Beethoven: Symphony No. 7; Overtures

On this CD:

1. Coriolan Overture, Op. 62
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by London Classical Players
Conducted by Roger Norrington

2. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Overture
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by London Classical Players
Conducted by Roger Norrington

3. Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by London Classical Players
Conducted by Roger Norrington

Beethoven: Symphony No. 7; Overtures, Music, Ludwig van Beethoven, Roger Norrington, London Classical Players, Classical, Classical Music, Orchestral, Romantic Incidental Music for Orchestra, Romantic Overture for Orchestra, Romantic Symphony, Symphonic

Beethoven: Symphony Nos. 6, 7 & 8/2 Overtures
Average customer rating:

Master of the Slow and the Beautiful

You must hear this recording

Great all around

The best version of the sixth!

Best Thing I Ever Bought.

Beethoven: Symphony Nos. 6, 7 & 8/2 Overtures
Ludwig van Beethoven , Karl Böhm , Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra , and Dresden Staatskapelle
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

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

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 9; Overtures

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 "Pastorale"

Beethoven: Symphony No.9 'choral', 'egmont' Overture

Furtwangler Conducts Beethoven - Beethoven: symphonies no 3,4,5, & 9, Leonore

ASIN: B000001GJF
Release Date: 1995-07-18

Tracks:

Symphonie No. 6 'Pastorale' en a majeur, Op. 68: Eveil d'impressions agreables en arrivant a la campagne: Allegro ma non troppo
Symphonie No. 6 'Pastorale' en a majeur, Op. 68: Au bord du ruisseau: Andante molto mosso
Symphonie No. 6 'Pastorale' en a majeur, Op. 68: Joyeuse assemblee de paysans: Allegro
Symphonie No. 6 'Pastorale' en a majeur, Op. 68: L'Orage et le Tonnerre: Allegro
Symphonie No. 6 'Pastorale' en a majeur, Op. 68: Chant pastoral - Remerciement a la Divinite apres l'Orage: Allegretto
Ouvertures: Leonore III, Op. 72A
Ouvertures: Fidelio, Op. 72B

Tracks:

Symphonies No. 7 en la majeur, Op. 92: Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphonies No. 7 en la majeur, Op. 92: Allegretto
Symphonies No. 7 en la majeur, Op. 92: Presto
Symphonies No. 7 en la majeur, Op. 92: Allegro con brio
Symphonies No. 8 en fa majeur, Op. 93: Allegro vivace e con brio
Symphonies No. 8 en fa majeur, Op. 93: Allegretto scherzando
Symphonies No. 8 en fa majeur, Op. 93: Tempo di Menuetto
Symphonies No. 8 en fa majeur, Op. 93: Allegro vivace

Amazon.com

Karl Böhm's Beethoven is, on balance, the best complete cycle available from Deutsche Grammophon. This will come as a surprise to many, given the fact that the label relentlessly promotes performances by Herbert von Karajan (three complete cycles!) and Leonard Bernstein, but for quality of playing, as well as superb sound, these versions are just about unbeatable. And at a "twofer" price, the complete set on three pairs of discs is a terrific value. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Master of the Slow and the Beautiful.......2006-06-12

I always love Bohm's meticulous extraction of beautiful music through slow tempi. Other conductors just skip through the nice pieces far too quickly.

