In Reply to: Norrington's Beethoven Sym 1 & 8 posted by John C. - Aussie on November 24, 2002 at 14:00:47:
I believe the first volume to be issued in Norrington's set contained symphonies 2 & 8--nos. 1 and 6 came later, which is the volume that you're talking about. Although several of his Beethoven symphonies were indeed taken at a rather fast, even excessive clip (especially no.3), the up-tempo in the first movement of no.6 was really quite enjoyable--"refreshing" is the right word.What I find less enjoyable about Norrington's earlier releases is the variable quality of the orchestral playing. In nos. 2 & 8, there is some rather disagreeable oboe playing, and the overall balance between strings and brass is skewed in favor of the brass, with the strings sometimes inaudible as a result. Both of these problems subsided considerably with later installments of the Beethoven series.
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Follow Ups
- Re: Norrington's Beethoven Sym 1 & 8 - C.B. 07:03:28 11/25/02 (0)