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The video of Klemperer, near 80, is a moving testament not only to the conquering of age and obvious infirmity, but simply as an outstanding, albeit slow for most tastes, performance of the Ninth. I would recommend it especially for those who grew up on self-aggrandizing, "physical" conductors like Bernstein--i.e. like just about everyone past 1970. Klemperer does not tell the story for the audience but does serve the musicians extraordinarily well, through eye gestures and subtle cueing of important thematic elements that are often buried in other performances. (See, for example,the first movement development section.) The gestures may seem minimal, even vague, but the musicians seem fully to understand and respond. Klemperer's lack of concern for the audience becomes nearly comical as his bowing is reduced to curt nodding.
The Orchestra--The "New" Philharmonia of London--was at the time fighting for its survival, as record producer Walter Legge had just abandoned them. Klemperer, the Orchestra's President, conducted without fee and permitted, for the first time, the performance to be televised in order to generate favorable publicity and funding.



Veel plezier ermee..