You must hear this recording.......2004-08-08

It's very exciting to see Bohm's Beethoven cycle, Mozart recordings and Tristan und Isolde get the praise that it deserves. For those of you who are not familiar with Bohm, take the leap and see why everyone is so excited. You may notice that many of his lower profile recordings (such as this) often have higher ratings then the classics. Bohm is not a surface conductor; many will testify that his recordings did not appeal to them the first few times they listened to them, but suddenly grew on them. If the other reviewers seem to struggle for words, it isn't surprising. Nothing is as amazing as hearing such 'plain' recordings and realizing they are better and more miraculous then the competition. For those of you that have this recording, but don't like it, keep it on the shelf and take it down every now and then and see how it works for you. I will tell you, having the whole cycle, that these three (along with the eroica) are the best of the cycle. The fifth is rather slow at times, and (sadly) it is probably not Bohm's fault, or Beethoven, but the fact that we have grown so used to hearing it that it has to be 'Kleiberized' to make it alive again. I definitely prefer his seventh over others, and as has been attested to, it is one that has to grow with you. The only other recording to recommend is Krips cycle, which unfortunately has all but disappeared from print and public eye. It's certainly not better, but it is interesting to hear a conductor who has a Beethoven sound even more transparent then Bohm's. As for the more recent digital recording of the ninth, you will notice that it has taking a heavy critical slam for its consistently slow tempos. Although I defend the recording, I have to admit this to be the case, and except for the first movement, I would have liked to have seen it taken faster. This recording definitely cannot be recommended too much, and I agree with another reviewer that it is very surprising that DG has not made a greater effort to push this cycle. I have noticed that it has stayed consistenly in print (recently reissued again) and it may be that they know there's more money to be made in selling the recordings individually. Who can say? Whatever the case, buy it!!

Great all around.......2002-11-06

Some have said that Beethoven's odd-numbered symphonies are great and his even ones are only mediocre. Well, here Bohm shows us how great the 6th and 8th symphonies are. Like many have commented, this is one of the best recordings of the 6th out on the market. The "Pastoral" symphony is rich and lush, and Vienna takes you away into the landscape that Beethoven envisioned as he wrote this wonderful work. Great attention to detail that is highly satisfying. In the 8th, Bohm doesn't let up and conducts with such precision as to create a wonderful driving energy that can be felt underlying the piece. Excellent choice of tempi and full rich sound. The 7th is not my favorite of the recordings out there but it is still well done.

The best version of the sixth!.......2001-02-27

Beethoven's sixth is often underappreciated and overlooked. This version will quickly get you to reconsider your opinion if you have dismissed the sixth as "lightweight." The entire symphony is played with exquisite sensitivity. The first two movements, in particular, reveal Beethoven's genius. Bohm gets the orchestra to revel in Beethoven's lush textures. Everying is balanced and played with great delicacy. Bohm's reading of the seventh is quite different than the famous Klieber version. Again, other reviewers have criticized Bohm for being a bit too slow (the only place this is a concern is in his rendering of the fifth). However, Bohm gets a different, though equally satisfying effect from the slower tempo, particularly in the second movement. Bohm gets much more emotional depth out of this movemement than Klieber does. The spirited eighth is every bit as great as Szell's outstanding version with the Cleveland Symphony. In short, this is a "can't miss" cycle. You can't go wrong, and you won't be dissatisfied with Bohm's versions of all nine Beethoven symphonies.

Best Thing I Ever Bought........2001-01-08

I am so utterly charmed by these recordings that it amazes me.

Right away I greatly preferred Bohm's 6th to the few others that I had heard. I wasn't surprised since it appears to be universally admired. With the seventh I was immediately struck by its classical poise vs. say Kleiber's energy and drive, and thought that I needed to quickly acquire several other versions to figure out what "most" conductors thought the approach should be. I thought Solti's digital 7th was good and definitely in the Kleiber camp. Ashkenazy was next: not a carbon-copy but still also in the energy and drive catagory. Then I discovered that if you listen to the Bohm first during the listening session it doesn't seem "too polite" anymore, it sounds utterly convincing, and the others sound impossibly driven in the III and IV, and nowhere near as impressive as a total performance. And that's without even considering aspects of recording quality or tonal balance. Maybe some will think I'm missing it, but I almost can't listen to the others anymore becauce it really sounds like Bohm nailed it. Number 8. I thought I really loved this work after hearing the '62 Karajan and the Edlinger recording from Naxos. Muti and Szell followed. Good and good. Then I heard the Bohm and it was the same thing all over again. "It's so different," I thought, "slow and almost pokey, though the recording sounds great and the balance is very warm and sweet." Then a few nights later I slip on the headphones and it hits me: this is the greatest interpretation of the most absolutely wonderful music I've ever heard. Pure pleasure, perfect, fun fun fun. Now I really can't listen to other versions anymore(and the digital Solti becomes a cruel joke). So I bought the Bohm 3&9 set and can't wait to get the 1,2,4,5 set. I think Beethoven was an entertainer, not just out to impress. Get these disks, they've got beauty and balance and power in the right places.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Overtures; Violin Concerto (Limited Edition)
Average customer rating:

