Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 6 "Pastoral"

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

2. Symphony No. 6 in F major ("Pastoral") Op. 68
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Andante con motto
Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Scherzo - Allegro
Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Finale - Allegro
Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Adagio - Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Adagio
Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Menuetto, Allegro vivace Trio: un poco meno allegro
Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Marcia funebre. Adagio assai
Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Scherzo-Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Finale-Allegro molto
Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Allegro vivace e con brio
Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Allegretto scherzando
Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Tempo di menuetto
Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Andante molto mosso
Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegretto
Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Larghetto
Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Scherzo Allegro
Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Allegro molto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Poco sostenuto - vivace
Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Allegretto
Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Presto - Assai meno presto
Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Andante cantabile con moto
Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Menuetto (Allegro molto e vivace)
Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Finale Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso - Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Molto vivace - Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Adagio molto e cantabile - Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Presto - Allegro assai - Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven Collection.......2007-05-14

I just got this for my brother-in-law as a gift and he loves it!

Amazing!.......2007-01-24

Having Beethoven's Symphonies in one, very affordable, set is heaven! The recordings are clear and crisp. Each symphony is truly a masterpiece from the very soft tones of the woodwinds to the thundering sounds of horns. It is amazing to listen to certain passages of Beethoven and realize the genius and otherworldliness of his talent.

An excellent introduction to beethoven's symphonies........2007-01-11

The sound is excellent, and the musicianship and conducting is excellent.

Beethoven Collection.......2006-07-23

Beethoven is my favorite composer. No matter how upset or tired I am, his music calms me down, just like a big, gentle hug.
But the cheap CDs have poor quality. And the good ones are too expensive for me. When I found this collection, with such a good price on Amazon.com, I couldn't believe it. Shortly after I purchased it, I received it. The quality is great. I am enjoying it. Thank you

Hoda

Top music!.......2006-07-19

Everything else you can get over, but classical music like Beethoven is stuff you just can't get sick of. A whole collection of Beethoven's Symphonies for such a small price, Wow!. Classical music is so relaxing and peaceful that you can't go wrong with spending time chillin out to this pure classic. The symphonies are great but after this you've got to go get the sonata's etc and I guarantee you won't be dissapointed!

Think about it, they don't call it classical for nothing.

Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies

Average customer rating:

Greatest baby gift ever
Great for the whole family
More Great Fun
One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!
Absolute joy, and endless fun!

Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies

Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies
Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing-Along Symphonies
Mozart's Magnificent Voyage
Mr. Bach Comes To Call
World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English!

ASIN: B0001I2C8O
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

Stuck In The Saddle Again (Light Cavalry March, Suppe)
Sing Verdi Very Loud (La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi)
Its The Same Every Verse (In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg)
Musical Bs (Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms)
Dont Play That Violin (Violin Concerto #2, Paganini)
Schuberts Trout (Trout Quintet, Schubert)
Dvorak The Czechoslovak (Humoresque #7, Dvorak)
A Fan of Chopin (Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin)
Please Do Not Tease The Viennese (Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss)
Its Spring! (Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi)
Wow What a Wedding Cake (Wedding March, from A Midsummer Nights Dream,. Mendelssohn)
Instrumental Performances:
Light Cavalry March, Suppe
La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi (with vocals)
In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg
Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms
Violin Concerto #2, Paganini
Trout Quintet, Schubert
Humoresque #7, Dvorak
Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin
Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss
Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi

Amazon.com

From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Beethoven's Wig was nothing to flip over, and the second disc in the series follows suit. However, that is not to say that this is not a valuable and possibly ingenious record. Those unfamiliar with the premise will quickly get the picture: Producer/writer/lead singer/chief clever guy Richard Perlmutter gathers a bundle of important classical works (Paganini's "Violin Concerto #2," Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz") and makes up silly, catchy lyrics to lay over them, informing the listener about the piece or its composer. Standing out for their offbeat brilliance this time are "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" ("Humoresque #7," Dvorak) and "Wow What a Wedding Cake" (Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mendelssohn). Few stabs at mixing education with entertainment succeed so well. As a bonus, the second half of the CD repeats the symphonies straight up, presenting a neat opportunity to quiz kids 5-12 on what and who they've just heard. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Greatest baby gift ever.......2007-03-15

Both of my grandchildren (and their parents and grandparents) are hooked on this CD and all of the silliness and beauty it brings into our lives. We sing to it, dance to it, and find ourselves thinking about it at odd times. Who can't love singing Verdi VERY LOUD? I've now started giving this as a simple baby gift, especially to those with older siblings. They are already equipped with clothing and nursery gear, and Beethoven's Wig invites the whole family to gather round...even if it is just on short car rides.

