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Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique: Live at Cadogan Hall: Beethoven – Symphonies 2 & 8
ByThe specter of a new Beethoven Cycle became brighter with the release of Beethoven Symphonies 2 & 8, Live at London's Cadogan Hall. Again, Gardiner has shipped his considerable forces into fighting shape to address an early and late symphony from the Master from Bonn. The Symphony No. 2, perhaps Beethoven's most Hadyn-esque symphony, is given a frantic reading with tempi exceeding that of his previous recording and possibly of that of Roger Norrington's controversial 1987 performance on EMI. This 2nd will appeal to many of the period instrument/performance camps, but may be off-putting for the more staid and conservative listeners. The sonics are pristine and clear, captured in such a way that the listener may walk amongst the music as it is performed.
In Beethoven's warm-up to his magnum opus, Gardiner again employs fast tempi. His direction and the orchestra's performance is a high-wire act, and, as such, bears the excitement of running off the rails as part of its appeal. Effervescent and shining, this "lighter" symphony is given a breathing personality that is both outgoing and friendly.
Track Listing
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36; Symphony No. 8, Op. 93.
Personnel
Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique: orchestra; John Eliot Gardiner: director and conductor.
Album information
Title: Live at Cadogan Hall: Beethoven – Symphonies 2 & 8 | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Soli Deo Gloria