LDV82

30 BEETHOVEN/LISZT, SYMPHONY NO.9 How did you go about choosing the instruments for the recording? Cédric Pescia: It’s true that the choice of instruments was a determining element in the sonic identity of our recording. It was very important for us to be able to achieve a truly rounded and resonant sound, so that we could make all the lyrical passages sing. The prospect of recording at Teldex Studio, which has extraordinary acoustics, without being too vast, also conditioned our choice: we naturally went for instruments that were weighted more towards warmth than brilliance. Hence I selected two pianos which, although they matched extremely well, still had their own very identifiable timbre. Both of themalso had the typical Bechstein qualities: transparency, a fruity sound and rich harmonics. Finally, from the point of view of the action, we obviously required great precision, especially in the double escapement.