Bernstein's First, Quite Possibly, Best, Beethoven Symphony Cycle

Bernstein's early Beethoven makes an enticing bargain

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Overtures; Violin Concerto (Limited Edition)

Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies

ASIN: B00006OA68
Release Date: 2002-10-28

Tracks:

Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21
Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36
Symphony No.4 In B-Flat Major, Op.60
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68
Symphony No.9 In D Minor, Op.125
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Major, Op.61

Customer Reviews:

Bernstein's First, Quite Possibly, Best, Beethoven Symphony Cycle.......2007-05-23

For those wondering why Leonard Bernstein was such an important, exciting conductor, there's no better introduction than these fine early stereo recordings he made with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Critics have celebrated these as exciting, revelatory accounts, almost as memorable as those from George Szell and The Cleveland Orchestra and Herbert von Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker, which were recorded almost at the same time as Bernstein's. The only reason why I'd give higher recommendations to Szell's and Karajan's cycles lies primarily with the acoustical qualities of the recording studios (In Karajan's case the converted Berlin church where he made most of his 1960s and 1970s recordings with the Berliner Philharmoniker was sonically the best at that time.) and the overall quality of the musicianship of their respective ensembles, which I would have to rate slightly higher than the New York Philharmonic's. The two finest recordings from Bernstein's New York Philharmonic cycle are those with of the 3rd and 5th symphonies which remain two of the most dramatic recordings of these pieces that I've heard. Overall, I think this set deserves favorable comparisons with his mid 1970s Deutsche Grammophon cycle recorded with the Wiener Philharmoniker during live performances at Vienna's Musikverein; the only exceptional differences are the slightly warmer acoustics of the orchestra and concert hall in the 1970s cycle, and Bernstein's usage of slightly quicker tempi and smaller orchestral forces. If you're looking for an alternative traditional Beethoven symphony cycle, then you won't miss by acquiring this early Bernstein cycle.

Bernstein's early Beethoven makes an enticing bargain.......2007-02-20

I wonder if Leonard Bernstein was the first American conductor to record a complete Beethoven cycle? He must have been, and two of these performances--the Eroica and the Fifth Sym. -- were made famous as vehicles for LB's television talks in the Fities and Sixties. Millions of post-war kids learned from them and I'm one. In retrospect Bernstein's Beethoven wasn't as propulsive and exciting as memory made them. But these performances are full-boded, direct, and satisfying. Perhaps the authority of Karajan and the Berlin Phil. isn't present, but even so, Sony is offering the cycle as a tremendous bargain, all the more so if you buy it used at Amazon Marketplace. Several overtures are thrown in, along with Isaac Stern's excellent account of the Violin Concerto (conductor and soloist are in sympathy, as always, but this is one of their poorest sounding recordings, unfortunately).

LB used a big orchestra for his Beethoven, and the Columbia Records engineers caught them in a big, reverberant space. If you want to hear this music on a modest scale or with historical touches, lok elsewhere. After he decamped to Europe, Bernstein made a second Beethoven cycle with the Vienna Phil. that's leaner, faster, but somewhat lacking in the excitment of discovery that one heard the first time around.

Baby Dance:Toddler's Jump on the Classics

Average customer rating:

Not great, kids need to really be in the mood
A different "baby classics" album
We all love this cd.
Valuable resource
My preschooler really likes this one!

Baby Dance:Toddler's Jump on the Classics

Manufacturer: Erato
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Baby Sleep
Baby Play: Classical Favorites For Toddler's Playtime
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Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music
Build your baby's brain through the power of Mozart: Brain 2

ASIN: B000005EDA
Release Date: 1994-09-06

Tracks:

A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Catch a Sabre Tooth Tiger
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: They'll Have The World On A String
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: That's Rameau Not Rambo
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Viva Vivaldi
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: A Little Bachanalia
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Make Mine Mussorgsky
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Cinderella, Choose Your Fella
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Get a Little Nuts
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Meet The Master Of Movement
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Choose Your Partners
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Dad, Is This the Waltz Of The Reindeer?
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Say Hello To Haydn
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Actually It's Two Minutes
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Forward March!
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oboe
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Spanish Passion
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Mostly Mozart
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Classic Choreography
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Quite a Fella, Falla
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: May I Have This Waltz?
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: Baby Goes Baroque
A Toddler's Jump On The Classics: I Love Ludwig

Customer Reviews:

Not great, kids need to really be in the mood.......2003-04-07

I bought this for my 5-year old daughter who loves litening to my classical music. She did not like it. It failed to grab her attention.

