The orchestra plays superbly, and there are plenty of indications that the conductor has taken note of recent changes in attitude to Beethoven performance, such as giving prominence to the woodwind and the timpani in a way no previous generation of conductors did.

Haitink's approach is softer, more malleable, less uptight, lighter on its feet than some bit still engaged with what one might call the Romantic tradition. His liveliness never draws attention to itself… Haitink offers us a thoughtful and unfussy Leonore No 2, strong and well paced... with some telling pianissimi.

Haitink is now hearing Beethoven with the experience of period-instrument interpretations in mind. The snap, the bite, the punchy fortissimos … taut rhythms and mounting tension crowned the night in the Eroica

surging rhythms that explore every conceivable movement are very much a feature of Bernard Haitink's fine new recording...The LSO Live CD is even more compelling with the inclusion of the Triple Concerto, in a performance of chamber music lightness...under Haitink's vigorous baton this Cinderella work sems even more underrated. Seventy-five minutes of exceptional music