Great for the whole family.......2007-01-04

My husband, 18 month old daughter and I all love this CD. It's a staple in the car. One caveat- these lyrics will get stuck in your head and I now find myself singing the "words" to these songs when I hear them in a store or commercial! I'm hoping this means my daughter will recognize these songs as she gets older.

More Great Fun.......2006-03-13

Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!.......2006-01-10

My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!

Absolute joy, and endless fun!.......2005-11-15

The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along. My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car. What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music!

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

CD set is misnamed
Do not Buy
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Seek better versions
It Is What It Is

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Great Beethoven Cycle
a fine combination of quality and value
THIS SET IS AN ABSOLUTE STEAL
Excellent
Pleasing overall...

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos; Choral Fantasy
Beethoven: Complete Symphonies
Brahms: The Complete Symphonies / Karajan, Berlin PO
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO
Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos

ASIN: B000001VWY
Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': Allegro Con Brio
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': Marcia Funebre (Adagio Assail)
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': Scherzo (Allegro Vivace)
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': Finale (Allegro Molto)
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: Adagio Molto. Allegro Con Brio
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: Andante cantabile con moto
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: Menuetto (Allegro molto e vivace)
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: Finale (Adagio, Allegro molto e vivace)

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: Pocco sostenuto-vivace
Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: Allegretto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: Presto-Assai meno presto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: Adagio molto-Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: Larghetto
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: Scherzo (Allergro)
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: Allegro molto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: Andante con moto
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: Allegro
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: Allegro
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: Adagio, Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: Adagio
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': Awakening Of Happy Feelings On Arriving In The Country - Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': By The Brook - Andante molto mosso
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': Peasant's Merrymaking - Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': The Storm - Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': Shephard's Song. Happy And Thankful Feelings After The Storm - Allegretto
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: Allegro vivace e con brio
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: Allegretto scherzando
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: Tempo di menuetto
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Allegro ma non troppo un poco maestoso
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Molto vivace
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Adagio molto e cantabile
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Presto-Allegro assai

Amazon.com

This is a surprisingly fine Beethoven cycle. Herbert Kegel had a reputation as a modern music specialist, and with good reason: He was a certified East German communist intellectual who killed himself shortly after the Berlin Wall came down--perfect for the wilder excesses of the modern German school. But he also had a very idiomatic feel for Beethoven as these objective, tautly rhythmic, and excitingly played performances prove. At super budget price, this set is worth considering. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great Beethoven Cycle.......2007-06-20

Most of my music is on LP or I have access thru Rhapsody. I picked these cds up as part of the 10 CD Beethoven Platinum Collection. Kegel does the first 5 discs, the same discs as in the boxed set here.

I am a niggardly (it means frugal on steroids) Scandinavian who is always trying to stretch a nickel into a dollar. Yet, every time I pursue this course, a little voice whispers in my ear, "You get what you pay for." The thrill of bargain hunting is finding a great value at a mere pittance. This results in left brain/right brain nirvana. I picked up the 10 CDs for about $10 and they sound great, especially the Beethoven Symphonies and especially the 9th. They are also very well recorded including excellent db master line levels.

The other great thing about bargain hunting is that if the purchase is a dud, you are only out a pittance! Just about the worst feeling is paying a premium and buying crapola. So, if you do buy these discs and you do not like them as I did, hopefully your wallet will not be emptied.

a fine combination of quality and value.......2005-12-29

This is a fine set of Beethoven symphonies, well played and recorded, except I think the recording level of the ninth is a bit lower than the rest of the symphonies (might just be my ears). You don't get fancy liner notes or fabulous photographs of the orchestral forces, but the performances are quite solid; the best being the opening of the fifth and the chorale finale of the ninth.

THIS SET IS AN ABSOLUTE STEAL.......2005-12-20

The performance of Symphony No. 5 in this set absolutely kicks serious butt- it's the most powerful, driven Fifth I've ever heard- worth the price of the whole set alone!!!! The rest of the CD's are excellent as well, but the Fifth in this set reigns supreme!

Excellent.......2005-09-26

This is an excellent series of recordings. The peak of which, of course, comes in the final CD with the 9th Symphony. The instruments are perfectly mixed so that one section doesn't outweigh another. The solosists are superior. The orchestra is crisp and precise. This is one of the best recordings of the nine symphonies out there. And it's a great value.

