Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F Major Op. 68 Brahms Variations on a Theme by Haydn Op. 56a Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra - 1943
$9
How interesting to contrast this performance with the one from Berlin 1944! In Berlin we have a strong, heroic, muscular 6th. In Vienna we get a softer, more thoughtful, more intimate reading. Part of the difference is undoubtedly the fact that this is "in the studio", with the starts and stops of an acetate recording. But I believe that the different orchestra also makes a difference. This is certainly a more Viennese performance.
Just a few days separate this performance of the Haydn Variations, a "studio" acetate recording, from the Berlin one (also available here). The differences between Berlin and Vienna are clearly evident, as in the two Pastorals. This is a more genial effort, and its sense of "civilization" is even greater than in Berlin. The phrasing of the orchestra is magnificent.
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