A different "baby classics" album.......2002-11-12

I've bought many CDs for my son (who is now 2), including various classical compilations for babies. However, most of them seem to comprise of the same two dozen or so "favourites" from the Baroque and Classical periods. Also, most of the selections are usually in slow tempo (in order to pass as "lullabies") whereas I find that babies respond better to rhythmic, upbeat tunes. I like this CD because it includes beautiful selections that are less overused, come from different epochs and styles, and are very suitible for small kids. The pieces are brief (babies have a short attention span)and upbeat. They won't put your child or yourself to sleep, but you can listen to them repeatedly without getting tired.

We all love this cd........2002-03-31

My kids love this cd. We kept checking it out from the library, so we finally decided to buy it. The kids like the picture of the baby running on the piano and they pretend they are doing the same thing while we listen to it. I love the music, so much of it is familiar and well loved.

Valuable resource.......2001-08-01

As a music educator, preschool teacher, and mother of three young children, I have reviewed many recordings for children. When evaluating a product, I do not necessarily look for songs I like to listen to, but selections that are well received by children. The producers of "Baby dance" did a wonderful job in choosing beautiful pieces with a fast tempo that encourage toddlers as young as 13 months to march, hop, and dance. Not all songs are from the typical classical music sampler tapes, introducing adults to other, lesser-known beautiful masterpieces. Most selections are less then 2 minutes long, wich proved the perfect time span for the attention of a 2-year old. I videotaped my youngest son when he was dancing to this tape as a 2-year old. He interpreted the feelings the music conveyed and moved his body according to these emotions - from wiggling to standing still and tuning in to crawling on all fours. I give workshops to early childhood educators and always recommend this title.

My preschooler really likes this one!.......2001-01-29

We first purchased this CD when my son was 18 months old, and he's really enjoyed it ever since. He's now 3 years old, and still asks for it to be played. The selections are short, but high energy and and lots of fun. This is a GREAT CD to have handy on those rainy days when you can't get out of the house! Incidentally, it's also recommended for preschoolers by Ed Hirsh, of the Core Knowledge series (What Your Kindergartener Needs to Know, What Your First Grader Needs to Know, etc), on his coreknowledge.org site.

Beethoven - Symphonies 1-9 · Overtures / London Classical Players · Sir Roger Norrington

Average customer rating:

Nice recording
Strong on the even numbered symphonies ...
Norrington's Performances are the Worst of the Worst of the Worst of the Worst, I wish I was exaggerating!
Great sound, but Symphonies 1, 2 and 4 are the best here.
Excellent - emotion & energy!

Beethoven - Symphonies 1-9 · Overtures / London Classical Players · Sir Roger Norrington
Ludwig van Beethoven , Roger Norrington , Sarah Walker Yvonne Kenny , Petteri Salomaa Patrick Power , and Schütz Choir of London London Classical Players
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Beethoven: The Piano Concertos; 3 Sonatas
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Igor Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring / Alexander Scriabin: The Poem of Ecstasy - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra
Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies / Gardiner
Schubert: 8 Symphonies

ASIN: B00005A9O0
Release Date: 2001-11-06

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: I. Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: II. Andante Cantabile Con Moto
Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: III. Menuetto: Allegro Molto E Vivace
Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: IV. Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.55 'Eroica': I. Allegro Con Brio
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.55 'Eroica': II. Marcia Funebre. Adagio Assai
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.55 'Eroica': III. Scherzo - Allegro Vivace
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.55 'Eroica': IV. Finale: Allegro Molto - Poco Andante - Presto
The Creatures Of Prometheus Ov, Op.43

