BEETHOVEN Symphonies Vol.2
Symphonies Nos.5-8
Copenhagen Phil / LAN SHUI
Orchid Classics 100059 (2 CDs) / *****
Ever
wondered what a Beethoven symphony cycle from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra
might sound like on compact disc?
In a crowded world of recorded Beethoven
symphonies, SSO Music Director Lan Shui's vision with his Danish orchestra, the
Copenhagen Phil (he was Chief Conductor from 2007-2015), stands out. Its spirit
of freshness and vitality most resembles that of the 1990s ground-breaking
cycle from his mentor David Zinman and the Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra (initially
released on Arte Nova, but now reissued on Sony Classical).
The
timings of the symphonies on both cycles are very similar, although Shui's very
brisk view of the popular Fifth Symphony clocks in at just over 30
minutes. This and his account of the Seventh Symphony may be said to be
breathtaking at near supersonic speeds.
Arguably even better is the Sixth
Symphony or “Pastoral Symphony”, where finer details come to the
fore, notably in the serene Scene At The Brook and a most gripping Storm
movement. The Eighth Symphony, with its four movements of clockwork
precision pacing, comes across as brilliant rather than hectic or forced.
Highly recommended.
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