Hindemith: Symphony in E flat

Advantages: A new way to hear Beethoven
Disadvantages: Surpassed by some later period cycles

...performance that fits well with the description of a contemporary critic that the work is "like a dragon that refuses to die." The first movement has great exuberance that is further accentuated by the period instruments. The Larghetto, the only movement in all of the symphonies that can really be called at all "slow", is lyrical and very well pulled off. The Scherzo has about as much scherzo-material in it than the Menuetto of the First, but the same energetic qualities are there making it very enjoyable indeed. The Finale then brings the proceedings down in jumping good humor, a satisfying conclusion that brings further evidence of Beethoven's developing sense of drama in a finale. Overall one of the best Beethoven Seconds I have heard and a guaranteed pleasure at any time. Symphony No.3 in E flat major, Op.55 "Eroica" The Eroica comes... Read review

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Advantages: A most powerful and unique work in the annals of music
Disadvantages: Will not appeal to the cutesy-cutesy people

..., finally to die out in a whimper." In the very end we can also hear the "fate" motif in a very subdued form as the movement dies away. - III. Andante moderato - Next we have the gentle Andante, arguably the best slow movement Mahler ever wrote (even better than the famous Adagietto of the Fifth Symphony). The strings play pianissimo in the middle and lower registers, creating a very soothing feeling after the preceding horrors. The key of E flat major (the key most remote from A) is very mellow, just like the "Alma" theme in the first movement: "plain" but in Mahler's hands becomes a skilled and eloquent composition. The orchestrations are magical, with dabs of wind color setting this or that point into higher relief. This is music full of Mahlerian major-minor ambiguities. As a whole the movement has a surprising harmonic sweep, its... Read review

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Advantages: A work that changed the way we look at symphonies
Disadvantages: none whatsoever

...'s wanderings from E flat major into foreign tonalities from the very beginning already sets uneasiness to the symphony. The music also features many violent off-beats, strange harmonic twists, passages of such turbulance never heard before in orchestral music and other peculiarities that caused alienation with the people adjusted to thinking music as a pleasant pastime, not as a deeply personal utterance. As Brahms said: "Writing symphonies was no longer playful." I. Allegro con brio The symphony begins with two forceful E flat major chords (forte) that instantly set the tone of the music. The cellos then launch into the main theme, that in actuality is nothing more than an E flat chord tipped on its side and turned into a melody. Incidentally this theme bears incredible resemblance to the overture of Mozart's youthful singspiel Bastien et... Read review

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