Paul Kletzki is a conductor that I came to respect a number of years ago to the extent that if I am building up a collection of different versions of any work I would tend to search out if he had anything to offer. Beethoven is no exception so I offer his version of his Eroica from this set....
The opening movement is very lively and is taken at a brisk pace; it is full of exuberance and spirit which I think pays great tribute to Beethoven. As a complete contrast the funeral march is played very deliberately but gently and delicately in the requisite subdued tone but it is never heavy handed. However he does build the movement’s inherent tensions very deliberately and with great emphasis and emotion. The Scherzo is interesting in that it is not over boisterous but it is very well balance and it contains a lovely Trio section. The final movement is also a great exercise in momentum and balance and is more evidence of Kletzki’s great style of conducting.
In summary it is a great version of this work and would lie somewhere between the von Karajan/Zinman and Mackerras interpretations. The sound of the Czech Philharmonic and the fact that it was recorded by Supraphon were also added attractions on this cycle.
