This morning, I find myself listening to German conductor Otto Klemperer (1885-1973), Philharmonia Orchestra, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor.
I’ve experienced Maestro Klemperer four times previous to this morning, on…
Day 12. Rating: “Huzzah!”
Day 30. Rating: “Meh!”
Day 48. Rating: “Huzzah!”
Day 66. Rating: “Meh!”
Two “Huzzah!” and two “Meh!” ratings.
Which will today bring? Another “Huzzah!”? Or another “Meh!”?
Could go either way.
I’ll know which way in a about 40 minutes.
Beethoven wrote his symphonies in four parts (except for the Sixth, which is in five). The time breakdown of this particular one (Symphony No. 5 in C minor), from this particular conductor (Klemperer, at at 74) and this particular orchestra (Philharmonia Orchestra), at this particular time in history (October 29 & October 22-24, 1959) on this particular record label (Warner Classics) is as follows:
I. Allegro con brio (C minor)………………………………………………………8:58
II. Andante con moto (A♭ major)………………………………………….11:14
III. Scherzo: Allegro (C minor)……………………………………………………6:13
IV. Allegro (C major)………………………………………………………………..13:19
Total running time: 39:04
My Rating:
Recording quality: 4 (Warner Classics is known for high-quality recordings. This is no exception. Barely noticeable tape hiss, a few ambient noises; otherwise, crisp, clean instruments)
Overall musicianship: 4 (inspired, lyrical, but just a bit too contained, predictable)
CD liner notes: 4 (standard Warner Classics booklet with lots of information, and an essay about Klemperer in English, German, and French)
How does this make me feel: 5 (“Huzzah!”)
This performance pushes all the right buttons for me, starting with Movement I.
The tempo is just right. It’s not too slow, not too fast. It has weight, but not lugubriousness.
The Da-Da-Da-DAHHH notes that open Movement I are given their proper place in the world.
Movement II’s simple chromatic scale at 5:44-5:50 still gives me the chills. I don’t know why. It’s only a scale. But it seems to add heartfelt emotion that promises more to come.
Movement III’s awesome melody (:25-:46) rings out with great emotional power depth. The pizzicato from 4:15 to 5:25 is entertaining and – as I’ve mentioned before – lighthearted. Pizzicato always reminds me of cartoon characters sneaking up on each other, on tip toe.
Movement IV (an immediate segue from Movement III) arrives with grandeur and beauty. It’s powerful. Especially the ending.
Maestro Klemperer was an amazing interpreter of Beethoven’s symphonies. I agree with the comments about Klemperer. He truly was the last great conductor of his generation.
I have to give this performance of Beethoven’s Fifth an unapologetic “Huzzah!” It’s one I could share with someone and say, “This is worth hearing. This is a great performance of Beethoven’s Fifth.”
“Huzzah!”