Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 "Eroica" & Coriolan Overture

The Budapest Festival Orchestra and conductor Iván Fischer bring a balance of Classical, Haydnesque restraint and Romantic fervour to their recording of Beethoven’s great heroic symphony. The opening movement, itself longer than many entire Haydn symphonies, is driven forward with an energy born of a thrilling rhythmic alertness, dynamic responsiveness and sharpness of articulation. It’s lean, but there’s still plenty of meat here. There’s a nimbleness to the second movement “Funeral March”, too, that only serves to heighten the drama (the timpani around 13 minutes are shocking in their stabbing intensity). And despite the litheness of approach, there’s a sweetness to the sound that blooms in the final minute. The “Scherzo” has genuine rustic charm, as our hero emerges, dancing and celebrating. The final movement charms and teases in equal measure—the “Funeral March” a distant memory.