Pleasing overall..........2004-07-14

Beethoven's Symphonies are very popular among the classical community, and hence there are many versions and sets to choose from. This box set is wonderful for a classical lover who desires to obtain the complete symphonies, but can't afford to spend a hundred dollars in the process. This is by far not the best performance ever recorded by any means, but overall, it stays close to the music and is very traditional. So if you desire to gain a better appreciation for Beethoven's symphonies, but aren't willing or are unable to spend alot of money doing it, this is the perfect box set for you.

Average customer rating:

Bohm is one of the great Beethoven conductors
Lush, dramatic and evocative
Beethoven's Symphonies 1,2,3,4,5
Overall, just fablulous.
Nobody is perfect, but why did it have to be the No. 5?

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

Beethoven: Symphony Nos. 6, 7 & 8/2 Overtures
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 9; Overtures
Furtwangler Conducts Brahms - Complete Symphonies, etc / North German RSO, Berlin PO
4 Symphonies / Variations
The Bernstein Century - Beethoven: Symphony no 3 'Eroica' / Bernstein, New York PO

ASIN: B000001GL9
Release Date: 1994-11-22

Tracks:

Symphonie No. 1 en ut majeur, Op. 21: 1. Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphonie No. 1 en ut majeur, Op. 21: 2. Andante cantabile con moto
Symphonie No. 1 en ut majeur, Op. 21: 3. Menuetto: Allegro molto e vivace
Symphonie No. 1 en ut majeur, Op. 21: 4. Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace
Symphonie No. 2 en re majeur, Op. 36: 1. Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphonie No. 2 en re majeur, Op. 36: 2. Larghetto
Symphonie No. 2 en re majeur, Op. 36: 3. Scherzo: Allegro - Attacca
Symphonie No. 2 en re majeur, Op. 36: 4. Allegro molto

Tracks:

Symphonie No.4 en si bemol majeur, Op.60: 1. Adagio - Allegro vivace
Symphonie No.4 en si bemol majeur, Op.60: 2. Adagio
Symphonie No.4 en si bemol majeur, Op.60: 3. Allegro vivace
Symphonie No.4 en si bemol majeur, Op.60: 4. Allegro ma non troppo
Symphonie No.5 en ut mineur, Op.67: 1. Allegro con brio
Symphonie No.5 en ut mineur, Op.67: 2. Andante con moto
Symphonie No.5 en ut mineur, Op.67: 3. Allegro - attaca
Symphonie No.5 en ut mineur, Op.67: 4. Allegro

Amazon.com

Karl Böhm's Vienna Philharmonic Beethoven cycle is Deutsche Grammophon's best kept secret. Not only is it the finest complete set of Beethoven symphonies in their catalog, it's also far and away the best recorded, and to make matters even more irresistible, it's also the least expensive (it's available on three "twofer" sets). These performances are typical: weighty, intense, powerful, and magnificently played. Listen especially to the (comparatively) neglected Fourth Symphony: if Böhm doesn't convince you that this is major Beethoven, then no one can. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Bohm is one of the great Beethoven conductors.......2005-08-16

I have been collecting Karl Bohm's stereo recordings in earnest since 1993, and find his Beethoven among the best there is. This 2 disc set of Beethoven's Symphonies 1,2,4,and 5 should not disappoint anyone, unless they're really into the period instrument mentality of Hogwood, Gardiner, Norrington, Goodman, Weil, et al. The Vienna Philharmonic plays beautifully, and as you would expect, produce a burnished string and wind sound, wonderfully blended, but with clarity of lines where called for. Bohm is no speed demon, but he doesn't drag either: IV of Symphony 2 is slower than many I've heard, but it never drags.

I'm going to stick my neck out here and say that I believe Karl Bohm's Beethoven Symphony recordings from 1969-72 are better than Herbert von Karajan's 3 cycles with the Berlin Philharmonic, although there is no doubt Karajan is more marketed and celebrated by the public even 16 years after his death. Bohm is better interpretively, and has better sound in almost all movements of this symphony cycle. But he doesn't rely on dramatics to make his points: Bohm is solid as granite or the Rock of Gibralter, and you either like his approach or you don't. I do. About Karajan, his weakest cycle is the 1982-85 one, on DG. I would say the 1961-2 cycle is better, and the 1975-77 cycle best of Karajan's work, (both of these are DG also), but put them behind Bohm's cycle.

