The many admirers and collectors of Iván Fischer’s superb recordings with his incomparable Budapest Festival Orchestra know that considerable patience is required where symphonic cycles are concerned. His Mahler cycle, took 15 years to bring to fruition, while in the case of Beethoven a well received release of the 7th Symphony in 2008 was followed by a coupling of the composer’s Symphonies 4 and 6 two years later. With release of the 1st and 5th Symphonies in 2019 we reached the halfway stage of what one hopes might eventually become a complete Beethoven cycle.

While some may find the timeline of his symphonic cycles lengthy, the quality of his work undeniably justifies the wait. Fischer's meticulous approach, involving thorough preparation and extensive live performances before recording, ensures that each interpretation is finely crafted and perfected.

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 (a short YouTube video from the recording session is worth watching. https://outhere-music.com/en/albums/beethoven-symphony-no-3-eroica-coriolan-overture).

From the revolutionary fervour of the opening chords to the poignant depths of the tragic second movement, Fischer's interpretation captures the essence of Beethoven's music with unparalleled authenticity. The conductor’s tempos, at least in the first two movement, are spacious compared with some other recent recordings of this work, but thanks to the uncompromising vigour of his rendition they seem absolutely right and yield a performance rich in experience and understanding. Needless to say, the magnificent playing of the superb Budapest Festival Orchestra's musicians – refined and characterful woodwind, firm heroic sounding brass and crisp beautifully articulated strings – guarantees precise execution at every turn.

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.

In the liner notes Fischer writes: “May the world follow Beethoven’s vision and may all conflicts lead to gentleness and harmony. I wish all world leaders should listen to Beethoven’s Eroica symphony and be inspired by its wisdom.” Sentiments with which I am sure everyone would concur.

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.

Copyright © 2024 Graham Williams and HRAudio.net

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