When Vladimir Ashkenazy recorded Beethoven’s Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh symphonies in the early 1980s his conducting career was relatively new, as was the digital recording medium. In fact, these were Decca’s first digital Beethoven recordings, and for the most part they’ve held up well over the past two decades. The Fifth is the better sounding of the two symphonies offered here. The recording relays the spacious acoustic of London’s Kingsway Hall with solid imaging, satisfying presence, and more warmth than was usually found on early digital recordings. This also is the better performance, with Ashkenazy choosing firm yet energized tempos and soliciting alert and vibrant playing from the Philharmonia Orchestra. Only the finale slightly disappoints: the big brass tune sounds strangely underpowered after the tremendous build-up from the prior movement (the shimmering strings really fill the room).
Ashkenazy’s Seventh is less effective, with slow tempos (mainly in the first two movements) and too-careful phrasing and dynamics (the scherzo lacks rhythmic tension). Only in the finale does he seem to drop his guard and let loose an exciting rendition. No doubt the Ashkenazy of today, being a vastly more experienced and accomplished conductor, would lead a far more compelling account. Nonetheless the Philharmonia gives him all that he asks for and then some, especially in the fast-paced finale. Although the 1984 Seventh was made two years after the Fifth, it sounds as if it could be the earlier of the two, due to its somewhat stark, “edgy” ambience. Even so, this release–especially with its bargain price–will suit the novice collector just fine.
