Beethoven Symphony No 3 - Bruno Walter Columbia Symphony Orchestra

Beethoven Symphony 3, “Eroica,” Columbia SO, Walter

Prior to the 1980s, epic readings of the Eroica were frequent, and won serious praise. In the 1980s the period instruments movement arrived, and began to alter perceptions about how it should be played. For a period-instruments performance, there is a solid argument for quicker tempos, relating to how the instruments sound, and to period customs, including venue size. Modern orchestras are larger, audiences larger and more knowledgeable, symphony halls much larger, wonderful of sound, and more reverberant. This would seem to argue for slower tempos. The Eroica opened the resplendent door to the age of the Romantics, an awakening of depths, profundity of feeling. I consider it the first symphony to step beyond the classical age. Out of the depths of Beethoven, a tomorrow had arrived. This is an epic reading, and as with much of Walter’s work, has found favor with many. It is a kind of singing, as well as dramatic, Eroica. Very nice. The 1958 recording is clean and improved here. Recommended.

Good.

It is an old recording, but the performance is powerful. I had a good feeling.

Marvelous Performance with Spectacular Sound

Marvelous performance which now comes in spectacular sound on this HDTT. Some say Klemperer provides the most enjoyable or one of the most enjoyable Eroica performances. I agree and am partial to the 1959 stereo performance which comes in very good sound in the 10-disc The Orchestral Recordings: Symphonies & Overtures. That box set also has the 1955 mono version which some prefer. However, this 1958 Bruno Walter performance with the Columbia Symphony ranks up with the Klemperer stereo version in my opinion and this performance now comes in spectacular sound. Highest recommendation.