Music: Turning to the Classical Side

'Tis the season to be listening

Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies (Berlin Philharmonic, Herbert von Karajan conductor, Deutsche Grammophon; 8 LPs). His third recording of the Beethoven symphonies reaffirms the impression that Karajan, 69, is a man surcharged with new energy, and ever more confident of his powers. As one would expect from this conductor, there is no arbitrary tampering with tempos, or other excesses marching under the banner of personal insight. Karajan accepts the boundary lines and then plays the game for all he is worth. His Eroica, for example, is a shade faster...

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