In addition to Bohm, I would recommend Bruno Walter/Columbia Symphony(Sony Classical,for Symphonies 1 through 8, but not 9); Szell/Cleveland for 1,2,3,4,9 (Sony Classical), Bernstein/Vienna (DG).

In this particular release, I enjoyed all 4 symphonies, and found Symphony 5 to be among the best I've heard, along with Furtwangler (the Vienna Philharmonic recording, released in January 2005 by EMI), and Ormandy (Sony Classical, 2 CD set, with 6,7,and 8.)

Lush, dramatic and evocative.......2002-09-24

I played Symphony No. 1 on the way home from work today, and it was as if I were being transported to a higher plane. No music has ever done that to me.

I haven't listened to much classical music for a long time, but recently I found myself drawn to Beethoven as I had 20 years ago. Upon the first listening, these symphonies drew me in and carried me away. I love Beethoven's complexity, drama and sublety. This music so clearly demonstrates why people for generations have considered Beethoven one of the greatest composers.

In the hands of Karl Bohm and the Vienna Philharmonic, these symphonies express themselves like a flower awakening to the sun.

The sound quality of this recording is exceptional. It is like being in the symphony hall, but more personal.

Beethoven's Symphonies 1,2,3,4,5.......2002-05-19

Typically Beethoven, Symphony #4 lifts you off your chair and sends you away with it's power, and Symphony #5 is also a very strong piece of Music, same for Symphonies 1 and 2. If you love Early Beethoven, and love Classical music that really knocks your socks off then you will love this CD set.

Overall, just fablulous........2001-04-25

So now I,ve heard them all. Nine symphonies on three DG doubles and I'm very happy. Below I wrote about the fifth and it's unfortunate. Now the good points. The playing is great. I have some recordings by George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra that feature playing so "tight" that it's scary. Sometimes it works(third symphony: thumbs-up), sometimes it doesn't(No. 5). I have Solti's 80's version of Beethoven's seventh and eighth whichs features very accurate playing put a real sense that the musicians are afraid to make a mistake, and it sounds just empty. Other disks I have are just sloppy. But this Bohm cycle sounds like relaxed perfection. It's wonderful: even when the playing is very fast, they are just purring along. I love it! The sound of the recording is another plus. Clear, warm, lively and almost no analog hiss. The Solti above sounds like a concrete gymnasium, Szell like a recording studio, the Muti cycle too crowded, '62 Karajan too old, Walter noisy and like a warehouse, Kleiber dramatic but too dark. But the Bohm sounds like a first-rate concert hall. The music? I could go on and on about the excellence of the interpretations. I get the impression that Bohm has a mind for "the whole piece" that is superior to just about everybody. If I hear a No. 8 that surpasses his, or a more beautiful second movement of the sixth, or a seventh that NAILS the climax better, or a more gleeful 4, or a more complete ninth, my head will explode.

Nobody is perfect, but why did it have to be the No. 5?.......2001-04-16

I love the No. 5. And Bohm's other Beethoven recordings are some of my most valued..anythings. But what the heck happened here? This fifth symphony is not good, and the tempo ain't the half of it. Slower tempos are fine. The problem is something else, like affinity for the music or something. As long as I have my Giulini/LA Phil No. 5(definately buy it!), I'll be fine. On a much happier note, the 4 is great! I've heard a few others and this one far surpasses them.

Liszt: Piano Transcriptions of Beethoven's Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 (First Movement)

Average customer rating:

Non-believers may want to hesitate
SKIP THIS ONE, AND GET GOULD'S LISZT'S BEETHOVEN'S SIXTH INSTEAD...
One of the most pyramidal achievements of Mr Gould!
Does not compare to Cyprien Katsaris
Beethoven's Fifth for Piano Solo

Liszt: Piano Transcriptions of Beethoven's Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 (First Movement)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000028NV
Release Date: 1992-10-13

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: II. Andante con moto
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: III. Allegro
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68: Awakening Of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival In The Country: Allegro ma non troppo

Amazon.com

None of Liszt's ingenuous Beethoven symphony transcriptions had been recorded when Glenn Gould charted virgin territory in 1967 with the Fifth. Not only does Gould take Liszt's prodigious technical demands in stride, he also turns in what may be his best Beethoven playing on record. The pianist brings a kind of rhythmic acuity to the outer movements that makes many orchestral versions seem tame in comparison, even those with faster tempos. Gould's genius for sustaining tension at slow tempos is fully revealed in the second movement, in which each phrase is timed to a T. The first movement of the Pastorale flows more assuredly and accurately than in Gould's CBC Radio performance of the entire transcription. It's a pity Gould abandoned his plans to record the entire cycle. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Non-believers may want to hesitate.......2006-09-11

