Beethoven Symphony No. 3 in E-flat major, Op. 55 "Eroica" Conductor: Yevgeny Mravinsky Leningrad Philharmonic Orchestra Recorded: 1968, Mono Recording Music Critic: Kogyo Uno "Mravinsky's Eroica is a supreme performance that combines the expressions of Toscanini and Schuricht of the past, elevating it to an even higher dimension of art. With an objective attitude, he ruthlessly discards anything superfluous, achieving a dry, emotionless performance without a hint of a smile." 1st Movement: The orchestra's unique, sharp, piercing sound, combined with Mravinsky's severe expression, creates a strong sense of tension. A perfect ensemble, even in a live performance. It's not a runaway speed, but a tight, crisp Beethoven. It's amazing how the themes are expressed differently by each instrument. This is the first time I've heard an "Eroica" with such a tight expression. Even the details of the expression are thorough. Brilliant. 2nd Movement: The oboe has a much thicker sound than I'm used to hearing. The difference in timbre compared to Western orchestras, which I didn't feel much in Tchaikovsky or Shostakovich, is very noticeable. It's as sharp as a razor blade. It's quite different from the "Eroica" I'm familiar with. Unfamiliar sounds are heard throughout. There's a feeling of the woodwinds playing as a single unit, like in Tchaikovsky, and the trumpets playing the melody resoundingly, which also makes me think of Tchaikovsky more than Beethoven. 3rd Movement: I wonder if I shouldn't say this about this performance, but I wish the end of the phrases were a little more careful. 4th Movement: The timpani are generally loud, but the beginning of this movement is a bit overdone. Well, this is what happens when you perform "Eroica" in the style of Tchaikovsky. It's not orthodox Beethoven that follows Western history, but both the performance and the recording are a "straight-down-the-middle, super-fast fastball," and it's very satisfying to listen to. First domestic release, no obi, no scratches on the disc 14 "mono" written on the jacket in two places *Bulk purchase discount available (comment in advance required) 2 items purchased → 150 yen off, 3 items purchased → 300 yen off 4 items purchased → 450 yen off, 10 or more items → 150 yen off all items