BEETHOVEN: SYMPHONY NO. 3, “LEONORE” OVERTURE NO....

BEETHOVEN: SYMPHONY NO. 3, “LEONORE” OVERTURE NO. 3, BRUCKNER: SYMPHONY NO. 8, SCHUMANN: SYMPHONY NO. 4, RICHARD STRAUSS: TOD UND VERKLARUNG. Vienna Philharmonic, conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch (recorded 1961-62). Memories HR 4171/73 (3 compact discs). The current mania for live tapes by old-school podium masters has produced a bonanza for admirers of the great Knappertsbusch (1888-1965), whose work often proved indifferent in recording studios. Though his unbelievably broad yet clear-textured Beethoven seems to trudge onward interminably, his uninhibitedly soaring and singing Strauss, passionate Schumann, and reasonably paced Bruckner are well worth hearing despite the variable mono sound and often scrappy work of the Vienna Philharmonic.