Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 ‘Eroica’ Op. 55, Coriolan Overture Op. 62

Jordi Savall captures the work s potent energy to perfection, the whiff of gunpowder hanging in the air.’ James Jolly, Gramophone This is music to shock, arouse and thrill the only thing it won t do is leave you unmoved. Sitting like a gate-keeper to the new century, a century that saw more change than any before it, Beethoven s ‘Eroica’ (1803-5) changed the history of music. Take note, it seems to say: Man has the power to challenge Fate and sometimes even win (the French Revolution was still echoing in the mind). In 1994 Jordi Savall conducted Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’ symphony with Le Concert des Nations (a group he founded in 1989 for Baroque music), winning praise for this well-researched and groundbreaking interpretation. ‘Unusual repertoire for Savall perhaps but he delivers a performance full of thrilling perceptions and some amazing sounds. Definitely one to sample.’ Gramophone, [anniversary survey on Beethoven’s ‘Eroica’] 1 hybrid multichannel SACD
‘it still has the ability to make one sit up and take note, whether it be the brilliance of the woodwind tone, the shimmering tremolo strings with cutting cross-accents driving the music forward like some sort of life-bringing juggernaut that refuses to be ignored; perhaps for the first time, I heard what my university lecturers meant by the shock value of ‘Eroica’, and Savall does all of this without milking each of the many dramatic moments.’ –Brian Clark Early Music Review, 1st April 2016MUSICWEB INTERNATIONAL RECORDING OF THE MONTH ‘Savall’s own notes refer to the passionate involvement of Le Concert des Nations in these readings. It must not be imagined that these are merely speedy and exciting, they are deeply felt and sound, as he intends, like a real attempt to step into the shoes of the contemporary performers of Beethoven’s day. For me it is a triumph and I cannot praise this too strongly. The superb notes, three essays covering eleven pages for each language, and excellent illustrations, add to the value of the issue.’ –Musicweb International