I won’t lie. I think Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) is my favorite conductor of Beethoven’s symphonies.
Whenever I listen to one of Bernstein’s performances, I’m filled with joy, awe, and reverence. I am caught up in his unbridled enthusiasm because I think the orchestra is, too.
Even this, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major, which I haven’t exactly been digging because it seems less catchy than the previous two. (The only thing “heroic” about it is that I’ve been able to sit through it so many times already.)
But in the hands of Leonard Bernstein, Beethoven’s Third is marvelous.
Because I enjoy Leonard Bernstein’s “Discussions” series so much, below I posted his discussion of Beethoven’s Third at the beginning of my blog this morning. His enthusiastic presentation and insights were the reason why my opinion about this symphony changed.
I first experienced “Lenny” in this Beethoven project on Day 3. And then again on Day 21. In both instances, I awarded his performance an unequivocal “Huzzah!”
Beethoven wrote his symphonies in four parts (except for the Sixth, which is in five). The time breakdown of this particular one (Symphony No. 3 in E flat Major), from this particular conductor (Bernstein, at age 60) and this particular orchestra (Wiener Philharmoniker), at this particular time in history (February, 1978) on this particular record label (Deutsche Grammophon) is as follows:
Allegro con brio………………………………………………………………………17:42
Marcia funebre: Adagio assai…………………………………………………17:40
Scherzo: Allegro vivace – Trio……………………………………………………6:13
Finale: Allegro molto – Poco andante – Presto………………………11:48
Total running time: 52:43
My Rating:
Recording quality: 5 (occasional, but forgivable tape hiss)
Overall musicianship: 5
CD liner notes: 4 (intro by Bernstein, only one English essay – but a darn good one)
How does this make me feel: 5 (“Huzzah!”)
I don’t think it’s fair for Abaddo and even Barenboim to precede Leonard Bernstein because, invariably, his performances outshine theirs.
As with Symphony No. 2, I was bored to tears by Abaddo’s interpretation and didn’t fully enjoy it – until I heard Bernstein.
The same is true with Beethoven’s Third – a piece of music that fell on deaf ears until I heard it this morning, as if for the first time, played by Bernstein and the Wiener Philharmoniker.
My favorite movement is the Scherzo (movement three) because, especially after the more even keeled and somewhat somber first two movements, this is a much-needed shot in the arm. I especially enjoy hearing the French horns.
But the grand Finale sounds epic in Bernstein’s hands.
“Huzzah!” I say.
“Huzzah!”