Catalogue # 74321654102

Beethoven:
Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (complete)

Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra, David Zinman

“Viewed overall, the performances of Nos 1, 4, 6 and 8 are the best in this set, though there’s a certain levelling of dynamics in the Eighth. In the Seventh and the Fifth, the finales might have benefited from a wider curve of dynamics and a little more in the way of tonal weight. On the other hand, Zinman’s fleet-footed Eroica grows on you, and the Fourth is among the most vivacious accounts available. As to the Ninth, the Scherzo’s super-fast Trio makes particular sense at the very end of the movement where Trio and outer section engage in a brief comic tussle. The fast first movement is suitably dangerous and while the finale will no doubt court controversy (primarily for some unusual tempo relations), the Adagio sounds matter-of-fact, even a little impatient. Indeed, it’s the one movement in this cycle that seems to misfire.
Zinman has used Bärenreiter’s new edition of Beethoven’s texts, although the extra appoggiaturas and ornaments, invariably sewn along the woodwind lines – were inserted by the conductor, based on sound musicological principles. All repeats are observed, and so are the majority of Beethoven’s metronome markings. What matters most is the overall character of Zinman’s Beethoven which is swift, lean, exhilarating and transparent. The Tonhalle copes bravely, often with exceptional skill, and the recordings easily compare with their best full-price rivals.
And the best bargain alternatives? Günter Wand’s sense of structure (RCA) draws a sympathetic response, while Leinsdorf’s solid, strong-arm Beethoven also has much to commend it (RCA). Karajan’s 1962 cycle is surely the best of four (see above) and although Mackerras (Classics for Pleasure), like Zinman, sheds revealing beams of light here and there, this Zurich set has the greater impact. Those who favour the darker, weightier, more obviously ‘heroic’ Beethoven known (wrongly, perhaps) as ‘old school’ will probably not respond quite so readily, but they should still give Zinman a try. On balance, his cycle remains the best bargain digital option. Besides, Arte Nova’s asking price is so ludicrously cheap that it’s worth buying on impulse, if only for the sake of a refreshing change. Just try to have someone else’s Choral in reserve.”

Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010