CD REVIEW: Beethoven: Symphonies No. 4 & 7

The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen, Paavo Järvi
RCA/BMG 2007

Fujin-Kouron Magazine, May 2007

CD Review by Yoshiko Iguma

Two Leading Conductors of the Twenty-First Century

Another perfect team with an equally brilliant conductor and orchestra – in addition to Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, which was also introduced in this article – is Paavo Järvi and The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen.
This dream combination was in Japan last year and presented a complete performance of all nine Beethoven symphonies there. Even then, an outstanding sound filled with vigor and crispness heralded the beginning of a "Järvi era," also on a CD.
Paavo Järvi was born in Estonia in 1962, son of the renowned conductor Neeme Järvi. His younger brother, Kristjan, is also a conductor. Paavo currently lives in the US.
The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen is an independent organization. It uses period instruments, such as timpani and trumpets, which determine the novel structuring of phrases and tempos. In their new recording, which is full of self-confidence, Beethoven's world-famous symphonies shine in a new light.
Their splendid performances during the Japanese concerts last year not only stimulated the audience's minds, they also generated excited enthusiasm and created a sensation. The entire audience went into raptures over a new era of Beethoven interpretation and demonstrated its admiration for their outstanding music-making with tumultuous applause.
The recording of all the Beethoven symphonies is scheduled for completion in 2009. The Third and Eighth Symphonies were released in 2006.
The interpretations are incredibly innovative, yet at the same time are somehow nostalgic as well – probably the most successful achievement in the attempt to approach the true essence of Beethoven's works.

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