This afternoon, I listened to Beethoven's two symphonies, the Second and the Fifth, played by Wiener Philharmoniker Orchestra at Suntory Hall on NHK BS Digital broadcast in live. It was conducted by Mr. Simon Rattle. The Second symphony was played first. It sounded light and rhythmical. He played it quite differently from the other conductors. I felt as though I listened to a newly wrote music.
At the intermission, Mr. Rattle explained himself about his music on a recorded video. He aimed to reproduce the music same as its composer listened when he wrote it. He said recently not a few conductors prolonged and widened the sounds. He made efforts to be back at the time when they were composed. About the introduction part of fifth symphony, he said he would not play like"ta-ta ta ta-n" but play lightly "tata tan."
He was asked by an interviewer how he could succeeded in turning around those who have stuck to the long tradition of Vienna music to his way without much resistance. He replied he did not try to sell himself to them but they invited him to conduct the orchestra. Of course, there were some who could not adjust themselves for the new conductor. He had quite discussions on the matter. Sometimes he took a defiant attitude. But now they can play the music by singing it together with me.
I felt extremely tense when the fifth symphony started. His music was a bit fast with a light tempo. When he finished it. the standing ovation continued quite a while.
Incidentally the tickets for this concert were on sale about a half year earlier. The members of Suntory Hall were given a special privilege to get them easier. I applied for them by sending a post card to the hall. But I was told I failed to get them by drawing. But at the same time I was informed that I was given a second chance to get them by calling a certain telephone number on a time and day specified by them. But I missed the second chance again. So I have given up them completely.
I could listen to his music on NHK BS digital broadcast and looked at Mr. Rattle who conducted the orchestra not only with a baton but with his face. He could express himself very well by making his faces. He was energetic and powerful. I really enjoyed his play to see him very near to me. The sounds came out at a living room at my home from five sources. It was more like to listen them in the hall.