Arguing against Glenn Gould's eccentric choices of recording material is a guarantee of being scorched here at Amazon, but in all fairness, Beethoven's symphonies lose a great deal in piano transcription. The instrument cannot sustain a true legato, encompass orchestral power, mimic wooodwind and brass colors, etc. What we're left with when you erase all the orchestration is Gould's personal interpretation. I wondered if he would have brillinat or even just strange new ideas about the Fifth. He doesn't. this is basically a straightforward reading of the score, the way a conductor might play it at home to learn the work. For me, one listen was enough, but of course GG fans will strongly disagree.

SKIP THIS ONE, AND GET GOULD'S LISZT'S BEETHOVEN'S SIXTH INSTEAD..........2006-04-14

Gould's Liszt's Beethoven's Fifth is a strange realization. I've been a GG fan--and a Beethoven fan--for over 30 years; still, I can't say I really like this recording. Again, Gould sees the piece as a gestalt--which is a good thing. The first movement he plays like the early Beethoven sonatas. He expands the time scale of the second movement, which is also a good thing. However, in the third movement GG seems a little fussy to me: but I hasten to add that I think this is Liszt's fault: I think Liszt's transcription is quirky. The last movement has those tremolos which Gould termed, "the worst excesses of Aunt Sadie at the upright [!]." One might imagine an old silent film accompaniment with the villan tieing the heroine to the railroad tracks: it's bathos at it's worst: hilarious. But Gould is just following Liszt's score.

Another critic says the first movement of B's Sixth is better than the whole gestalt GG did for CBC: WRONG! Lookit: my whole hearted recommendation is that art lovers obtain the whole recording of GG's B's Sixth instead of this recording. It's listed on Amazon as Glenn Gould Edition: Beethoven/Liszt ASIN: B0000028NW. That is the realization to get.

One of the most pyramidal achievements of Mr Gould!.......2005-03-03

This record is simply a musical treasure. Glenn Gould made a glorious and breathtaking performance of this score, maintaining an expressive lyricism, and idiomatic approach about this hard to play transcription. Gould knew to express the inner tensions and the force of this quintessential Symphony. You won't miss the original version for whole orchestra.

A sublime masterwork which proved again the huge loss that meant for all the world the early vanishing of this giant keyboardist.

In memoriam: 1932-1982.

Does not compare to Cyprien Katsaris.......2004-05-09

I've heard several performances of Beethoven's Symphonies on piano. The performances by Cyprien Katsaris are far superior to Glenn Gould's. Katsaris closely follows the original score by Beethoven, takes the repeats, and plays at the proper tempo consistently. Gould hums, plays too slowly and never takes repeats.

Comparing the 5th Symphony between Gould and Katsaris, it's easy to hear vast differences. Throughout the symphony, Katsaris plays with passion, excitement and tension. He adds notes left out by Liszt (and Gould) and he takes the repeats (often playing them the "ossia"). The symphony is much more entertaining and accurately played by Katsaris. The final movement by Gould is slow and almost boring. While Katsaris performs it quickly and precisely.

Overall Katsaris adds notes for instruments Liszt left out for all 9 Symphonies and is much more accurate than any other performance I've ever heard. I highly recommend Cyprien Katsaris over anyone else for Beethoven's Symphonies.

Beethoven's Fifth for Piano Solo.......2002-01-19

This CD is top-rate. The recording quality is excellent. Some piano recordings can sound distant--not this one. You feel like you're standing next to the piano. Glenn Gould plays Beethoven's Fifth Symphony with flawless virtuosity, and he stays true to the symphony. The piano arrangement by Liszt captures the symphony's message, and you will want to turn up the volume and listen to every note. If you like Beethoven's Fifth and you like solo piano, this CD is a winner. Note that only the first movement of the Sixth Symphony is on this CD.

Average customer rating:

A fine Seventh, but the real gem is the Second
Genius Meets Genius
New York Rocks!!
Best Seventh Ever!
Definitive

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 7

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000K4J2
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Customer Reviews:

A fine Seventh, but the real gem is the Second.......2007-02-20

Bernstein recorded the Beethoven 7th four times to my knowledge, twice with the NY Phil., a decade later with the Vienna Phil., and finally (though not by intention) as a valedictory with the BSO that DG released after his death using FM broadcast tapes. The version here is the second New York one from 1964. It's substantially the same as his earlier one from 1958, the main difference being that the Scherzo is slower here and proceeds with more swagger, while the finale is a touch more vigorous. In either case, the performance is fine in an easy, somewhat undiscipined way. The intensity of Karajan and Carlos Kleiber aren't in evidence, nor the brio and precision of the CSO under Reiner.

