Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Works: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Opus 125 ‘Choral’
Performers: Edith Wiens (soprano), Hildegard Hartwig (mezzo soprano), Keith Lewis (tenor), Roland Hermann (bass), NDRSO/Günter Wand
Recording: Rec 1987 by Deutsche Harmonia Mundi
Label: RCA RED SEAL 74321 68005 2
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, completed in 1824, stands as a monumental achievement in the canon of Western music, celebrated not only for its grand scale but also for its profound philosophical underpinning, culminating in the iconic ‘Ode to Joy’. This symphony embodies the composer’s ideals of unity and brotherhood, echoing the Enlightenment thoughts that permeated its period. Günter Wand’s 1987 recording offers a compelling interpretation, bringing forth the symphony’s complexities with an urgency and vitality that remains resonant decades later.
Wand’s conducting is characterized by a vibrant energy that imbues the first movement with an intense clarity. The NDR Symphony Orchestra responds with remarkable dexterity, executing the rapid crescendos and dynamic contrasts with precision. The opening, marked by its rapid tempo, creates an immediate sense of dramatic tension that sets the tone for the entire work. The orchestration is particularly noteworthy; the brass and woodwinds emerge with a brightness that complements the strings, ensuring that every layer of Beethoven’s intricate textures is discernible. The urgency of the first movement transitions seamlessly into the scherzo, where the rhythmic drive is palpable, yet Wand maintains a lyrical quality that allows the thematic material to breathe.
As the symphony unfolds, the slow movement reveals a contrasting limpid fluency, serving as an emotional anchor within the larger structure. Wand’s interpretation of the second subject, with its poignant pathos, resonates deeply. This section’s expressive phrasing reflects the duality of sorrow and hope inherent in Beethoven’s late style. The juxtaposition of this lyrical outpouring against the preceding urgency is deftly handled, allowing listeners to experience the full emotional spectrum of the piece.
However, the finale presents a divergence in effectiveness; while the ‘Ode to Joy’ is a celebration of universal brotherhood, Wand’s approach here lacks some of the sweeping momentum that one might find in other interpretations, such as those by Herbert von Karajan or Leonard Bernstein. The soloists, though competent, do not quite achieve the vocal power that could elevate the climactic moments of the choral finale. The chorus, while well-prepared, feels somewhat distant in the mix, diminishing their impact in the overall soundscape. This choice might be attributed to the recording’s engineering, which, while generally excellent, occasionally sacrifices immediacy for a more ambient effect.
The engineering of this recording is commendable, capturing the orchestral balances effectively, particularly in the quieter passages where nuance is critical. However, the booklet accompanying the recording disappoints with its lack of textual translations, leaving a significant gap for those unfamiliar with Schiller’s text, despite its otherwise informative commentary on the music’s context.
Wand’s recording of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony is a commendable interpretation that showcases both the vigor of the NDR Symphony Orchestra and the emotional depth of the work itself. While it may not surpass the finest renditions in terms of the choral finale’s execution, it remains a vital contribution to the Beethoven discography, offering insights into the symphony’s profound narrative and emotional complexity. This recording is suitable for both newcomers to the symphonic repertoire and seasoned listeners seeking a refreshing perspective on this timeless masterpiece.
