Furtwangler conducts Don Giovanni Overture

Furtwangler and VPO, Simply incomparable.
The finest Don Giovanni Overture I've ever heard.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Furtwangler
• Don
• Giovanni
• Mozart

[warmperson2007]

Furtwangler hated the nazis. There is even evidence of him shaking Goebbels' hand, then turning away and wiping his hand with a handkerchief. I am not sure the same could be said about Karajan.

[WilliamSGilbert]

The music is brilliant. It's a pity the sound quality is as abysmal as it is.

[funnycookbook]

the problem with classic music is that they always film the ugly elderly fookerz. i mean seriously film some topless chicks and the audience will be multiplied by one hundred million!

[Galantski]

@WilliamSGilbert - There's a much, much better posting of this performance, both in terms of sound and image. Simply type in 'Don Giovanni Overture' above, go to the third item down on the search page, then sit back and enjoy a one for the ages!

[krupple]

@WilliamSGilbert

I concur! It's a 'pity.'

HA!

[TheStockwell]

@78timothy This film was taken by filming a television! The "real" footage - from a 1954 film - is very good and the sound is excellent. Search YouTube for a better version - you'll find one!

[cenodus]

@zdenko1945 : well there were only a few things one could do to stay alive in those times! his refusal would have probably cost him his life.

[LAconductingsalon]

The drama, intensity and atmosphere he creates at the beginning is extraordinary and cannot but take you directly into the world of the opera.

[zdenko1945]

It is also pity that Furtwangler performed symphony # 9 to Nazis for Hitler's birthday...

[cleanears]

What no flailing hair? No little wunderkinds jumping around? Just the music? Just Mozart? Aw, c'mon...

[PUCCINIMUSICK]

As usual, Furtwaengler gives us a very personal interpretation of the Music but, alas, he is not respecting the written indications of the Composer. The difference between Andante and Molto Allegro MUST be a great difference. Furthermore 10 bars before the end, there is a subito piano (not a diminuendo of any sort) and there is no rallentando at all.

I do not frankly understand why these corrections and changes were largely tolerated while other conductors were condemned for similar choices.

[78timothy]

I still contend that Furtwaengler takes the introduction just a bit too schnell. It does not sound as sombre as it should. But also that is only a matter of opinion - no kidding. I also think taht Arturo Toscanini, and George Szell interpreted the Beethoven Symphonies too fast as well, conpared to Furtwaengler, and yes even Otto Klemperer. Only my humble opinion...