Schubert
Symphony No. 2 in B flat major, D125
Beethoven
The Creatures of Prometheus, Op. 43
– Overture
– Act 2: Adagio and Finale
Boston Symphony Orchestra
Charles Munch
Recorded March 7, 1960, at Symphony Hall, Boston
Reviewed by: Rob Pennock
Reviewed: July 2026
CD No: High Definition Tape Transfers: CD and high-resolution downloads: HDTT24345
Duration: Running time: 46.29
By 1960, when this was recorded, Charles Munch had created in Boston arguably the world’s greatest French orchestra, who’s unique, refined, gleaming sound remains a joy to listen to. As a bonus Lewis Layton and John Crawford created some superb Symphony Hall recordings for RCA Living Stereo
For those accustomed to emaciated, modern Beethoven and Schubert, back then no-one had heard of HIP, so you have a full symphony orchestra dripping with vibrato. On the downside, as repeats weren’t de-rigueur, Schubert’s first and last movement expositions are missing.
The Schubert’s brief slow introduction is massive, but forward moving with chortling woodwind. There is a sense of conversation between the instruments, incisive attack and drive in the Allegro vivace. At a flowing tempo, Munch, his silken strings and characterful woodwind imbue the Andante with a quiet sense of melancholy, without losing sight of the march elements. The leisurely Scherzo with its huge weight of sound is old-world, as are the Trio’s perky woodwind. By no stretch of the imagination is the finale Presto, but the rhythmic swing and attack are exemplary and the orchestral sound is gorgeous.
The Adagio ff staccato opening chords of the Beethoven are incisive, the answering theme Brucknerian and Munch dances and powers his way through the main Allegro and concluding Prometheus variations, with magnificent brass. In-between you have a beautiful, extended, chamber-like Largo where the solo playing is marvellous.
Sound-wise the DSD256 download, which derives from master-tapes, has weight, clarity, depth and analogue-like timbres. Although the brass and timpani seem more prominent on the Beethoven. There is an appalling official Sony ‘remastering’, so lovers of great conducting and playing need the HDTT.