74321-20280, with the Eighth) and “Pastoral” (74321-20278, with the First).
Let me get something out of the way: this set does NOT replace any of the cycles that have been agreed, by consensus, upon by the majority of listeners as landmarks in the Beethoven oeuvre: BPO/Karajan 1960’s (DG Beethoven Edition) and Cleveland/Szell (Sony) being the most prominent (and Ferencsik and Kegel, both on Laserlight, further down the price ladder). It is fair to say, however, that it joins alongside these distinguished cycles. It is impossible to declare any single set to be definitive or best — the nine symphonies of Beethoven were born out of an age of revolution, and will always remain exciting works, yielding limitless treasures from endless interpretations. For individual symphonies, there are numerous recordings by Furtwangler, Kleiber, Bohm, Bernstein, Walter, Monteux, and others that will out-inspire Wand’s versions — there is no point arguing about that. What is worth noting is that Wand’s cycle is consistently of a high level of quality, both musically and technically. There is much enjoyment to be found in this set, and that is a great achievement in itself.
Previously on : inkpot.com/classical/beethsymwand.html
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