Herbert von Karajan’s generally fine rendition of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 4 comes across well in this new SACD release. The DSD remastering’s enhanced clarity relays the music’s engaging energy as well as the finely-chiseled playing of the Berlin Philharmonic. The slow movement, with its graceful phrasing and beautiful cantabile string playing, is the charm of this performance–one of the better installments of Karajan’s 1963 symphony cycle.
The Eroica is less distinctive. Karajan’s swift tempos in the first movement, unusual at the time, continue to impress, but the Funeral March sounds strangely undifferentiated under the conductor’s streamlined approach. The remaining two movements fare better, with assertive yet stylish horn playing in the scherzo and a sense of focused exuberance in the finale–even if it’s no match for Szell’s blazing account with a super-virtuoso Cleveland Orchestra. Still, Karajan fans may want this SACD version for its slightly greater presence and impact, though happy owners of the CD need not feel obliged to replace it.
