For Philippe Herreweghe, Beethoven’s metronome markings are sacrosanct even when the composer appears to contradict himself in the first movement of the Sixth Symphony. The written instruction is Allegro ma non troppo yet the speed indication is a swift minim=66. By easing or tightening phrases and being flexible within a spirited pulse, Herreweghe makes the written instruction fit the speed indication. The music could have sounded harried but it doesn’t. This is how he conducts both works; and Beethoven’s express wishes are vindicated.

It all begins most arrestingly as the Second Symphony crackles into vibrant life, brass cutting through the fabric, woodwind to the fore. Vibrato-less strings may be a touch etiolated at the upper end but their otherwise un-coagulated tone is revealed in an astutely balanced and transparent SACD recording. Incisive drive in the outer movements nicely complements a lyrically felt slow movement, as does a similarly felt “Scene by the Brook” in the Pastoral. Herreweghe doesn’t linger here, even for the birdcalls towards the end; yet there is a feeling of gently undulant repose before the “Peasants’ Merrymaking” which is ebulliently bucolic as Beethoven envisaged. The storm is stormy rather than cyclonic; and Herreweghe coaxes wind-playing of opaline radiance to launch a “Shepherds’ Hymn” that swings in relaxed, songful 6/8 time. Beethoven always knew what he wanted in terms of pacing. Herreweghe and his expert band not only obey his tempi, they do so most artistically as well. Excellent indeed.