Beethoven: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 3

Beethoven: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 3

These are big-band performances, with a good, sonorous sound in the tuttis, but they lack that last ounce of precision in articulation and ensemble. Although the tempi are well-chosen, rhythms aren’t always kept under tight control, and the forward momentum gets lost – this is particularly noticeable in the scherzo of the Eroica. On the plus side, Morris observes all the repeats, and takes great care over dynamics and accents. But, ultimately, the whole thing struck me as cool and uninvolving. Martin Cotton

Our rating

3

Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:28 pm

COMPOSERS: Beethoven
LABELS: Carlton
WORKS: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 3
PERFORMER: LSO/Wyn Morris
CATALOGUE NO: 30368 01157

These are big-band performances, with a good, sonorous sound in the tuttis, but they lack that last ounce of precision in articulation and ensemble. Although the tempi are well-chosen, rhythms aren’t always kept under tight control, and the forward momentum gets lost – this is particularly noticeable in the scherzo of the Eroica. On the plus side, Morris observes all the repeats, and takes great care over dynamics and accents. But, ultimately, the whole thing struck me as cool and uninvolving. Martin Cotton

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