Description
Just when the aged Walter was wanting to retire into private life, Columbia motivated him to record several symphonic works – including Beethoven’s Symphonies – at a time when stereo recording, with its previously undreamt technical possibilities, was just dawning. Even without any knowledge of the still existent recordings of the rehearsals of the Fourth and Fifth Symphonies, the final recording reflects the lifelong experience and meticulousness of the great conductor. In a taut and relaxed manner, and certainly not mellowed with age, Walter brings the scores to glow. The players weave a web that holds the formal symphonic components together with sophistication and richly contrasted, whereby the conductor’s love for tonal detail manifests itself in easily identifiable instruments.