Two Beethoven 9's

[Amfibius]

Given that my system is out of action (blown amp) I have been listening to music on Youtube!

I would like to present two versions of the slow movement of Beethoven's 9th symphony. The first is by Frans Bruggen. This is a highly acclaimed set - said by many to be the best of the HIP's (HIP = Historically Informed Performances):

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSLaw-Ztfws]Beethoven Symphony No 9 3. Adagio molto e cantabile - YouTube[/ame]

The second version is a 1951 performance by Wilhelm Furtwangler. A totally different sound from the old Master at the height of his powers:

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X4bGbtqVgc&feature=related]Beethoven " 9. Symphony" Furtwängler (3. Mov.) - YouTube[/ame]

My question: which do you prefer, and why?

[80B]

Amfibius,

Listening to these was fun. I've got several versions of Beethoven's symphonies, and come back to von Karajan's 1963 9th most often (on SACD from DG). I grew up on my dad's LPs of Toscanini's boxed set, but boy, the recording quality of those (ripped onto my Mac Mini) on my current setup is just too limited for real enjoyment.

The whole Youtube/recording quality aside, both these versions are enjoyable, with the Bruggen to be very "smooth" and intriguing to me. I also have the 'historically informed' version by Hogwood conducting the Academy of Ancient Music (whom I saw perform c. 1988 in Hong Kong). I'll check out to see if I can get both on CD. Will click on that Amazon ad Masterlu placed so conveniently below...

Thanks for sharing!

[80B]

PS: I'm not voting for either, because I do like both

[Amfibius]

Glad you enjoyed both performances To me, one was clearly superior to the other - and it ain't the modern version!

[Amfibius]

A little bit disappointing. This thread (and my other thread on the Bach WTK) seems to have generated very little interest. Seems as if there aren't very many classical music enthusiasts on this forum.

[woodlander]

I am interested in this topic. I would have to vote for the Furtwangler version. I must say, though, that I like John Elliot Gardner's version better than either. Everyone's taste is different on things like this. Maybe I have just listened to it more and become convinced that is the "right" way to play it.

[80B]

Amfibius,
I've ordered both versions, plus Furtwanger's 1954 version as well. Am looking forward to some quality listening time next weekend, where we've got an extra day here in the US.

While I've always considered the 9th as the epitome of mankind's musical endeavors, just listening to your post has given me a much greater appreciation of the 3rd movement, something I missed since in my mind the power of the 4th movement crowded out the rest of the piece.

[bart]

Keith, I didn't have the time this week.
But will try this weekend!

[kfr01]

Originally Posted by bart

Keith, I didn't have the time this week.
But will try this weekend!

same!

[bart]

Old vs new: sound quality wise the new wins of course.
But the intensity of Furtwängler is more there; I think he "feels" Beethoven better.
Conclusion: old still wins.
The Abbado version I listened to yesterday, might be in between...