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André Previn's 1984 BBC series chronicling the development of the symphony moves onward to Beethoven. More explicitly musicological in intent than its Haydn/Mozart installment, the program nonetheless remains pitched for the interested layperson; while there's brief mention made of intervals and transpositions, nothing is brought up that would go over the head of even the least informed novice. Previn's laid-back, easy-going manner--informative but not pedagogic, staring comfortably into the camera wearing a Mr. Rogers sweater and a "Well, isn't that interesting?" expression--is suited to this informal lecture style. There's a brief examination of Beethoven's personal struggles, mostly gleaned through reading bits of the Heiligenstadt Testament (a letter written to Beethoven's brothers, unsent and found among his papers after his death; see Maynard Solomon's psychoanalytically inclined Beethoven biography for a fascinating analysis). Rather more time is spent, appropriately, on the music itself: a few examples demonstrate the composer's debt to Mozart and thus place his genius in context; several well-chosen snippets deftly illustrate the Fifth Symphony's unprecedented organic structure. After the talk, Previn and the Royal Philharmonic have time to perform only the opening movement of the Fifth and deliver a fine, professional run-through, which many will find enhanced by the preceding analysis. The Seventh is given a complete reading; oddly, considering he quotes with approval Wagner's assessment of the symphony as the "Apotheosis of the Dance," Previn's greatest failing here is rhythmic. This is an enjoyable reading, but far too genial and cozy. The Allegretto fails to drive forward; the concluding Allegro con brio lacks the whirling abandon that prompted Wagner's comment. It's possible, at least when it comes to Beethoven, to be too laid-back and easy-going. --Bruce Reid
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