ME 077 Konwitschny: Beethoven 7/GWH

Konwitschny conducts Beethoven

5 Overture, Leonore No 2 (14:26) Gewandhaus Orchestra, Leipzig
6 Overture, Fidelio (06:34) Staatskapelle Berlin

SYMPHONY NO 7

1 i Poco sostenuto – vivace (14:59)
2 ii Allegretto (08:46)
3 iii Presto – assai meno presto (09:43) 4 iv Finale: allegro con brio (08:26)

“…The recording throughout is forward and vivid […]. Konwitschny’s tempo for the first movement of the Seventh is char- acteristically broad, but at least this means the rhythms are well articulated (if not incisive) and the reading has plen- ty of weight. The allegretto is good but the performance really begins to sparkle at the scherzo, which is splendidly viva- cious. The finale too has an exhilarating forward impetus without the music being

rushed of its feet…”

The Stereo Record Guide 1972, p1084

“…The Seventh is simply glorious, a recording to vie with Kleiber and Karajan; from the first crashing chord you know you are in for a performance of real substance. The slow movement is grand and inexorable, the Presto wild and driven, the finale a Bacchanalian whirl…”

Ralph Moore, Musicweb Int

ME.077

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