Klemperer's Eroica (on Youtube)

[Sean]

I'm not sure how many times Klemperer recorded this but the account here with the Philharmonia must be among the famous ones, certainly remarkable for its gravity and overall vision. The opening movement emphasizes balance and inner order rather than passion, but he really got my attention with the slow movement- slow tempos again but the sheer strength and focus of conception throughout each movement is phenomenal; the scherzo is likewise unhurried but with the same depth, charmless and stoic. There's an immense intelligence and stillness here, in a work whose shifting balances and poise is as demanding as anything in Beethoven. Absolutely nothing to compare on this level today.

Here's part of the slow mov- you'll have to sort the rest yourself. Sound is wavey but its a colour video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDxccA1xnHA&feature=related

Any info on this M?

[Sean]

It seems to be from Royal Festival Hall in May 1970.

Again the finale is infused with an almost unique strength and certainty.