Word: beethovens
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Haitink's finale constituted nothing less than a triumph. The "alpenhorn" theme flowed majestically through the Shed and Lawn, as did the brass chorale that follows it. Haitink's initial reading of the main theme (the one derived from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony) seemed last at first. The tempo, however, reaped its reward in the development, instead of the usual disconnected and episodic character of that section. Haitink's interpretation was brisk and lively. He could only be faulted for his treatment of the piece's climax--the return of the chorale--which he sprinted through with inappropriate disinterest...
Sony has released a new recording in its "Artist Laureate" series, this time featuring its premier chamber group--the quartet composed of violinist Isaac Stern, violist Jaime Laredo, cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emmanuel Ax. This recording contrasts the piano quartets of Beethoven and Schumann, embracing both the Classical and Romantic periods in music...
...These two recordings appear removed from each other in many ways. The exertion, enthusiasm, and depth of interpretation necessary to bring off the Schumann hardly parallel the effortless lightness of the Beethoven. Indeed, the players react extremely differently to the two pieces...
...would add that even the sound engineering differs dramatically between the two pieces. Whether a conscious decision made by the tonmeister or not, the Beethoven sounds consistently more atmospheric, more intimate and less strained than the Schumann in its entirety...
...best playing comes on the Beethoven. His runs are sublime, his pauses placed perfectly. In spite of the fact that they spend considerably more energy and adrenaline on the Schumann, all of the players exude more spirit and virtuosity in the Beethoven. It is, by far, the more pleasurable listening experience...