Credits:

Beethoven (1770-1827)

Description:

The last concert recording of Furtwängler conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, the "7th & 8th" in Salzburg, is now available on SACD hybrid disc! Recorded at the 1954 Salzburg Festival where Beethoven's "Seventh" and "Eighth" were performed. The significance of this disc is that it is the last concert recording of Furtwängler conducting the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The performance is characteristic of Furtwängler in his last years, with slow tempi and heavy rhythms. The dramatic tempi of the past are restrained, and beautiful shapes are created. The music is powerful and passionate, but not tense and terrible, and has a rich breadth and elegance. Here we can hear the beauty of the clear emotion and the state of resignation reached by the maestro. The "Seventh" was released by King Records on LP: K22C-137 (October 21, 1981), CD: KICC-2296 (July 21, 1993), KICC-1266 (June 22, 2016), and K22C-137 was originally released as the "world premiere LP on the Italian Laudis disc. K22C-137 was originally released as the "world premiere LP of the Italian Laudis original" and was very well received for its sound quality. The "Eighth" was released on LP: K19C-21-2 (1980), K17C-9421 (1984.10), CD: K35Y-43 (1980), KICC-2296, KICC-1266.Both tracks are now available on SACD for the first time in the world! The very good sound quality of the analog tapes (1/4" wide, 38 cm/second) produced by Milan Discos has been further improved by the latest digital re-mastering at King Sekiguchidai Studio. The liner notes are reprinted from Kuniyoshi Uno. I have a special feeling for Furtwängler's performance in 1954. But I am also strongly attracted to the perfection of Furtwängler's late performances. The depth of expression and form of the music is not seen before, and this is especially evident in the 1954 performance. (omission) This "Seventh" was also performed in 1954. The performance of the "Seventh" is also unmistakably a performance from 1954, as we can feel the power of reason and will to suppress the violent changes in tempo as much as possible while fully maintaining Furtwängler's unique content. The first movement with its consistent slow tempo and heavy rhythms, the way the notes are played is always meaningful, and the third movement with its slow tempo, thick sound, and great content is a masterful performance that only Furtwängler can give, and the finale is far better than the 1953 recording. The finale is also far superior to the 1953 recording. The finale is also far superior to the 1953 recording. The recording is also superior due to the richness of the sound, and is a representative recording of Furtwängler's "Eighth".From Liner Notes by Uno Kuniyoshi, King International