This live release is the first in a digital series, eventually to culminate in a physical box set, including all nine of Beethoven's symphonies. Each release will feature an illustration by Mo Willems; these were also displayed at Washington's Kennedy Center, where the music was recorded, and the graphics are reproduced on the digital (and eventual physical) releases. Conductor Gianandrea Noseda does not exactly break new ground with these interpretations, but they are vigorous works with a consistent perspective, well executed by the National Symphony Orchestra. Noseda emphasizes the brashness of the young Beethoven in both the Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21, and Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op. 55 ("Eroica"). His tempos are brisk, and he observes the Allegro molto e vivace label on the Menuetto of the Symphony No. 1 where many conductors opt for a more graceful Mozartian quality. Surrounding the funeral march of the Symphony No. 3 with urgent, fast playing emphasizes its somber quality, and here, Noseda does not rush. The album is nicely recorded by the engineers from the National Symphony's own new label, and though applause is not retained, one imagines there was quite a bit (if it was allowed). One awaits the rest of Noseda's series with interest.
© James Manheim /TiVo