Just in case you thought you’d heard the last of “authentic” Beethoven symphonies with John Elliot Gardiner’s complete set on Archive, there are evidently legions of period ensembles licking their chops to take their shot at the Mighty Nine. Under Enoch zu Guttenberg’s direction, the KlangVerwaltung make a nearly convincing argument for the style, utilizing small forces, clear textures, quick tempos and powerful timpani to arresting effect. Two sharp orchestral jabs and the “Eroica” is off like a stallion. Yet it doesn’t feel rushed because the ear is constantly beguiled by Beethoven’s dovetailing contrapuntal lines, rendered in vivid colors by the orchestra. This is especially so in the Funeral March– here, the highlight of the symphony–where Guttenberg invests the climaxes with an intensity not too far removed from the first movement of Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. Strangely, the winning qualities of the Eroica performance work against Symphony No.8. Here the period strings, with their thin tone and rapid decay, lend a wimpish quality to what should be a bold opening statement. What’s worse, they’re virtually inaudible during the powerful first movement climax. The finale’s trumpets are so prominent that we feel we are actually sitting in their section. (This is not the fault of the recording, which is excellent.) For those who have grown tired of the full string sonority of say, the Vienna Philharmonic in their Beethoven, this release could be just what the doctor ordered. Otherwise it’s what some British writers would refer to as a curate’s egg. But, being an American, I’ll just call it sweet n’ sour chicken.
