A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of reading John Canarina's illuminating biography of Pierre Monteux. Titled "Maitre," French for maestro, the book lovingly reminisced on the great musician's life and the impact he had on countless musicians and the public at large. My takeaways from the book were: 1. Monteux was a diligent worker and thorough man with impeccable taste and manners and, 2. Monteux absolutely hated, fumed at really, the notion that he was a specialist in French music. Given that Monteux was so darn authoritative on "French" music from Gluck to Honegger, it is not at all difficult to understand why the public, and orchestral management pegged him into this hole.
Well, here is ample, rather profound evidence, that Monteux was indeed more of a generalist, a man with a catholic taste and understanding that bridged national borders. This Beethoven 8th from San Francisco circa 1950 is superbly paced and wonderfully effervescent. Phrasing is the way it should be and detail, especially from the woodwinds is immaculate. What we have here is natural, unfussy and right. This Beethoven is a document that is textbook on how the great composer should be approached - with awe, careful preparation and respect. This is a great listen in spite of sonic limitations, make no mistake!
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