Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55- Eroica / No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93 (Essential Classics)

As time goes on, George Szell's performances seem only to gain in strength. Famed during his lifetime as a disciplinarian who raised the Cleveland Orchestra to an international standard, his Beethoven performances perfectly balance Classical poise with Romantic urgency and emotion. The Eroica is a particularly difficult symphony to conduct, owing to its length and the fact that Beethoven's orchestration often seems too small for such explosive music. With Szell, problems of balance and emphasis simply do not exist. He finds an ideal tempo for each movement (the famous "Funeral March" is particularly impressive) while allowing each climax its natural place in the symphonic argument. The taut, impulsive performance of the Eighth makes an excellent bonus. A great performance. --David Hurwitz