About Otto Klemperer

• Biography

About Lewis

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Bearing in mind that this is an uneven live performance, and that the mono recording is poorly balanced, this account of Beethoven's "Symphony No. 9" may rank low on a list of recommendations. Yet this is an interesting document of one of the great Beethoven interpreters at the height of his relationship with his most responsive orchestra. Concluding their 1961 Beethoven series, Otto Klemperer and the Philharmonia Orchestra and Chorus gave the "Ninth" a faulty but stirring performance, which moves the emotions not through force but through simplicity and candor. Klemperer did not attempt to storm heaven here, but instead let the music breathe and flow, almost in a relaxed, Viennese manner. As a result, the first movement is not terrifying, but serious and thoughtfully argued. One may find the Scherzo the least enjoyable for its moderate tempo and lack of fire, but these deficiencies are forgotten when the sumptuous Adagio is heard, the best-sounding movement by far. The Finale gets off to a fitful start, and is marred by Walter Berry's inaccurate baritone solo. However, the movement gathers excitement and coheres quite well, largely through the valiant efforts of the brass. Despite the awkward ritardando at the coda, this "Ode to Joy" is convincingly Romantic with few traditionalist mannerisms. Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

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