Actually, the real gem here is the ebullient and totally captivating Sym. #2. It's played with large forces--LB didn't see the early Beethoven symphonies as Haydnesque--but there's lightness in Bernstein's touch, along with abundant humor. The NY Phil. plays with humor and verve--in all, a great eprformance that is one of the highlights of Bernstein's first Beethoven cycle. This is the five-star performance.

Genius Meets Genius.......2006-10-23

After toying several times with purchasing a recording of Maestro Bernstein's final performance of the Seventh at Tanglewood for sentimental reasons, I opted for the purity of a studio recording. It proved an excellent decision. The sound is crystal clear (I am nearly deaf in one ear), and happily, unlike a previous reviewer, I have detected no technical flaws in this outstanding remastering. This is Bernstein and the NYP at its zenith.

As someone who gravitates to classical works of the last 150 years or so and who does not count Beethoven among his favorite composers, the Seventh proved absolutely spellbinding to me on both initial and subsequent hearings. The first movement is the longest in terms of both time elapsed -14- and interest sustained that I have ever had the pleasure of enjoying. The allegretto moves, for my taste, at just the right pace, not plodding, with Bernstein deftly weaving the countermelody and the composer doing a superb job of shining some light into the somewhat hypnotic, introspective movement via key change and instrumentation. The presto adds still more brightness, setting the stage for the galloping allegro, where Bernstein has the NYP stab the notes and celebrate being alive. (It's been reported that Beethoven consumed huge quantities of coffee; if so, it appears to have kicked in when he was working on this final movement.) After 40 minutes, the Seventh comes to a crisp, jubilant ending, not with a drawn-out formulaic close, but with a brisk run to the finish line and a clean, final note. And throughout, Beethoven gives us not one, but several beautiful melodies to be explored and savored, never overstaying his welcome.

This is a wonderful way to remember the genius of Bernstein - not frail under a gloomy sky at Tanglewood but at the height of his powers, conducting his very own philharmonic in the city he called home.

Five-plus stars.

New York Rocks!!.......2004-04-01

This is certainly an example of just how fine Bernstein could get his orchestra to play. The Second symphony of Beethoven is a real treat. The Slow movement solo by Stanley Drucker on clarinet is absolutely flawless and every nuance is superb. In fact, this Beethoven 2 is really on of the very best ever done. There are few orchestras in the world who can play the Beethoven D Major this well, and I doubt you could find any recent recordings that are on par with this level of excitement and committment.

The Seventh has always been a tricky piece, and my only criticism is the sound is certainly not better than Kleiber's on DG with the Vienna. What is so enjoyable is the obvious ease with which the NYP can produce such wide dynamics without any intonation flaws. Incredible playing...also check out the Mahler reissues in this series...they are played beyond reproach!

Best Seventh Ever!.......2004-03-15

I own about a dozen recordings of this great symphony, and I've heard a dozen more. This recording is my absolute favorite. It sizzles. I can't think of a single criticism to make against it; not a single solitary minuscule quibble.

Sure, Kleiber's recording is very good; so is Klemperer's and Walter's and Monteux's, etc. But this is the one I keep coming back to. And it doesn't appeal only to the cognoscenti: Whenever I want to introduce one of my pop-music-listening friends to classical music, THIS is the recording I give them. It hardly ever fails to hook them on classical.

Definitive.......2003-09-21

Kleiber's recording of the Seventh gets all the acolades (and it's an excellent recording, no doubt about it), but for my money nobody has ever matched Bernstein's magisterial 1964 recording with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. The tempos are absolutely perfect and the Philharmonic are on fire here. This rendition of the Seventh really is "the apotheosis of the dance" (to quote Wagner's famous characterization of it). Their recording of the Symphony No. 2 is likewise thrilling. Buy this disc now.

Average customer rating:

I can name that tune in three notes
A Fabulous CD
Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!
Fun Sampler
Useful.

