3/20 Sir Georg Solti on B's 9th and Bartok

Sir Georg Solti is one of those conductors who interprets Beethoven at a somewhat more measured pace - especially compared to the newer, smaller orchestras.  He's also one of the few conductors I like who do it this way (Konwitschny would be another).  What is it that makes a slower performance exciting - yet not drag? I don't exactly know, but Solti surely does.

Here's the great Hungarian conductor Sir Georg Solti doing a commentary on Beethoven's 9th Symphony, shared on Youtube by archivist davidhertzberg:
"In this 1972 recording (made available only to members of the Chicago Symphony Society), Sir Georg Solti comments on, and conducts, Beethoven's 9th Symphony. From the LP shown above, issued in 1973 on the London label." (39 min)

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The Solti Beethoven Decca CD box also includes a bonus disc of Sir Georg talking about each of the 9 symphonies - great listening.

And here's a couple short documentaries with Sir Georg Solti - both very entertaining - tho no Beethoven-related stuff. (54 min total)
1-3: - Dudley Moore and Sir Georg talking about how the orchestra works.  Moore actually plays a little Bartok here.
4-6: - Sir Georg with Murray Perahia and Evelyn Glennie recording Bartok's Sonata for 2 Pianos and Percussion

Linklist