Just wanted to mention that I received Szell's Beethoven Symphony cycle on cd today, and it's absolutely wonderful. I've listened to symphonies 1,4,6 & 7 so far, and could not be more pleased. Everything just seems right. This set makes a strong argument that the Cleveland Orchestra under Szell was as fine as any in the US, either in it's day, or since. Also included are the Egmont, King Stephen, and Fidelio Overtures.
The 5 disc set is cheap as chips, and is remastered in 24 bit. The recordings sound as good as any contemporary effort, with a nice balance, and true to Szell's reputation, lots of details brought out in the music. Kudos to Sony for making this set available in it's present incarnation.
The only caveat, is that there is no accompanying documentation about the music or the conductor/orchestra. I rarely read that stuff anyways, so I don't really care.
Grab this set while you can. Very highly recommended!
BBM
Posted on: 09 June 2014 by Chris G
I fully echo your thoughts about Szell's Beethoven: truly tremendous performances. Such incredible disciplined playing - such as we can rarely hear nowadays. It's said that Szell used to rehearse very intensively, to such an extent that he used to also rehearse the inspiration! Such taxing rehearsals wouldn't be tolerated these days - he used to rule like a dictator and would readily sack a player who upset him. Nevertheless his Beethoven must be heard. Anyone who feels tired of Beethoven should listen to these performances. Also, try Szell's Mozart.
Posted on: 09 June 2014 by kuma
I think I only got his 9th with Philly.
I enjoy his Beethoven Piano Concerto as well as Mozart's Concerto with Serkin ( earlier Columbia is fun ). I like this Piano Concerto No.17 particularly. I much prefer this over the popular but bland Anda set.
Unusually, they both are relaxed and having fun. Szell's microscopic direction working well here creating intimate chamber music like atmosphere.
Compared to Anda set, this has so much more going on musically and whilst this is not the reference level performance but certainly more involving.
As Chicago lost Reiner and hasn't quite gotten back its past glory, Cleveland Orchestra also lost their *face* when Szell left.
He isn't my favourite conductor but he created a memorable sound for the Cleveland.
Posted on: 09 June 2014 by George J
Dear Kuma,
I have always found Szell a strange conductor. Yes, he drilled technical perfection into his band, and he had good taste and completely avoids personalising the music so that it becomes more Szell than Beethoven.
But to my mind there is a chromium plated shine to it that somehow misses the swing that Beethoven's inspiration brings out in the best performances. Like Klemperer's Beethoven performances, you could certainly transcribe the music accurately, but the human warmth and frailty of it is somehow ironed out in the clinical perfection of George Szell's vision.
ATB from George
Posted on: 09 June 2014 by kuma
But I think that his insect like presentation is part of the attraction. Very much appealing to the left side of the brain than the right. That's why above Mozart Concerto with Serkin is a surprise as the old man letting his hair down a bit.
I agree that I am not sure if Szell was the right man for Beethoven works unless he's got the right foil.
Here's the odd couple but works. Szell & Gulda + Philharmoniker
It still a bit on a *fussy* side, but this is full of life and joy.
It's not hot blooded like Toscanini or does not have the solidity of Klemperer, but I do admire Szell's power of analysis and much prefer over someone like say, Walter which to me comes off too romantic and boring from the exposures I had so far.
Posted on: 10 June 2014 by mrclick
Hi Kuma,
Did you ever open up the Paavo Jarvi Beethoven box and give it a spin? Its really good.
Posted on: 10 June 2014 by kuma
Mrclick.
I only sampled 5, 7 & 9th and whilst they sound good his performance did not strike me. I have to admit that the competition is pretty tough on those familiar pieces. ( can you really top Kleiber on the 5th? ) I need to revisit them again, tho.
I am having problem with his Bruckner pieces, too.
Posted on: 10 June 2014 by mrclick
Hi Kuma,
Well it is certainly a gorgeous sounding set, and I like the intimacy of the smaller band, but I am more than happy to bow to your knowledge of better performances - there was a great thread on this some while back. If I remember rightly your box set was a gift so you haven't wasted money on it.
I understand Mr Jarvi was arrested for drink driving at some point - perhaps he was drunk in charge of an orchestra also!!
Posted on: 10 June 2014 by kuma
Jarvi's Beethoven Cycle release was unusual and much hyped in a press. It is a nice sounding set. Have you tried Szell's Beethoven Symphonies discussed here?
Maybe you want to give it a try and see if you might like them.
That's what cool about classical music. They are basically different covers and finding the right ones for each listener.
