Otto Klemperer's recording of Beethoven's Symphony No. 4 with the Philharmonia Orchestra is often praised for its unique and insightful interpretation. Klemperer was known for his meticulous and intellectual approach to classical music, and his recording of this symphony reflects his distinctive style.
Artist(s): Otto Klemperer
Philharmonia Orchestra
Recording Info: Recorded "Symphony No. 4" at London’s Kingsway Hall on 21 October 1957. "The Consecration Of The House" at EMI’s Studio No. 1, Abbey Road, London, on 28 October 1959.
Sourced from a 15ips 2-track tape
Analog: Transferred using a modified Studer 810 tape deck feeding a Merrill Tape Preamp
Digital: Merging Hapi Analog to Digital Converter clocked by an Antelope Audio 10MX Atomic Clock
Power Conditioning: Shunyata Research Everest 8000 for analog components
Shunyata Research Triton and Typhon for digital components
All components grounded to Shunyata ALTAIRA Hubs
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat, Op. 60
1 Adagio - Allegro Vivace 12:27
2 Adagio 10:01
3 Allegro Vivace - Trio (Un Poco Meno Allegro) - Tempo I 5:50
4 Allegro Ma Non Troppo 7:30
5 The Consecration Of The House 12:18
Please Note: This release was mastered in DSD with no PCM. (Pure DSD)
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Great 4th Symphony & Consecration of the House Performances in Improved Sound
These Klemperer Beethoven Symphony 4 and (1959) Consecration of the House performances are marvelous. This 4th Symphony performance is one of the most enjoyable I’ve heard – Bruno Walter’s stereo performance with the Columbia Symphony is another great 4th Symphony performance. While I’ve heard about 4 or 5 great Consecration of the House performances (including Dorati on Mercury Living Presence and Markevitch), I return most often to Klemperer’s 1959 and 1956 performances. The sound quality of these 4th Symphony and 1959 Consecration of the House performances in the Charcoal Gray/Black Klemperer 10-CD Warner “Beethoven: The Orchestral Recordings: Symphonies & Overtures” is very good but these HDTT renditions provide improved sound which easily makes me a satisfied customer. Note: that 10-CD Warner box also contains the Klemperer’s 1956 Consecration of the House (stereo) performance.

My original favorite....
Back in 1959 or so Martin Bookspan recommended this recording in his Basic Repertoire column in Stereo Review which was my source of collection advice when was 15. So I bought this recording and learned these pieces from it. When CD's came out this was an early release (with the 2nd) and I snapped it up only to find that in the remix for CD the double-bass part which I could hear so clearly in the LP had all but disappeared. So I bought this HDTT version in hopes that since it was from what was likely the same mix as the original LP I might hear my double-basses again. I was not disappointed...indeed they had been restored...but so much more: the upper strings are much cleaner than either of my previous versions and I feel like I'm visiting an old friend for the first time. I don't know where or how they secure these 15 IPS tapes for these transfers but when that is the source the results are magic and I'm no longer listening to a 60 year old recording. Thanks HDTT for what you do.


Classic Klemperer in an outstanding transfer
Klemperer's approach to Beethoven is meticulous, and this performance is emblematic of his conducting style. The sound quality is top drawer EMI sonics of the era, and the transfer is as clean, clear, and detailed as one could hope to hear. Another excellently produced reissue from HDTT.
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