Title: Szell's Fine Conducting of Sibelius and Beethoven
Product review: This is yet another unexpected treasure in the Philips 50 commemorative CD series. George Szell and the Concertgebouw Orchestra give two captivating performances of Sibelius' and Beethoven's most popular symphonies. Szell's powerful, riveting account of Sibelius' 2nd Symphony will not replace those of Ashkenazy and Davis as first choice, yet his interpretation remains compelling. Equally mesmerizing is his regal account of Beethoven's 5th symphony. Needless to say, the Concertgebouw Orchestra performs with ample warmth and brilliance under the baton of Maestro Szell. The Concertgebouw Orchestra plays with the same technical precision shown by the Cleveland Orchestra during Szell's tenure as Cleveland's music director. Anyone interested in hearing one of the great 20th Century conductors leading one of Europe's finest orchestras should buy this CD.
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