Walton - Symphony No.1 (Haitink) (vinyl: Ortofon Xpression, Graham Slee Accession, CTC Classic 301)

[@melvynmsobel210]

Haitink's less "aggressive" approach to Walton's 1st Movement is a refreshing change, and the more "directed pace" allows him to bathe us in the glories of Walton's sound world. It's a truly remarkable recording, if for the 1st Movement, alone; luckily, for us, there are three others--- all performed beautifully by the maestro.

[@ClassicsAndVinyl]

Thanks for your comments. Haitink's approach is definitely an outlier, especially in the first movement. I think it does lose a bit of momentum in places, but is redeemed by it's monumental intensity. The third movement is one of the best on record IMO. Haitink's ability to hold such a slow paced interpretation together provides a truly melancholy experience! This isn't a performance for a newcomer to the music to start with I don't think - Previn's 1966 RCA is definitely the benchmark recording, though the sound doesn't match this EMI sadly.

[@melvynmsobel210]

@@ClassicsAndVinyl Agreed, yes. Previn's was my introduction to Walton's 1st and, although I thought it "gripping," the overall ferocity seemed overdone, and I never returned to the symphony--- until Haitink. The pompous Dave Hurwitz (whom I'm sure you've heard of) states that Haitink's Walton is the worst on the market. Hmmm? For me, quite the opposite. Have you heard Haitink's Vaughan Williams? The complete symphonies traversal? Quite the experience: as if one is hearing these works for the first time.

[@ClassicsAndVinyl]

@@melvynmsobel210 Oh yes, Dave Hurwitz - I find him annoying and entertaining at the same time! I've heard his comments on Haitink's Walton 1 and also don't agree, but each to their own I suppose. The only RVW I have by Haitink is the London Symphony - which I haven't played for a long time (need to revisit this!). I've two RVW cycles - Boult's EMI on vinyl and Vernon Handley's on CD. Both magnificent, with Boult of course having been closely associated with the man himself.

[@undisclosedmusic4969]

The sound is unbelievable, so silky. I love Haitink's measured take on the first movement. For me the 1st mov was always much more about momentum than about force

[@ClassicsAndVinyl]

Thanks for your comment! Haitink's first movement is undoubtedly the slowest out there, and has a kind of monumental quality to it. I think that Previn's early RCA recording is still the benchmark, but the sound is nowhere near this EMI release.

[@notaire2]

Wunderschöne und detaillierte Interpretation dieser neoklassischen und perfekt komponierten Sinfonie mit gut vereinigten Tönen aller Instrumente. Der dritte Satz klingt besonders schön und echt melancholisch. Der unvergleichliche Dirigent leitet das ausgezeichnete Orchester im fließenden doch gut phrasierten Tempo und mit perfekt kontrollierter Dynamik. Einfach wundervoll!

[@ClassicsAndVinyl]

Vielen Dank für Ihre Kommentare. Ich denke, dass dies meine Lieblingssinfonie ist - ich habe über zwanzig verschiedene Aufnahmen davon (leider nicht viele auf Vinyl!).

[@notaire2]

@@ClassicsAndVinyl Über zwanzig! Erstaunlich!

[@andrewpetersen5272]

I think of Haitink as I do of William Steinberg, Consummate directors who always put the music ahead of style. Wonderful recording!

[@ClassicsAndVinyl]

Thanks for your comment. I totally agree with you about Haitink!

[@zogzog1063]

In my humble opinion the best First Symphony since Brahms. Some serious gear there!

[@ClassicsAndVinyl]

Yes, Walton's first is a fantastic piece of music, and possibly my favourite symphony of all! I am rather obsessed with it, having over 20 different recordings (LPs, CDs, and downloads). Is there a support group for this? LOL!

[@jeffbertucen1839]

Elgar’s First wasn’t too shabby either

[@jeffbertucen1839]

I remember when this first was released in the early eighties. The first three movements were so lethargic I could hardly listen to them; as a continental European, I didn’t think Haitink understood the work at all. The final movement however is in my opinion the greatest recording ever made of this section. I’ve found the best way to listen to this symphony is the 1967 Previn/LSO for the first three movements spliced with the Haitink finale..!

[@ClassicsAndVinyl]

I agree with you totally about Previn's RCA recording - undoubtedly the benchmark for this piece (though lacking somewhat sonically). I have over 20 different recordings of this wonderful symphony (only a few on vinyl) and Haitink's is certainly the slowest out there! I think it depends on your point of view as to whether the first movement is monumental or lethargic ;o) It's certainly not at all idiomatic - Previn nailed it there. Haitink's very slow slow movement is a wonder in that it holds together (at all) and the Philharmonia's playing is top notch. The finale, generally, is less problematic all round and given EMI's rather good recording I agree that the Haitink recording is top of the heap! It's just a shame that Previn's later Telarc version lost lot of the drive and rhythmic bounce he had in 1967. Thanks for your comment!