March 11, 2020

Gramophone reviews Beethoven Symphonies 5 & 7


“The NDR Radiophilharmonie play superbly for Manze, with characterful woodwind solos, welcome hints of period bite from brass and timpani, and a string tone of substantial body and lustre. […] Enthusiastically recommended.”

”Beethoven Symphonies 5 & 7″ performed by the NDR Radiophilharmonie under the baton of Andrew Manze has been reviewed on Gramophone – March edition! Read a glimpse of the review below!

“The finale of the Seventh goes faster even than the already zippy metronome mark, and is tremendously exciting. It’s also quite graceful in its way, thanks in large part to Manze’s scrupulous attention to dynamic indications and articulation. […] The Fifth has similar attributes in terms of clarity, balance and rhythmic verve […]. Note, say, how the distinct sense of monumentality Manze brings to the opening ‘Allegro con brio’ comes without any sacrifice of its essential impetus, and also how the space he gives the music to breathe allows the orchestra to play the second theme at a true ‘dolce’ .”

Andrew Farach-Colton

Read the full review on Gramophone – March Issue

Photo by Nikolaj Lund