Re: GG: Beethoven/Liszt SIXTH Symphony

[Gregory Barton <barton@mozart.inet.co.th>]

jerry and judy wrote:
> 
> 
> The 9th, what can I say?, not only is the piano an inadequate substitute
> for orchestra, but it can't begin to approach the expression of the voice.

This is a mere habit of listening. I think the opposite is the case, that the difference of instrument is a 
purely formal distinction. The substance of the music is present, especially with Cyp's performance, as much as 
with the orchestral. Indeed, it grows on one. I have listened to Cyp's 9th more often than an orchestral 
version. The second movement is especially magnificent.

> Beethoven's aims in the 2nd and 3rd movements are adequately communicated
> on the piano. 


Agreed.


The last movement is downright comical in certain passages,
> IMO.  

Does that stem from the music or the transcription.

Liszt hesitated about whether to publish the finale. In 1864 he
> wrote,"After a great deal of experimentation in various directions, I was
> unable to deny the utter impossibility of even a partially satisfactory and
> effective arrangement of the fourth movement. I hope you will not take it
> amiss if I dispense with this and regard my arrangements ( )... complete at
> the end of the third movement of the Ninth. -"  Simple piano scores of the
> 4th mvmnt had already existed for the use of choir leaders etc.  Yet, a few
> months later, he finished the chorale finale and the set was published in
> 1865.

Why not?


> 
> Imagine the acrimony if Glenn had seriously recorded the Ninth!?!  Anybody??


Sounds like snobbery. It's a fine transcription. He would have done it justice.