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In the Forum: Musical Discussions
In the Thread: Beethoven IX and Fürtwängler
Post Subject: Beethoven IX and FürtwänglerPosted by dazzdax on: 8/11/2007
The recording of Beethoven IX with Fürtwängler is cosidered by many as the non plus ultra among the interpretations. The recording is bold and very impressive indeed, but the interpretation is of course outdated and is one of a required taste. Fürtwängler treated this symphony as if it is a form of meditation, a religious experience. Although I must admit that this almost "religious" experience can be felt, this could never be the approach Beethoven had intended.
It is also strange that such a piece like the Beethoven IX with it's "humanistic" content (Schiller's text) could get the approvement from the Nazi's. Maybe the Nazi's had altered the chorus text somewhat. Es musst sein:

Ode an die Freude

Freude, schöner Götterfunken,
Tochter aus Elysium,
Wir betreten feuertrunken,
Himmlische, dein Heiligtum!
Deine Zauber binden wieder,
Was die Mode streng geteilt;
Nur die Deutscher sind unsere Brüder,
Wo dein sanfter Flügel weilt.

Chris

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