Haitink/Krebbers' superb Beethoven
Haitink and Krebbers combine to record a magical Beethoven concerto
Jun 19, 2007
This CD, first recorded in 1975, featuring Herman Krebbers, violin, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Bernard Haitink KBE, is probably the best Beethoven recording around at the moment, though not as well known as other, more advertised versions in the musical field. Nevertheless, this recording should be a must-buy for any Beethovenian aficionados.
This recording is superbly handled by Bernard Haitink right from the beginning, when the ouverture is played extremely nobly from the beginning to the violin entry. Krebbers's sound is strong yet soft enough in the lyrical passages, and he takes a slower tempo than most in the Beethoven, which only highlights his control and mastery both musical and technical of this cathedral-like masterpiece. Haitink is the perfect foil for Krebbers's sound, stepping back at exactly the right times in order to allow Krebbers to shine during his solo passages, yet taking control superbly during the orchestral tutti, with a steady tempo and a full range and palette of dynamics. Krebbers elects to play the Kreisler cadenze throughout at the end of each movement.
The only serious rivals to this recording are the Erich Gruenberg/ Jascha Horenstein 1967 recording, the Oistrakh recordings, and of course the Schneiderhan recording. Haitink and Krebbers just shade it though, because of the supreme, legendary level of musicianship shown in this recording, which include Haitink's hallmark: transparency and clarity of texture throughout the three movements of this concerto. This recording has all the hallmarks of a classic recording, and it is a surprise that it is not recognized more among the professionals of the music field, which will often direct one to other, more well-known, lesser quality versions. It truly deserves to be known and accepted within the musical profession as at least one of the greatest ever interpretations of this concerto, if not the greatest.
The Egmont Ouverture is also to be found on this CD. Haitink conducts this masterfully, with all his legendary skill at handling Beethoven. The tempi are perfect, the texture is magically clean and every single note can be heard like droplets of water falling on a leaf. The fast section at the end is especially brilliant-sounding, with all the brass giving their everything for the flashy finale of the piece.
Verdict: legendary recording, every classical music lover should buy one.
This CD is readily available at most good musical retailers, under the name: Beethoven Violin Concerto and Beethoven "Egmont" Ouverture, Herman Krebbers, violin, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam, Bernard Haitink, conductor - Philips Concert Classics
