The Beethoven dawned atmospherically, with keen anticipation of the daylight Allegro to come – swift, virile, dynamic and incisive, mirrored in the nimble yet poised Finale, played agilely. Between these movements an Adagio that married pace and shape ideally, with deeply-felt emotions (lovely clarinet solos, and secure horns at what can be a tricky moment), and a Scherzo that danced exuberantly and crisply, the twice-played Trio of expressive woodwind-delight. Meticulously prepared, if spontaneous in the serving, Herbert Blomstedt does ‘old-fashioned’ Beethoven gloriously and relevantly. Without much ceremony BR went straight into the Sibelius – music more important than words – Blomstedt leading a spacious wholesome account, true to this being a Symphony, the music transforming within itself without hindrance; granitic upheavals and rhythmic interplay/joyfulness at the forefront. Charm and yearning informed the middle movement, and the Finale, with its swans’ uplift, craggy ascension, and spaced-out concluding chords, was magnificent. A bouquet for Bamberg brass … and Blomstedt.
Available for seven days:
https://www.br.de/radio/live/br-klassik/programm/2026-01-20