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in D, Op.36: I. Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
Sym No.2 in D, Op.36: II. Larghetto
Sym No.2 in D, Op.36: III. Scherzo (Allegro)
Sym No.2 in D, Op.36: IV. Allegro Molto
Sym No.8 in F, Op.93: I. Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
Sym No.8 in F, Op.93: II. Allegro Scherzando
Sym No.8 in F, Op.93: III. Tempo Di Menuetto
Sym No.8 in F, Op.93: IV. Allegro Vivace
Coriolan Ov, Op.62
Egmont Ov, Op.84

Tracks:

Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: I. Adagio - Allegro Vivace
Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: II. Adagio
Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: III. Allegro Vivace - Trio: Un Poco Meno Allegro
Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sym No.7 in A, Op.92: I. Poco Sostenuto - Vivace
Sym No.7 in A, Op.92: II. Allegretto
Sym No.7 in A, Op.92: III. Allegro Vivace - Trio: Un Poco Meno Allegro
Sym No.7 in A, Op.92: IV. Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: I. Allegro Con Brio
Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: II. Andante Con Moto
Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: III. Allegro
Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: IV. Allegro - Presto
Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastoral': I. Allegro Non Troppo - Awakening Of Happy Feelings On Arriving...
Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastoral': II. Andante Molto Mosso - Scene By The Brook
Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastoral': III. Allegro - Merry Gathering Of The Country Folk
Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastoral': IV. Allegro - Storm And Tempest
Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastoral': V. Allegretto - Shepherd's Song. Happy And Thankful Feelings...

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in d, Op.125 'Choral': I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Yvonne Kenny/Sarah Walker/Patrick Power/Petteri Salomaa/The Schutz Chor Of London
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125 'Choral': II. Molto Vivace - Yvonne Kenny/Sarah Walker/Patrick Power/Petteri Salomaa/The Schutz Chor Of London
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125 'Choral': III. Adagio Molto E Cantabile - Yvonne Kenny/Sarah Walker/Patrick Power/Petteri Salomaa/The Schutz Chor Of London
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125 'Choral': IV. Presto - Allegro - Yvonne Kenny/Sarah Walker/Patrick Power/Petteri Salomaa/The Schutz Chor Of London

Customer Reviews:

Nice recording.......2007-05-20

I got this recording to hear how Beethoven might sound on period instruments. That sort of thing interests me; I play early woodwinds, myself. The playing is good; and I think I got my money's worth.

Strong on the even numbered symphonies ..........2007-03-22

If you're after superb recordings of the 2nd, 4th, 6th and 8th symphonies, look no further. However, I find Norrington's interpretations of the odd numbered symphonies much less effective for some reason. I've had this set for some years now (I own several recordings of the Beethoven symphonies, five complete cycles, in fact) and I have come to the conclusion that Norrington's recordings of the 2nd, 4th and 8th symphonies are amongst the best available. However, he is weaker in some of the other symphonies. Yet this is a very enjoyable cycle and I do enjoy listening to it, albeit a little critically.

Many or most music lovers will be aware that this was probably the first complete set of recordings on period instruments which took Beethoven's metronome marks very seriously and endeavoured to adhere to them as much as humanly possible. I am inclined to agree with Nikolaus Harnoncourt on this subject and he suggests that Beethoven's metronome markings were worked out in his head and represent how these works might sound in the imagination rather than in the concert hall, does that make any sense?

Hogwood's slightly earlier pioneering H.I.P. recordings of Beethoven symphonies please me a little more than Norrington's. Hogwood wasn't as dogmatic about the metronome markings and I feel that his set is a little more dramatic and "potent" than Norrington's. Those are my feelings.

If you're after a very cheap set of Beethoven symphonies on period instruments, look no further. If you're "cashed up" and a little more choosy, go for Gardiner or Brüggen or, perhaps, Goodman's.

Norrington's Performances are the Worst of the Worst of the Worst of the Worst, I wish I was exaggerating!.......2006-02-05

This was recorded back in the 1980's when the period instrument movement was still just getting off the ground and the incompetence level of period instrument performers and conductors was off the charts! The instruments themselves were weezy, scratchy and just plain pathetic. Performance standards have improved today but I can't believe anyone in their right mind prefered Beethoven played this way, back in the 1980's, today or even 200 hundred years ago.

