Feys Beethoven

While Academy seems bent on increasing profits by charging slightly more and paying slightly less for trade-ins, one can still occasionally find Thomas Fey's recordings on Hanssler on the $3.99 wall. I just got his Beethoven 4/6, and they're as extraordinary as his 1/2: exuberant, joyful performances that have you practically dancing along. I've never heard an orchestra play as well at fast tempi as the Heidelberg Symphony. For those allergic to HIP you *have* to hear Fey.

Marc Perman

What is Beethoven 4/6 ?!?

The Fourth and Sixth symphonies, I assume.

I did, at Tony Movshon's insistence when he made me buy the disc of Beethoven's 1 and 2 at Academy. Heard it once, never again.

I think Fey is outstanding! Simon Roberts recommended these discs to me. They are my favorites for 1, 2, and 4. I think I'd prefer a different approach from #6.

So, yeah, I second Mr. Perman and say, 'You have to hear Fey.'

Regards,

I'm surprised you could hear it even that once, given all the moaning and whining noises you were making.

Tony Movshon

Same here. I too prefer a different approach for 6 (currently my favorite is Barenboim/Berlin Staatskapelle). As for 1, 2, 4, I love Brüggen and Fey in these, though I marginally prefer Fey for 1/2 and Brüggen for 4. Brüggen breathes more than Fey in the music, and this rather helps 4. I like a tautness to 1/2, so Fey is quite superb there.

What I want to know is: did you pick this on your own or did Simon foist it on you?

While I like these recordings enormously, lacking Marc's sadistic streak I would strongly urge the anti-HIP not to go anywhere near them.

Yikes... I truly hated this disc, mostly due to the 6th, which was for me perhaps the single least enjoyable rendition I ever experienced. Utterly perverse and mannered, IMO, esp. the first movement. And I tend to like HIP... (though rarely in the 6th...)

I thought Hanssler's sound was rather clinical and lacking in warmth as well.

I bought it at Academy too, and promptly sold it back to them. Perhaps you got my copy... =)

I had a similarly negative reaction to his Haydn 'Surprise' & 'Drumroll' disc. Bottom line: no more Fey for me.

As I plough through rmcr, I am listening to Fey's 4th on Svejda's KUSC program. Well, nobody can say it lags.