As one of Klaus Tennstedt's final appearances with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, this live 1992 performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, "Choral," may be considered a fitting valedictory, for it is admirable in its directness and commitment, and in its vitality it scarcely seems like the work of an ailing man. Yet despite the serious illnesses that had taken a toll on the already emotionally and mentally overwhelmed conductor, Tennstedt still brought the orchestra, singers, and chorus together ...
Read More
As one of Klaus Tennstedt's final appearances with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, this live 1992 performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 in D minor, "Choral," may be considered a fitting valedictory, for it is admirable in its directness and commitment, and in its vitality it scarcely seems like the work of an ailing man. Yet despite the serious illnesses that had taken a toll on the already emotionally and mentally overwhelmed conductor, Tennstedt still brought the orchestra, singers, and chorus together in a convincing presentation that hits all the right marks and delivers both technical brilliance and expressive power. There are a few unusual features here, such as the swelling waves of timpani rolls at the climax of the first movement, and the surprising attacca at the beginning of the Finale, but by and large, this is a conventional reading of the score, and there's nothing especially novel or controversial in the interpretation. The quartet of soprano Lucia Popp,...
Read Less