Beethoven Symphony No. 3 'Eroica' & Coriolan Overture

The second movement honours a heroic death: solemn, mournful C minor; also emotive, personal grief. Fischer’s attention to dynamic contrasts clarifies the tension: softness on the brink of, then periodically, crying out.

In this latest instalment featuring Beethoven's Symphony No.3 ‘Eroica’, Fischer demonstrates his trademark "big band" style, characterized by a robust yet nimble approach that avoids any hint of heaviness. The Budapest Festival Orchestra's performance under his direction is nothing short of stellar, with a remarkable level of unanimity and precision that speaks volumes about Fischer's rapport with his players and his intensive rehearsal technique.

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What truly sets this recording apart is its astonishing textural clarity and scrupulous attention to detail. Each subtlety of Beethoven's score is rendered with striking vividness, enabling listeners to immerse themselves in the music's intricate complexity and richness.

To complete this disc we are treated to a fiery account of Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture that combines appropriate magisterial grandeur with thrusting dynamism.

Interestingly the venue for this 5.0 DSD recording, made in August 2023, was not the BFO’s usual recording venue, the Palace of Arts, Budapest, but the more intimate acoustic setting of the recently restored Rumbach Street Synagogue in Budapest; an excellent choice judging by the remarkably vivid sound quality on this SACD. In terms of tonal warmth, clarity and a commendably wide soundstage it achieves the peerless sound quality familiar from previous Channel Classics releases.

There is no doubt that Iván Fischer's much awaited release of Beethoven's ‘Eroica’ Symphony is a triumph for all concerned. With its exceptional performance, pristine sound quality, and punctilious approach, it undoubtedly deserves a place among the top recommendations for collectors seeking a definitive and fresh interpretation of this iconic work.

This successful recording not only captures the performance of the Budapest Festival Orchestra under Iván Fischer, but also brings the acoustic beauty of the concert hall to life. The Budapest Festival Orchestra and its long-standing chief conductor and founder are an audibly close-knit community. With every bar, the good understanding can be heard as a living energy of the joy of making music.

In contrast to the historically informed performances that dominate the contemporary musical landscape, Iván Fischer’s interpretation of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Coriolan Overture presents a distinct contrast. His approach harks back to an earlier interpretative style, offering a welcome alternative for listeners accustomed to the currently prevalent approach. (...) When considered within the context of Fischer’s ongoing Beethoven symphony cycle, this recording stands out for its commitment to a specific sound and interpretative style. While not necessarily groundbreaking, it delivers a highly enjoyable performance that will please collectors following this cycle. For those who already own a more “historically informed” perspective on Beethoven, Fischer’s Eroica offers a welcome departure from the contemporary mainstream.