Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 "Eroica"

Album review

With a formal architecture that appeals to the intellect as much as its powerful content touches the emotions, Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 "Eroica" is perfectly balanced on the cusp between Classicism and Romanticism. Christoph von Dohnányi's rigorous and precise approach serves the work's expansive structure well, particularly in terms of his consistent tempi and considered observance of the symphony's proportions. This is not to say that the performance lacks emotional involvement or passion, for the work's excitement, pathos, and tenderness are given full expression, though always with an eye to the form. Sharply accented and dynamic, the Allegro con brio moves at a brisk pace and its pugnacious chords actually propel the music forward instead of impeding its progress. The intense Marcia funebre gives evidence of the Cleveland Orchestra's committed playing and offers genuine feeling, yet without dragging out the Adagio assai tempo to a tedious Grave. The Scherzo is fast, perhaps a little quicker than a conventional Allegro vivace, though this is the perfect foil to the second movement's tragic mood and accelerates the symphony's momentum for the exciting variations of the Finale. Telarc's recorded sound is excellent, leaving nothing out in the direct transfer from the digital master to disc.

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