Review: Fischer Delivers An "Eroica" That Lives Up To Its Name

[@steveschwartz8944]

The Eroica was the most difficult of the cycle for me to "get," especially the first movement. Not even Szell did it for me. However, since the light dawned, I've been revisiting old recordings, and I am grateful to Dave for intoducing me to new ones.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

IMHO, Fischer's tenure with the NSO in Washington, DC was quite memorable. I truly wish he had stayed longer.

[@patricklenaghan6846]

Another vivid and effective video. I always enjoyed I Fischer's performances. Your rhetoric brought them back so vividly: "joyful hubub" and beautifully stoic". The next time I am stuck on the NJ turnpike, I will think of the development section in the Eroica. I am sure it will help . On the other hand, do I detect, however, a note of envy about Superman's hair? Your diction and style are inimitable. To say nothing of your gleeful elan. Thanks so much.

[@tip3y592]

Agree! I think it's the best Ivan's Beethoven Symphony so far

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

I will freely admit that I "imprinted" on a certain recording of Eroica....that would be Kletzki/CzechPO on MHS. I still think it's amazing, though I've heard many very fine recordings since. My problem with the work has always been the 2nd movement, which I find much too long...but in the hands of a fine conductor and orchestra, it can be quite gripping. Kletzki just does that for me. Many others as well, but still....Kletzki still stands out in my mind. Yes, I admit it's because it was my second recording of the work (Munch/BSO was my first...which I still think is excellent), but still...well....that's where I am. On another note..and I know many will fight me on this....I like the HIP recording by Collegium Aureum...much more than any other "HIP" recording ever made. It has a certain atmosphere and richness that is missing in other "HIP" versions. The only thing I miss is a conductor at the helm. Bottom line is that The Eroica has long been a problem piece for me. I both love and hate it. Some recordings grab me, while many others leave just....wanting something else.

[@HoraceInExile]

One of the great pleasures of my classical music addiction has been learning about Fischer and the Budapest Festival Orchestra almost from the very beginning and seeing them develop together over the decades. This Eroica is a rare reminder that we CAN still have nice things.

[@1984robert]

I've bought the SACD this week. I don't completely agree with Mr. Hurwitz in that this is a heroic performance but I think it doesn't matter. Otherwise Mr. Hurwitz's review is correct in my opinion. Incredible recording. Excellent balances, beautiful orchestral playing. Usually I miss more prominent timpani but this is such a beautiful performance that I don't care. Woodwind-string balance is perfect. I like that second violin part are on the right side while the first violin part is on the left side. This is usual positioning with BFZ but this is not usual positioning with today's most orchestras. What Mr. Hurwitz didn't mention that this recording has excellent and prominent bass part. Mr. Fischer takes care bass parts and we can hear in this recording. There is a video on youtube about the recording of the 3rd movement and we can see that BFZ uses 6 double bass players in this recording. Mr. Hurwitz likes to mentions that german conductors usually have some concept. Ivan Fischer (although he is not German) has something more: he has taste.

[@johnmarchington3146]

I already have some of the other Beethoven symphonies with Fischer and the BFO on Channel Classics so I will definitely look into this one too. Thanks for the rave review, Dave.

[@gregm5775]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention; Klemperer has been my fave so far, but I'm lloking forward to trying this one out. I always found the hero of the Eroica to be a tragic figure...

[@unicateinc]

I have been enjoying this on apple music recently

[@im2801ok]

Your comment on the Authentic/HIP movement "roughing-up" the music, Dave, reminded me of a story I once heard from a colleague, who watched a group of farm pigs eating carrots. It seemed to him that they took special care to SULLY the carrots before eating them. Since then, he coined the phrase: "to sully the carrot", which basically means - deliberately corrupting something in order to make it more attractive or meaningful. An oxymoron? Most likely, but, as you pointed out a few times, some people will go a long way to create something "different", not to say "unique"!

[@noidontubi1086]

hey dave! I was just wondering if you have done any reviews of Ivo Pogorelich's piano recordings in the past? If you haven't, do you think that you will take a look at these anytime soon?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thanks for the suggestion. I will think about it.

[@jamotter8967]

I am curious what Mr. Hurwitz (and his many appreciative readers) might say about this proposition . . . I found this recording on CD (SACD) on Amazon for nearly $27 (including $4 for shipping), which for me is an exceedingly high and untenable price. I also found it on 7 Digital US in 320kbps MP3 format (or 320kbps M4a format) for a mere $3.56 (4 track symphony only). I am inclined to buy it, though I rarely use MP3 at any compression level. Is the difference in the audio quality between 320kbps MP3 and SACD (which I would likely rip to FLAC for playback on my PC streaming system) really all that noticeable? For the substantial difference in cost, would you buy it?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Get the cheaper option.

[@charlesflynn4850]

Your enthusiasm is not misplaced. There are sound samples and snippets from print reviews at Presto Music. The recording will be released on August 9, 2024, and will be available on Apple Music.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

It's already out here. I got it from Amazon.

[@charlesflynn4850]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Thanks for pointing that out. I gave up on Amazon after seeing one cracked CD jewel box too many.

[@charlesflynn4850]

@@DavesClassicalGuide The August 9 date turns out to be for a different recording. Sorry for the error.

[@michelangelomulieri5134]

Should you chose between this recording and the honeck’s one as your desert island eroica, which one would you pick up?

[@luukmarcus]

Problem is: the recording by Honeck is unavailable (at all Amazon sites and some other sites).

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I wouldn't and I don't have to.

[@PoulEriksson-bx4hd]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Fair question, though, as you in many other contexts are able to wring out a "however" choice or nominate best ever's.