Since these performances are so pathetic as to be almost unmentionable, I'll zero in on two symphonies in particular, the Eroica and the 9th. The tempos for all the movements of the Eroica are very fast, the first movement with the exposition repeat observed is only 15:20. Very fast, so it should be exciting, explosive, right? Wrong. It's flat out boring and I was actually getting drowsy. It goes without saying that the instruments have no weight, no depth and no power but the performance lacks any insight at all, especially so in the great Funeral March, here played like a stroll in the park.

The Ninth Symphony is even worse, far, far worse. The first two movements rattled off without even a thought or care. The great, spiritual adagio becomes whiney, rushed nonsense in Norrington's hands and the choral finale was so awful I had to stop it several times.

To call the London Classical Players the equals of a high school orchestra would be an insult to high school orchestras everywhere. The London Classical Players are much more like elementary school children with their first instruments.

This kind of mockery of Beethoven might be fine in England but I'm sure the Germans and Austrians had a good laugh as their hearts filled with rage against the idiotic Englishman! Of course I didn't buy this crappy Norrington set, I just borrowed it from the library and returned it as soon as possible. I feel sorry for anyone who thinks this is good and I feel even more sorry for anyone who thinks that this is how Beethoven should actually be played! With no joy, no soul, no power, no spirituality. If you insist on period instruments ( why would you insist on that you moron? ), go get John Eliot Gardiner. If you actually want to hear drama and beauty in this music, go to Karajan or if you want to experience the full depth and profundity of these works, go to Furtwangler.

Great sound, but Symphonies 1, 2 and 4 are the best here........2005-12-04

Roger Norrington's controversial and ground breaking period instrument Beethoven Symphony cycle with the London Classical Players, recorded and released in the mid-late 1980s, is here offered by Virgin Classics at budget price. Norrington's recordings have great sound, and Symphonies 1, 2 and 4 are the best recorded and played here. Perhaps it is also true that the lighter, more Haydn like textures of these symphonies work better on period instruments than do the sterner, more muscular symphonies, such as 3 "Eroica", 5, 6 "Pastoral", 7, 8, and 9.

This is an interesting alternative view of Beethoven, but it should by no means be one's only set of these famous works. For the "larger" symphonies, I would recommend: 3, "Eroica": Szell/Cleveland (Sony); Bruno Walter/Columbia (Sony); Karl Bohm/Vienna Philharmonic (DG); for 5, Reiner/Chicago (RCA);
Bohm/Vienna (DG); Karajan/Berlin (DG, 1975 recording, with complete symphonies); Carlos Kleiber/Vienna (DG); for 6, "Pastoral": Bruno Walter/Columbia (Sony); Bohm/Vienna (DG);
Andre Clutyens/Berlin Philharmonic (Seraphim); for 7, Bohm/Vienna (DG); for 8, Bohm/Vienna (DG); Ormandy/Philadelphia (Sony); Bernstein/Vienna (DG); for 9, Szell/Cleveland (Sony), Karajan/Berlin (DG, 1962);
Furtwangler/Philharmonia (Tahra, Lucerne VIII/1954, perhaps hard to find at the present date); Bohm/Vienna (DG, 1970).
Norrington's fast tempos seem to gloss over important points in many movements of these symphonies, especially 3:I, III; 5: III, IV (blazing intensity, but too fast); 6:I (too fast!); and 9: III and IV are positively bizarre, really turning the Beethoven I know and love inside out, with wildly different tempos from section to section.

Still, I give this 5 stars and applaud Norrington's bravery in recording Beethoven as he was not recorded previously, with period instruments, and different ideas of tempo, articulation, and phrasing. Norrington's recordings will not be confused with others: there are none others quite like them.

Excellent - emotion & energy!.......2005-05-30

I cannot remember the number of times I've listened to this - Fifth very good (survival against misfortune) - Sixth very good (joy/energy/movement to storm/lightening to peace/content) - Ninth the first movement, unbelievable carry of energy, revenge & rightful destruction of old/irrelevant . . . So much emotion & energy created/captured by Beethoven.

