Beethoven: Symphonies No. 4 & 7

by Joshua Bell / Academy Of St. Martin In The Fields

Few new recordings of such canonical works as Beethoven symphonies can claim status as true events these days, but Joshua Bell's first recording as Music Director of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields is just that. He is the first American and first person to hold the title of Music Director since Sir Neville Marriner formed the orchestra in 1958. Bell both conducts and plays from the concertmaster chair, sometimes contributing to the fabric of sound with his instrument, other times lifting his bow to exhort and emphasize. The Washington Post says it best: "Bell alternated playing along with the first violins and conducting (with great physical animation) from his seat, sculpting the air expressively with his bow to bring forth a wealth of interpretive detail from the musicians. This was as superb a Beethoven Fourth as I've heard, delivered by a conductor of tremendous promise and genuine ideas who also happens to be one heck of a violinist."