In 1951, the Festspielhaus in Bayreuth was reopened. On the occasion of this concert - the first after World War II - Wilhelm Furtwängler conducted Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. It was broadcast by Bavarian Radio in several countries, including Sweden. The album from EMI became a classic. So what does Bis records really want with this reissue? This album is primarily a historical document. They want
… us to experience how the Swedish listener experienced this event on the radio in 1951, including announcements (multiple languages), program notes and applause. For this reissue the mono tapes of the Swedish radio were used. And these have been left as they are. The sound quality is not polished, the coughing sometimes sounds louder than the orchestra, pauses are not shortened, mechanical noises are often irritatingly audible. Nevertheless, the listeners of the time could enjoy a very inspired performance, whatever else one thought of political and historical background. (HJ)more
