Review: Honeck Refreshes Beethoven's "Pastoral" Symphony

[@matthewrippingsby5384]

A fine recording. The first movement was a revelation, the textures are wonderful, and the finale was nicely spacious. I wonder whether the interpretation is as complete a narrative as it could be (the storm is slightly under-dramatised from my first listen) , but, in its minutiae, it's terrific! There's so much there, and, as I say, to get that first movement tempo without sounding rushed, is remarkable!

[@antoineduchamp4931]

David, how can I possibly not message you with the biggest THANK YOU I can muster for recommending the Manfred Honeck recording of the Beethoven pastoral recording... David, it is a masterpiece of conducting. Having heard it by every son-of-a-gun conductor that ever lived, I was possessed by an overwhelming feeling that this was the FIRST time I had ever heard the Beethoven 6th, which is far from correct. Thank you again, so much.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

You're very welcome.

[@walterq3]

There is a video on YT where Honeck performs the 6th with the WDR Orchester and they indeed stomp their feet - which was unexpected but very entertaining. An overall great performance indeed (I guess like on the recording as well).

[@pprudencio1966]

I came to the comments to mention this!

[@johnfowler7660]

The foot stomping works better on video than audio, where it sounds like some horrible analog distortion. Both versions are on youtube.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Honeck is somehow finding new things in these well-worn warhorses, and it's pretty impressive. Almost hard to believe when there's so much routine out there.

[@aymannzahri2277]

Hi David, I am from Egypt and like many of your Channel videos! Thank you much! By the way, I heard Manfred Honeck voice at this great performance shouting (like Celibidache) to encourage the Orchestra at the last movement.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thanks for your comments!

[@detectivehome3318]

The horn playing in this performance is unparalleled

[@marcusdibenedetto7958]

I've listened to this recording (surround version) several times and really enjoy it. Personally, I like Honeck's notes. They are educational and informative. But it's the music that's important and Honeck delivers a great (yes, fresh) performance.

[@iptych]

The original piccolo part in the 'Pastoral' amounts to 4 pages of tacet and about 8 notes in the storm scene - nice to see the player being given a bit more to do!

[@ruthhartling3067]

I was at one of the performances included in this recording and it was one of the oddest experiences I've had at Heinz Hall. The recording equipment started buzzing, and Honeck abruptly stopped and ran offstage to consult with the engineers. A few minutes later he returned and continued where he left off. Not the best concert experience, but the result is well worth it. Given the recording issues I was afraid this would never see the light of day.

[@jaykauffman4775]

Couldn't agree more - absolutely blew me away

[@WoutDC]

Thanks for reviewing this. I can only agree, a beautifully fresh Pastoral! Going to check out the coupling today, coincidentally have been reading Carson before this recording came out.

[@burke9497]

I appreciate this review and agree that it’s a very fresh-sounding Pastoral. I also agree with your critical assessment of Honeck’s take on the 9th. Best to you David.

[@specialforces101]

Interesting. Full of energy and the musicians are loving it. Glad he did it and can see why Dave likes it even if some of the tempi are off. But you can't have everything.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Happily, none of the tempi are off. Some of the comments are off, though.

[@UlfilasNZ]

How do you think it compares to Vänskä in Minnesota? For me that's a real highlight of his cycle.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

That's a good project for you to do on a rainy day!

[@joseperla9806]

I love that Vänskä/Minnesota recording too.

[@joseperla9806]

And I love Honeck's as well! Useless to compare ... Each is 100% convincing in its own way, and I can't choose between them.

[@jbaldwin1970]

My least favourite of the nine, this one, but you’re right - it’s a great performance. The piccolos and stamping really make the peasants’ dance come alive and I heard lines I’d previously missed. I’ve no idea why I’m so indifferent to the sixth - it just seems to be by somebody else at times. Maybe a few listens to this will fix that. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@mhc2231]

I do like this performance a great deal - one of the best storms ever! But if I have one quibble it is this (and I know I’m challenging one of the great recent Beethoven conductors and one of America’s greatest music critics… so I’m on very thin ice here), I don’t care for the horns in the first movement, especially when they first come in with that theme (and the repeat). They are VERY forward and VERY energetic. To me it sounds more like a royal fanfare than an introduction to a festive pastoral afternoon. It kinda blows the mood right up front. But after that, Honeck eventually (quickly actually) wins me over. Opinion respectfully submitted.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Your taste is what it is. That's fine.

[@LuBanchio]

Hello Dave! I'm gonna enjoy this one, I tell you. By the way, I was wondering when are you going to review Honeck's rendition of Brahms' last symphony. It is so different to the ones I own (Wand, Abbado, Kleiber) that I don't know what to think. That's great, I guess. See you around.

[@raymondcox6063]

Dave has already done this and of course liked it very much as also a fresh reading. To add: I did like Honeck's notes for that because she explained by quoting the specific bard what he was doing there to emphasize certain points and it did help with my enjoyment of the recording

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

www.classicstoday.com/review/honeck-and-pittsburgh-shine-in-brahms-fourth/?search=1

[@LuBanchio]

Thank you very much!

[@Musicamansa]

I don't think you've been mean to Honeck. That Brahms 4, you praised it as it deserves. And of course the best ideas are from Beethoven, that's not the point. Are we not talking about interpretations?

[@mickeytheviewmoo]

I wonder why Beethoven never used the piccolo? Beethoven knew what birds sounded like before his deteriorating hearing. I do not think it makes a great difference in the overall performance. Like you say it's a refreshing, light and exciting. Everything I want my Beethoven to be.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

He did use the piccolo, but only in the storm movement.

[@mickeytheviewmoo]

@@DavesClassicalGuide Is it me, but can i hear someone sneeze 2'57'' into the storm movement?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

@@mickeytheviewmoo There are a few audience noises in there.