Prague
Thursday, May 8, 2025
DR Koncerthuset, Copenhagen
As on his recent recording of the three-movement ‘Prague’, Herbert Blomstedt observed all repeats for a forty-minute rendition, potent during the introduction, then chugging delightfully in the Allegro, with point, direction and clarity (hard-stick timpani), some of the string timbres ‘period’-leaning. The Andante was soulfully lyrical and the Finale chuckled at a measured pace. The Beethoven, perhaps the Symphony of his that Blomstedt conducts most often, was here expressively moulded, and purposeful, at its outset, the DNSO then devotedly responsive to rhythmic vitality, detailing and dynamics – and biting accents – in music that remains fresh/life-enhancing for Blomstedt, whether (attacca) the soulful bass tread of the Allegretto, supporting beatific declarations, followed by a crisply articulated Scherzo and a flowing Trio that gratefully avoided pomposity, rounded by a Finale that never tried to be the Presto that it’s not, Blomstedt’s unforced tempo spot-on the marked Allegro con brio, energy generated from within rather than imposed, the fiery coda arrived at organically. Needless to say, Blomstedt took every repeat. That he’s nearly ninety-eight is but a statistic; whatever he’s on, I want some.