A superb disc, in the past i've been put off by the 'old guys', with recordings that are approaching fifty years old, but this disc is a revelation to dispel all those thoughts, yes it sounds 'old school', but boy do i like old school, in some ways a more leisurely pace, more dignified, not hard driven and fast, plus even on this recording there's an inner clarity, the woodwinds are well caught, it's amazing, i have a new appreciation for Bohm now, and i'll keep a look out for anything else worthy that comes my way.
Karl Bohm [1894-1981] was Austrian, he recorded the Fifth Symphony here in 1972, the front cover is truly glorious, a picture of the famous main hall used by the Vienna Philharmonic, the whole thing couched in browns and golds, look at those superb glowing chandeliers, and the photo is sharp and crystal clear, a real joy to own.
It was the revolutionary first movement of the Fifth that i loved the best, the very opening four note motif sounds a bit underwhelming, and Conductors like Vladimir Ashkenazy drive the opening like a thunderous fanfare, to great effect, however Bohm soon gets into the spirit of the movement, yes there's a strong gravitas in the whole movement, it really does take wing,
Here's Karl Bohm conducting this Symphony on YouTube, same orchestra, i wonder if it's actually the same performance?.
Karl Bohm [1894-1981] was Austrian, he recorded the Fifth Symphony here in 1972, the front cover is truly glorious, a picture of the famous main hall used by the Vienna Philharmonic, the whole thing couched in browns and golds, look at those superb glowing chandeliers, and the photo is sharp and crystal clear, a real joy to own.
It was the revolutionary first movement of the Fifth that i loved the best, the very opening four note motif sounds a bit underwhelming, and Conductors like Vladimir Ashkenazy drive the opening like a thunderous fanfare, to great effect, however Bohm soon gets into the spirit of the movement, yes there's a strong gravitas in the whole movement, it really does take wing,
Here's Karl Bohm conducting this Symphony on YouTube, same orchestra, i wonder if it's actually the same performance?.
