Beethoven - Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55: I. Allegro con brio (Part 1)

One of my absolute favorites, one would be hard-pressed to find a recording of the Eroica more precise, elegant (yet never bland or toothless) and structurally clear than this one and despite the moderate tempi the liveliness and joy of the musicians is palpable. I mean, just look at Monteux, he's the kinda guy you'd want for a grandpa.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• pierre
• monteux
• eroica
• french
• ludwig
• van
• beethoven
• symphony
• classical
• romantic
• antiphonic
• concertgebouw
• great
• recording
• elegant
• sensual
• napoleon

[billyguns2]

Pierre Monteux, one of the truly great conductors, leading one of the world's best orchestras in one of the best symphonies of all time; pretty great! Monteux's elegant sound is instantly recognizable; all the great conductors had their own unique sound. My other favorite Eroicas, all completely different, are Furtwangler/VPO '44, Toscanini/NBC '49, Scherchen, and Klemperer/EMI '54. Karajan '62 is very good too.

[Nachtmarchen]

My picks would be quite similar, though I'd pick the Philharmonia Eroica when it comes to Karajan, the '62 one is just too diffuse and dull in color for me - especially when it comes to the spectacular dissonances in the trumpets, or the brass in the coda it feels seriously manicured. As far as Klemperer goes the '57 Danish one on Testament is his best, fiercest and 'fastest' account, I'd also add Harnoncourt's to the list.

[formiga1950]

While listening to the CD edition in my big speakers, I looked into youtube to do a link to my facebook profile. Found yours. Thank you very much. Montreux, here in his 80s, is perfect. Please, try to post the rehearsal also. Is prodigious . Thank you very much again and warm regards from Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

[XVI9XXII]

Slower than I think we're used to but never-the-less engaging and beautifully executed. . .Bravo Grampy!

[bju0099]

Thank you so much for make my day more beautiful.

Very nice to have souch good friend.

Beethoven symphony is every likely to my home.

[tyrelroo]

The tempo is a bit slow, but I'm simply blown away at how CLEAN this is.

[Sinfoniette]

How did you guess what I was thinking when I was looking at Monteux? He looks like a jolly old man, and seriously, I would like to have someone like him as a grandfather.

I haven't heard much Eroicas, but from what I heard, I like the Klemperer, Toscanini, and this Monteux. I'm still not sure what to say of the Szell, but this Monteux rendition is truly pants-popping!

[RabidCh]

Excellent excellent excellent!

Thanks for posting!