Negative Positive
Title: why bother?
Review: I have been listening to the Beethoven symphonies for 50 years. More than any other symphonic output, or for that matter, any other genre of classical music, they are central to the core of classical music. Perhaps if I had listened to this set earlier in life, I might feel differently about it. But to it so recently, I just can't summon any enthusiasm for it. I find it bloated and pretentious. Both Bernstein and the Vienna deserve better than this and, together, they owe us better.No one summoned more majesty for Beethoven than Bruno Walter with his pick up band. And then there is George Szell's classic cycle, perhaps the best ever to capture the heart and soul of the music. For modernists, ther is Sir Charles Mackerras in live recordings with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra/ Philharmonia Orchestra. Norrington and the London Classical Players is very good. Finally thre is a young, vital Bernstein with the NY Philharmonic.Please check some these out.
Is the review positive or negative? 