Entertainment · Music · 10 hrs ago
Riccardo Minasi’s Eroica is thrilling but can feel self-conscious
Riccardo Minasi leads a radical new recording of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony with Ensemble Resonanz.
The performance looks to original musical sources, stripping away changes made to the symphony over the centuries.
Its sharp contrasts and forceful dynamics make the music sound startling and intense.
The 21 string players create a compelling, weighty sound, joined by period brass and percussion.
But the recording has little warmth, and its drive to shock can feel self-conscious.
The result is thrilling but likely to spark debate among listeners about how far a performance should push Beethoven’s music.
Riccardo Minasi’s recording of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony is a radical reassessment based on original sources.
The Guardian review says the performance is thrilling and startling but that its determination to shock often feels self-conscious.
Minasi strips away modifications made over centuries and pushes dynamic markings to extremes.
The recording features Ensemble Resonanz, with 21 string players, alongside period brass and percussion.
The review says the performance has compelling weight but little warmth.
- Who
- Riccardo Minasi and Ensemble Resonanz.
- What
- Minasi has recorded a radical reassessment of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony.
- When
- The review was published on 9 November 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Minasi looks to original sources and removes modifications made over centuries.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Franz Schubert criticised Beethoven for promoting what he called musical eccentricity.
The Guardian published its review of Minasi’s Eroica recording.
- Composer
- Ludwig van Beethoven
- Symphony
- Eroica Symphony
- Conductor
- Riccardo Minasi
- Ensemble
- Ensemble Resonanz
- String players
- 21
- Review publication date
- 9 November 2026
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