Idiot's Guide to Classical Music

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FPT
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Adagio
Air on the G String: Air on the G String, Excerpt
Brandenburg Concerto: Third Movement, Excerpt
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Excerpt
Tocatta & Fugue: Excerpt
Adagio for Strings: Excerpt
Synphony No. 5: First Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9: Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Fse: Excerpt
Turkish March: Turkish March, Excerpt
Moonlight Sonata: Excerpt
Symphonie Fantastique: March Ot the Scaffold, Excerpt
Damnation of Faust: Excerpt
Carmen - Habanera: Habanera, Excerpt
Toreador Song [From Carmen]
Minuet: Minuet, Excerpt
Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dance No 17, Excerpt
Hungarian Dance No. 5: No 5, Excerpt
Lullaby: No 4, Lullaby, Excerpt
"Minute" Waltz: Excerpt
Grande Valse Brillante: Excerpt
Marche Fune: Marche Fune
Appalachian Spring: Excerpt
Fanfare for the Common Man: Excerpt
Clair de Lune: Excerpt
Prelude to the Afternoon: Excerpt
Lakm Flower Duet: Flower Duet, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9 "New World": Second Movement, "Going Home" Theme, ...
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Excerpt
Pomp & Circumstance: Excerpt
El Amor Brujo
Pavane: Excerpt
Rhapsody in Blue: Excerpt
American in Paris: Excerpt
Funeral March of Marionette: Excerpt
Piano Concerto in a Minor: Excerpt
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Morning: Morning, Excerpt
Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus: Hallelujah Chorus, Excerpt
Water Music - Hornpipe: Hornpipe, Excerpt
Symphony No. 94 "Surprise": Second Movement, Excerpt
The Planets - Mars: Mars, Excerpt
Sabre Dance: Sabre Dance, Excerpt
Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba, Excerpt
Hungarian Rhapsody
Liebestraum No. 3: No 3, Excerpt
Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo: Intermezzo, Excerpt
Midsummer Night's Dream - Wedding March: Wedding March, Excerpt
Symphony No. 4 "Italian": Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Rondeau: No 1, Rondeau
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante, Excerpt
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: First Movement, Excerpt
The Marriage of Figaro - Overture: Overture, Excerpt
Sonata in A - Rondo Alla Turca: Rondo Alla Turca, Excerpt
Symphony No. 40: First Movement, Excerpt
Night on Bald Mountain: Excerpt
Pictures at an Exhibition - Great Cave of Kiev: Great Gate of ...
Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Excerpt
Orpheus in Hades - Theme II: Excerpt (Theme)
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna: O Fortuna, Excerpt
Canon: Canon, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Montagues & Capulets: Montagues & Capulets, Excerpt
Lt. Kije's Wedding: Lt. Kije's Wedding, Excerpt
Turandot - Nessun Dorma: Nessun Dorma, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 2: Second Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 2: Third Movement, Opening, Excerpt
Rhapsody on a Theme: Variation 18, Excerpt
Bolero
Flight of the Bumblebee
Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio: Adagio, Excerpt
The Barber of Seville - Overture: Excerpt
The Barber of Sville - Largo Al Factotum: Largo Al Factotum, Excerpt
William Tell Overture - Theme II: Excerpt
Danse Macabre: Excerpt
Gymnope No. 1
Symphony N0. 8 "Unfinished": Excerpt
Ave Maria: Excerpt
Finlandia [Finale: Finale, Excerpt]
Valse Triste: No 1, Valse Triste, Excerpt
Stars & Stripes Forever: Excerpt
Semper Fidelis: Excerpt
Blue Danube Waltz: Excerpt
Tales from the Vienna Woods: Excerpt
Also Sprach Zarathustra: Fanfare, Excerpt
Firebird - Infernal Dance & Main Theme: Infernal Dance & Main ...
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers: Waltz of the Flowers, Excerpt
Swan Lake - Waltz: Waltz, Excerpt
Sleeping Beauty -: Waltz, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Theme II: Theme LL, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 1 - Opening: Opening, Excerpt
1812 Overture - Finale: Finale, Excerpt
Fantasia on "Greensleeves": Excerpt
Alda - Grand March: Grand March, Excerpt
Il Trovatore - Anvil Chorus: Anvil Chorus, Excerpt
Requiem - Dies Irae: Dies Irae, Excerpt
Rigoletto - La Donna Mobile: La Donna Mobile, Excerpt
The Four Seasons "Spring" - Allegro: Allegro, Excerpt
The Four Season "Winter" - Largo: Largo, Excerpt
Lohengrin - Bridal Chorus: Bridal Chorus, Excerpt
Die WalkRide of the Valkyries: Ride of the Valkyries, Excerpt

Customer Reviews:

I can name that tune in three notes.......2005-02-19

My family likes to put this disc in on shuffle and play name that tune. I wish they made more discs like this, only with more obscure works.

