Furtwangler: Beethoven Symphony no. 9 "Choral" (Bayreuth 1951, Alternative version) 7/9

This is of course from Bayreuth's reopening concert on July 29, 1951, conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler. This is not EMI's recording of it, however, which contains takes from rehearsals. Instead, this has been taken from the Bavarian Radio tapes that the record label Orfeo used in its issue of the concert. The orchestral playing here is rather better, and the performance is more exciting. The trade-off is in the sonics, which are decidedly rougher- but the chorus is recorded with more presence. Take your pick.

Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, Wilhelm Furtwangler
Live Recording, July 29, 1951

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Ludwig
• van
• Beethoven
• Ninth
• Symphony
• Choral
• Wilhelm
• Furtwangler
• Bayreuth
• Festival
• Orchestra

[davtra]

I've listen to over 20 versions of this symphony, and this is one of the versions that stand out from my list.