I. Symphonie, Op. 21

Album Notes & Community Reviews

Wielding the formidable resources of the Berlin Philharmonic in the electrical era, the fiercely conservative conductor delivers a surprisingly heavy, heavily romanticized interpretation of the early symphony. Pfitzner largely ignores the work's Haydn-esque origins, instead inflating its phrasing and tempos to match the weight of late-nineteenth-century repertoire. It serves as a stark contrast to the modern, objective classical performance style.