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Less acclaimed than Beethoven's "odd" symphonies, Symphony No. 4, Op. 60 and Symphony No. 8, Op. 93 are nonetheless uniquely fascinating, perhaps because their musical purpose is more difficult to decipher. The pianissimo introduction to Symphony No. 4 leads us through a winding labyrinth, and it takes a while to grasp its meaning. Symphony No. 8 is more brilliant and majestic and further reinforces this feeling of contrast, particularly in transitional passages between different sections of the orchestra.
These two symphonies are performed here by the formidable Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin under the direction of Bernhard Forck, who is always on top form. The ensemble, which has been loyal to the harmonia mundi label since 1994, delivers a clear and careful interpretation, meticulously respecting the driving forces behind the score. Arguably, it’s a shame that the momentum of the piece has been so prudently managed, though this is preferable to any sort of narcissistic outburst – its polar opposite.
These two symphonies are presented in a double album that also includes Luigi Cherubini's Lodoïska Overture and Etienne Méhul's Symphony No. 1 in G minor. An informed choice, since Cherubini's work (composed in 1791) contains many characteristics that would be later used by Beethoven after his move to Vienna the following year. Méhul's Symphony seems to be more of a reaction to Beethoven's writing, with many critics having viewed it as a response to the Fifth Symphony. This album boasts a careful, highly readable performance, though it could perhaps do with just a little more body and boldness. © Pierre Lamy/Qobuz
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Luigi Cherubini, Composer - Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Symphony No. 4 In B-flat Major, Op. 60 (Ludwig van Beethoven)
Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer - Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer - Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer - Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer - Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
DISC 2
Symphony No. 1 in G minor (Etienne-Nicolas Mehul)
Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Etienne Nicolas Méhul, Composer - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Etienne Nicolas Méhul, Composer - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Etienne Nicolas Méhul, Composer - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Etienne Nicolas Méhul, Composer - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93 (Ludwig van Beethoven)
Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer - Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer - Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer - Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Ludwig van Beethoven, Composer - Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Orchestra, MainArtist - Bernhard Forck, Conductor, MainArtist
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
Album review
Less acclaimed than Beethoven's "odd" symphonies, Symphony No. 4, Op. 60 and Symphony No. 8, Op. 93 are nonetheless uniquely fascinating, perhaps because their musical purpose is more difficult to decipher. The pianissimo introduction to Symphony No. 4 leads us through a winding labyrinth, and it takes a while to grasp its meaning. Symphony No. 8 is more brilliant and majestic and further reinforces this feeling of contrast, particularly in transitional passages between different sections of the orchestra.
These two symphonies are performed here by the formidable Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin under the direction of Bernhard Forck, who is always on top form. The ensemble, which has been loyal to the harmonia mundi label since 1994, delivers a clear and careful interpretation, meticulously respecting the driving forces behind the score. Arguably, it’s a shame that the momentum of the piece has been so prudently managed, though this is preferable to any sort of narcissistic outburst – its polar opposite.
These two symphonies are presented in a double album that also includes Luigi Cherubini's Lodoïska Overture and Etienne Méhul's Symphony No. 1 in G minor. An informed choice, since Cherubini's work (composed in 1791) contains many characteristics that would be later used by Beethoven after his move to Vienna the following year. Méhul's Symphony seems to be more of a reaction to Beethoven's writing, with many critics having viewed it as a response to the Fifth Symphony. This album boasts a careful, highly readable performance, though it could perhaps do with just a little more body and boldness. © Pierre Lamy/Qobuz
About the album
- 2 disc(s) - 13 track(s)
- Total length: 01:30:40
- 1 Digital booklet
- Main artists: Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin Bernhard Forck
- Composer: Various Composers
- Label: harmonia mundi
- Genre: Classical Symphonic Music Symphonies
2022 harmonia mundi 2022 harmonia mundi
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