Polish Chamber Philharmonic Orchestra Beethoven Symphonies No.1, 2 + 8 (2 LP)

In view of the large catalogue holdings of convincing Beethoven recordings, it takes a certain amount of self-confidence to bring another edition of the symphonies onto the market. With this production of Beethoven's symphonies, a fresh wind is blowing through the high house of Viennese Classicism, which could blow many a sound monument enthroned there from its pedestal. The reason for this lies not only in the outstanding sound in which the two early symphonies blossom out youthfully fresh, but also in the courageous and bold approach of the interpreters: Wojciech Rajski and the Polish Chamber Orchestra play a joyfully rousing, but by no means luridly illustrative Beethoven: the musicians know how to mix the explosive core and its soft transformation in an excellent harmonious way and provide a clearly defined and rich sounding listening pleasure. Loving attention is paid to the recording and playback of the wind passages, whose full-bodied intensity is reminiscent of the recordings with Otto Klemperer in the 50s and 60s. Rajski indulges in the brisk tempi in the corner movements, which unleash all virtuoso powers, especially in the explosive finale of the 2nd Symphony. In the Eighth, whose throbbing gesture of the second movement was once attributed to the inventor of the metronome Mälzel, the lively playing of the Polish actors unleashes all rhythmic, metrical and, not least, humorous forces. Now, at the latest, when this fire-headed symphony is completely available at Tacet, Referenz-Jäger should take this record edition into their sights.
Now in half speed transfer!

Reviews

"Rajski's dross-free, spirited interpretations shine in glorious splendor. Top recommendation." (audio, July 2017)
"»... excellent sounding and precisely recorded recordings, which provide a clear view of the work, especially through the small orchestra (LP magazine, 5 / 2017)