Composers: Beethoven
Compositions: Symphony Nos 6 and 8
Performers: Vienna Symphony Orchestra/Philippe Jordan
Catalogue Number: Wiener Symphoniker WS016

It’s good to welcome a Beethoven cycle from a ‘real’ symphony orchestra. The Vienna Symphony has always been a fine ensemble, seemingly destined to be eternally overshadowed by its more glamorous (notorious?) neighbour. The playing throughout is excellent (especially the horns, which sound as alternately burnished and refulgent as those of the Vienna Philharmonic) but my welcome must be somewhat guarded as I can’t summon much enthusiasm for some aspects.

The opening movement of the Pastoral has impressively alert dynamics but is simply too...