A united international ‘corps de critique’ follow this series with enthusiasm. Vol. 5 was selected best recording ever of the triple concerto by BBC Music Magazine ‘Building a Library’ – needless to say in strong competition. Vol. 9 brings the fresh approach to both score and sound further into the complete works by the very icon of classical music.
Short and classy
Number 8 is the shortest and most classically constructed of Beethoven’s symphonies. It bursts with humour and energy – and written with an unusual concentration and economy, it remains one of Beethoven’s most vital and characteristic expressions
Dedication to King George IV of England
So-called ‘battle pieces’ were quite common at this period, but Beethoven’s contribution to the genre is more ambitious than most. The success of Wellington’s Victory, or the Battle of Vittoria, gave a boost to Beethoven’s fame in England. Various stages of the battle (including a charge) are being depicted, and the rich orchestration – including some very specific notation for the cannons, which creates unusual cross-rhythmical effects – is a notable feature.
Touring Europe
The Swedish/Danish/Norwegian collaboration has proven worth investigating for people in the market for new, inventive and relentless Beethoven interpretations in first-rate recordings. This spring Dausgaard and his trusted crew return to the concert halls of Europe (Amsterdam, Zurich and several stops in Germany in March – Spain, Italy, England and Denmark further down the line.
