BEETHOVEN: Symphonies Nos. 5 and 6

Album review

Composed concurrently, Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor and the Symphony No. 6 in F major ("Pastoral") seem to reflect opposite sides of his nature; as close as they were in gestation, they follow divergent paths in both character and purpose. As if to highlight the contrasts between these two masterpieces, Naxos has paired two recordings by different conductors and orchestras, with striking results. The dramatic Symphony No. 5, with Richard Edlinger conducting the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, is played in a pared-down and rugged style, in what may be close to the era's practice. Tempi are fast, repeats are taken, and the instrumentation is in accord with Beethoven's indications, sounding faithful to the period, though without employing authentic instruments. The gentle Symphony No. 6, performed by Michael Halász and the CSR Symphony Orchestra, is given a substantially richer sound, perhaps more in line with traditional interpretations than with the revisionist school of thought. Relaxed and pellucid in the first two movements, with vigor saved for the rustic Scherzo and the stormy fourth movement, the orchestra adheres closely to the symphony's program and renders the music with vivid colors. The Allegretto finale, above all, is excellent, and played with a refinement that approaches the sublime.
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