Beethoven Symphony No. 9 - Leibowitz RPO

An exceptionally fine performance in exceptionally good sonics

A glorious performance and recording of Beethoven's Choral Symphony, Symphony No. 9! This is another recording from the superb Readers Digest series engineered by Kenneth Wilkinson and Charles Gerhardt in the early 1960s. Conducted by Rene Leibowitz, this performance has all the passion, energy and drive one might hope to hear in a performance of this great work. At the same time, Leibowitz moves matters right along without excess indulgence. This is a masterful, intentional and no nonsense performance from a masterful musician. This release is yet another excellent transfer from LP in HDTT's ongoing Vinyl Record Restoration (VRR) series. I have listened to every one of these VRR titles released thus far and there is a continuing "goodness" to the high quality of the transfers that HDTT is achieving from LP. If you enjoyed the LPs, you'll find these transfers to be exceptionally enjoyable. These transfers may even sound better, depending on the quality of the vinyl and playback system available to you at the time. In this release of Leibowitz's Beethoven Ninth, is there a bit of congestion in the most dynamic passages of full orchestra and chorus going full tilt? Yes. There is. But, those occasional short passages pass by and what you have overall is an exceptionally fine performance in exceptionally fine sonics. And, oh my, the Kenneth Wilkinson engineered recording is just superb. As I've written elsewhere, Wilkinson's partnership with Charles Gerhardt in this Readers Digest contract freed him from the demands of the Decca hierarchy and allowed him to return the purity of his craft, making some of the finest sounding recordings of his career. Very similar to his work for Lyrita, his Readers Digest recordings are simply miked (reasonable so, at least) and have a directness and purity of sound that is just a pleasure to hear. Superb orchestral balance, exceptional inner detail, great dynamics and a beautiful tone throughout. Highly recommended!

Leibowitz Beethoven 9

The whole series of the Beethoven symphonies is one of the best: some say since Furtwangler. This transfer is really successful and I hope the rest come soon!