A Fabulous CD.......2004-10-14

The Idiot's Guide to Calssical Music is an awesome Cd for those people who want to have a tiny sample of all the great classical compositions. Track 61 and 63 are my favorite.

Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!.......2002-03-20

Yes, this CD really does have 99 tracks. How do they do it? Each is about a minuet long. Some are longer, some are shorter, but you get the micro-essential moments of the music.

If you like burning your own CDs, then this is a great source for intra-track fillers, along the lines of They Might Be Giants' "Apollo 18" album, which has all of those short tracks on the end. The idea is to put your CD player on shuffle, so the short tracks get mixed in with the bona fide songs. The result being a very unusual album.

The booklet gives an explanation of the track, where you heard it (i.e. the Warner Brother's Cartoons, or on famous films), and where you can get the full piece of music. So it's a mega sampler CD.

I can honestly say that this CD is a great gift for the friend who has everything.

Fun Sampler.......2001-11-09

For the beginner. You will be surprised at how many of the 99 themes you recognize here. It is an easy introduction to classical music. Nice booklet too.

Useful........1999-03-22

Take it for what it is, a clever and useful GUIDE to classical music. No, it is NOT an uncut rendition of Beethoven's 9th symphony. It IS a cd that will jog your memory. You have heard many of the tunes presented here, but not always knowing what the work was. This is your chance to catch up with all the great classical music you have been exposed to. Cheap too.

Average customer rating:

An outstanding Second Sym. from Karajan's last cycle
Karajan's final Beethoven Symphony recordings were among my first CDs
Very Solid Beethoven
It all begins here, you know...

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000001GJM
Release Date: 1993-11-09

Tracks:

Symphonie Nr. 1 C-dur Op.21: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphonie Nr. 1 C-dur Op.21: Andante cantabile con moto
Symphonie Nr. 1 C-dur Op.21: Menuetto. Allegro molto e vivace
Symphonie Nr. 1 C-dur Op.21: Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace
Symphonie Nr. 2 D-dur Op.36: Adagio - Allegro con brio
Symphonie Nr. 2 D-dur Op.36: Larghetto
Symphonie Nr. 2 D-dur Op.36: Scherzo. Allegro
Symphonie Nr. 2 D-dur Op.36: Allegro molto

Customer Reviews:

An outstanding Second Sym. from Karajan's last cycle.......2006-07-15

Karajan was old-fashioned enough to see little difference between early and late Beethoven style. He wasn't inlined to treat Sym. #1 and 2 as holdovers from the age of Haydn; they speak in Beethoven's mature voice. To some extent this approach is too dated. The First in particular seems a bit lumbering under Karajan, and the Berlin Phil. feel constrained, holding back their power while still remaining at full force. (Abbado would drastically scale back the number of musicians in his cycle from Berlin.) The result is a proficient but rather joyless reading.

The Second is another story. There's enough real Beethoven here for Karajan to allow his musicians to expand. This Second is large-scale and heroic. Again, not the true historical story but true to German tradition. In many other symphonies Karajan modernizes tradition by being faster and leaner; here he doesn't. Expect moderate tempos and a ful orchestral sonority. Thanks to Karajan's talents, his reading is convincing. In fact, unless you demand period style, this is one of the best Seconds to be had, and the improved sonics of the Karajan Gold edition surpass the earlier sound DG produed for Karajan's two ealier versions form the Sixties and seventies.

Karajan's final Beethoven Symphony recordings were among my first CDs.......2005-10-09

This disc has nostalgia value, as it was one of the first CDs I owned in 1986, the beginning of my CD experience. I expected much of Karajan's final Beethoven recordings but was disappointed. The sound is not as natural and there is not enough treble in the highest registers as the earlier DG Beethoven Symphony recordings made in 1961-2 and 1975-77, but what concerns me most are the tempos. Some of the Allegro movements are too slow: sluggish, and in the words of one critic around the time this was released,"like Klemperer on a bad day." Apt, I'm afraid.

I don't mean to be too hard on Karajan (1908-1989) who was without a doubt one of the great conductors of the 20th century, and made a huge number of recordings from 1947 until his death in 1989, mostly for DG, Decca, and EMI. But these recordings are disappointing, and there are so many to choose from for these works.

Still, if you are a Karajan fan, go for them. I found Symphony 2 to be better played here than Symphony 1, but that may be only my perception. For b