CHASING THE DRAGON – LIVE BEETHOVEN SERIES SYMPHONY NO. 5 – ST MARTIN IN THE FIELDS

From Chasing The Dragon’s Mike Valentine:
Beethoven’s 5th Symphony is probably one of the most well loved pieces of classical music in the world. Here, we have a wonderful performance, which we captured at a live concert in St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London, on the 1st of February 2019. I only used three 50 year old valve microphones, which I believe has added to the warmth and purity of the recording. I hope you have as much fun listening to the album, as we did in recording it, on that wonderful cold night in February!

“Beethoven concerts are not as frequently encountered these days as they once were, so it was an attractive ‘traditional’ programme of overture – concerto – symphony that drew a large audience to London’s St. Martin-in-the-Fields, on February the 1st. They were rewarded with a programme of outstanding quality from the finely played Egmont Overture, to the 5th Symphony, by way of the Emperor Piano Concerto, notably well conducted throughout by Rimma Sushanskaya, most able partnering the very fine John Lenehan who gave an outstanding account of the solo part, supported to the hilt by this very gifted conductor and orchestra. Dr. Sushanskaya’s performance of the 5th Symphony was in the memorable class, a reading of deep musicianship and interpretive character. No wonder soloist and conductor were called back time and again after the concerto to be rewarded with a genuine standing ovation at the end, which lasted for many minutes.” – Grame Judge, Musical Opinion Quarterly

Features:

• 180g Vinyl LP
• Recorded live at London’s St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Musicians:

The Locrian Ensemble of London
Rimma Sushanskaya, conductor
Rita Manning, leader

Selections:

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony No. 5

Side A:
Allegro con brio – Andante con moto

Side B:
Scherzo: Allegro – Allegro – Presto