Prom 12: Beethoven Cycle -- Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6
Beethoven - Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 (Pastoral)
1 - Allegro ma non troppo
2 - Andante molto mosso
3 - Allegro
4 - Allegro
5 - Allegretto
West--Eastern Divan Orchestra
Daniel Barenboim, conductor
Royal Albert Hall, 23 July 2012
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This version of Beethoven's beautiful Pastoral Symphony is not the leisurely
stroll in the countryside enjoyed by Otto Klemperer and the Philharmonia, or
Karl Bohm and the Vienna Philharmonic in their classic recordings of 1957
and 1971 respectively. No wonder Barenboim frequently wipes his brow as he
takes almost 4 minutes less to gallop through the piece! Still, it's a laudable
effort from his enthusiastic young orchestra, who obviously relished playing
such glorious music. Very pleasing.