Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique/John Eliot Gardiner: Beethoven Symphonies 2 & 8

The new Beethoven symphony cycle from John Eliot Gardiner and his Orchestre Révolutionnaire is being recorded live. And it really shows in these performances of the Second and Eighth Symphonies, taken from a concert at London's Cadogan Hall last year. The recording is dryish, more than a little unflattering. But the playing is visceral, lithe and sinewy, with a lively responsiveness to momentary detail that's always been a Gardiner hallmark. Good-humoured moments do tend to come out a little gruffly, and not everyone will appreciate the Eighth Symphony being so thoroughly pared of its geniality. But the energy and drive are always impressive, and the best moments of the Second will have you wanting to hold onto your seat. url.ie/4oxv