Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven, Brett Dean
Orchestra: Bayerisches Staatsorchester
Conductor: Vladimir Jurowski
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: BSO Recordings
Catalogue: BSOREC0002
Release: 2022
Size: 467 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
01. Dean: Testament
Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36 (Live)
02. I. Adagio molto – Allegro con brio
03. II. Larghetto
04. III. Scherzo. Allegro
05. IV. Allegro molto
Those present at the Munich Nationaltheater for the 1st Academy Concert of the 20/21 season, will remember it as a special moment. Subsequent to concert venues being forced to close in March 2020, this was one of the first post-lockdown public performances anywhere, as well as being Vladimir Jurowski’s second concert with the Bayerisches Staatsorchester in his role as designated general music director. On the programme: Beethoven’s Second Symphony, which was also played during the opening concert of the Musikalische Akademie in 1811. Its conceptual magnitude and tonal vehemence make this symphony – listened to with an attentive ear – far more than simply a precursor of Eroica. It was preceded on this occasion by Brett Dean’s Testament, a contemporary orchestral piece which engages with Beethoven’s music, his thoughts and his emotional state. This live concert recording vividly captures the anticipation and excitement felt on the night, as well as the bold endeavour to offer a fresh perspective on a purportedly familiar work.