Beethoven's 4th Symphony

[Bogey]

If you want to actually hear all the notes instead of a gigantic, modernised mush: Gardiner.

I do not agree with your use of the phrase "modernised mush", but if I read your opinion correctly, would  Hogwood do?

[JoshLilly]

I didn't like the Hogwood version nearly as much as Gardiner, at least the one in his complete symphonies set. I don't know if he's recorded it elsewhere. But, it wasn't a modernised, noisy mush, either. He definitely didn't Mahlerise Beethoven like all the superfamous conductors and orchestras seem to do, which is a good thing.

[locrian]

He definitely didn't Mahlerise Beethoven like all the superfamous conductors and orchestras seem to do, which is a good thing.

What were they thinking?!

[JoshLilly]

They were thinking "bigger is better", I guess. I dunno. I don't like it, though. Beethoven never composed his symphonies to be played by orchestras that big, with metal strings and padded timpani sticks and so on. It just sounds weird, like J.S. Bach keyboard music on electric guitar. Just weird to me.

[karlhenning]

In short, I have neglected this piece far too long

I am so pleased, Bill, that you have corrected this insupportable state of affairs! 

[BachQ]

I am so pleased, Bill, that you have corrected this insupportable state of affairs! 

Nevertheless, admittedly, it is perfectly valid to relegate LvB 4 to the bottom third of LvB's symphonic hierarchy ........

[Bogey]

Nevertheless, admittedly, it is perfectly valid to relegate LvB 4 to the bottom third of LvB's symphonic hierarchy ........

Here are probably some meaningless numbers, but may lead to some further discussion of the 4th's ranking.  I am sure one must keep in mind the "economic factor" of what "number" symphony is worth recording when looking at these.  I do not let numbers dictate what I enjoy, but then again I have been known to be a slave to the raw data.

Approximate Number of Recordings in Print*

Symphony no 5 in C minor, Op. 67 (238)
Symphony no 9 in D minor, Op. 125 "Choral" (218)
Symphony no 3 in E flat major, Op. 55 "Eroica" (207)
Symphony no 7 in A major, Op. 92 (207)
Symphony no 6 in F major, Op. 68 "Pastoral" (180)
Symphony no 8 in F major, Op. 93 (151)
Symphony no 4 in B flat major, Op. 60 (142)=about 9% 
Symphony no 1 in C major, Op. 21 (140) 
Symphony no 2 in D major, Op. 36 (137) 

*Numbers based on what is available at ArkivMusic.com

I am guessing that if one removed all the "complete cycles" from the list of possible purchases of the 4th, the percentage of 4th's availability would decline even more so.  Just a guess.  The only suprising thing to me is the dead heat between 3 and 7.  I would have thought 3 to be well ahead.

I am so pleased, Bill, that you have corrected this insupportable state of affairs! 

That is why I never relegate music to the dust bin only after a few listens Karl. (Though my Mahler symphonies are on the cusp.  )

[locrian]

I'd put 7 above 3, but otherwise the raw data looks about right.

[Edit: Oh, and I'd put 9 at the top]

[not edward]

*mutters darkly about the low ranking of the 8th on that list*

[Holden]

If you want to actually hear all the notes instead of a gigantic, modernised mush: Gardiner.

You hear all the notes and that's it - nothing else! No inspiration, joy, warmth, pathos, excitement - it's all missing with JEG

[prémont]

I'm afraid this has never been one of my favorite Beethoven symphonies, mainly because the last two movements especially seem on a lower imaginative level than the first two.

For once I agree with Larry, and for the same reason. Interesting enough my favorites have been mentioned already above. These are Klemperer (Philharmonia), Walter (Columbia or New York), Mackerras (Liverpool) and Hogwood. Very good too is Idile Biret´s interpretation of Liszt´s piano transcription of this Symphony.

[Gurn Blanston]

Mackerras | RLPO (1993) - Brisk and bright, like a spring morning...

When I put together my complete Beethoven, I did some intense comparative listening of every version I owned of the symphonies, and in the 4th, this came out the winner by an appreciable margin. Clearly my favorite, although I certainly haven't heard more than a dozen versions of it...


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Now playing: Fesca A Piano Septets - Linos Ensemble - Fesca Alex Septet #2 in d for Piano, Strings & Winds Op 28 1st mvmt

[Mark]

Having spun last night Masur's outing with the Leipzig Gewandhaus, I can confirm it's not one which I think people need to hear.

[BachQ]

When I put together my complete Beethoven, I did some intense comparative listening of every version I owned of the symphonies, and in the 4th, this came out the winner by an appreciable margin. Clearly my favorite, although I certainly haven't heard more than a dozen versions of it...

Gurn, without intending to dish out advice, I think you need to invest in the Mackerras 2007 cycle.  Don't you?

[hornteacher]

I think you need to invest in the Mackerras 2007 cycle.

Oh wow, have you heard it?  Any thoughts?  Darn it, I've got to come up with another $50.

[BachQ]

Oh wow, have you heard it?  Any thoughts?  Darn it, I've got to come up with another $50.

No, I haven't heard it.  FWIW (not much, I reckon), Hurwitz has reviewed both and prefers the 2007 cycle.

[BachQ]

Darn it, I've got to come up with another $50.

That's why I want Gurn to buy it ....... so he can be the Guinea pig ........

[Que]

This is becoming predictable but, again I have to name:

Kletzki/CzPO, Jochum/RCO and Furtwängler/BPO ('43 live).

Q

[Drasko]

This is becoming predictable

Pierre Monteux / London Symphony Orchestra (Decca)

[Gurn Blanston]

Gurn, without intending to dish out advice, I think you need to invest in the Mackerras 2007 cycle.  Don't you?

Well, d, I was waiting for you to get them both and do some serious comparative listening, and them make a rec. This would save me some $$ if the new one isn't better...



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Now playing: London Baroque / Medlam - Bach JS BWV 1036 Sonata in d for Flute, Violin & BC 2nd mvmt - Allegro