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies; Overtures

Manufacturer: Berlin Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000035NU
Release Date: 1994-09-20

Dream Melodies: Handel; Boccherini; Vivaldi & More

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YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Dream Melodies: Handel; Boccherini; Vivaldi & More

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

'Xerxes': Largo
Minuet
Concerto grosso, Op. 3 No. 2: Largo
The Four Seasons: 'Spring': Largo
'Christmas Oratorio': Sinfonia In G
Flute Concerto In C: Grave
'Water Music' - Suite No. 1: Air
Mandoline Concerto In C: Largo
Brandenburg Concerto No. 2: Andante
Concerto Grosso: Pastorale & Andante
Oboe Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Aria
Concerto For Two Violins In D Minor: Largo ma non tanto
Trumpet Concerto In D: Adagio
Organ Concerto In D Minor: Adagio
Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 In F: Adagio

Tracks:

Symphony No.40 In G Minor: Molto allegro
Symphony No.94 In G, 'Surprise': Andante
Symphony No.3 In E Flat, 'Eroica': Marcia funebre
Symphony No.35 In D, 'Haffner': Andante
Symphony No.7 In A: Allegretto
Symphony No.31 In D, 'Paris': Allegro
Symphony No.100 In G, 'Military': Allegretto

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.21 In C, 'Elvira Madigan': Andante
Violin Concerto In D: Larghetto
Oboe Concerto In C: Rondo Allegretto
Clarinet Concerto In A: Adagio
Trumpet Concerto In E Flat: Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Minor: Largo
Violin Concerto No. 5 In A: Adagio
Romance For Violin And Orchestra No. 1 In G
Horn Concerto No. 3 In E Flat: Romance Larghetto

Tracks:

Symphony No.8 In B Minor, 'Unfinished': Allegro moderato - Dream Melodies
Symphony No.9 In E Minor, 'From the New World': Largo - Dream Melodies
Symphony No. 5 In E Minor: Valse - Dream Melodies
Symphony No.4 In A, 'Italian': Allegro vivace - Dream Melodies
Symphony No.1: Third Movement - Dream Melodies
Symphony No.1 In G Minor, 'Winter Daydreams': Adagio cantabile - Dream Melodies
Symphony No.3 In A Minor, 'Scottish': Allegro maestoso - Dream Melodies

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In B Flat Minor: Allegro non troppo
Andante
Piano Concerto In A Minor: Allegro molto
Oboe Concerto: Romance
Piano Concerto No. 2 In F Minor: Larghetto
Violin Concerto In D: Andante
Polonaise Brillante
Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor: Adagio

Tracks:

'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio sostenuto
'Kinderscenen': Traumerei
Liebestraum No.3
Fur Elise
Impromptu In A Flat, D 935 No.2
The Merry Peasant
Intermezzo In E flat
Nocturne In C Sharp Minor
Romance In F Sharp
Paganini Study No.3, 'La Campanella'
Clair de Lune
Waltz In A Flat
Sonetto 123 del Petrarca
Invitation To The Dance

Tracks:

Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Allegro
Serenade In C: Elegia
Serenade In E: Moderato
Wind Serenade In C Minor: Andante
Serenade In D: Aria. Andante
Serenade in D, 'Serenata Notturna': Rondeau. Allegretto
Serenade No.1 In D: Adagio non troppo
Serenade In C: Waltz
Serenade In E: Larghetto
Eine kleine Nachtmusik: Romance. Andante
Serenade From Op.3 No.5

Tracks:

'Swan Lake': Scene - Dream Melodies
'A Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March - Dream Melodies
'Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers - Dream Melodies
'Peer Gynt': Anitra's Dance - Dream Melodies
'Rosamunde': Ballet Music In G - Dream Melodies
'Tsar And Carpenter': Clog Dance - Dream Melodies
'Coppelia': Czardas - Dream Melodies
'Eugene Onegin': Waltz - Dream Melodies
'L'Arlesienne': Farandole - Dream Melodies
'La Gioconda': Dance Of The Hours - Dream Melodies
'The Sleeping Beauty': Pas d'action. Adagio - Dream Melodies
'Sylvia': Cortege de Bacchus - Dream Melodies

Tracks:

Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
The Tales Of Hoffmann: Barcarolle
Thais: Meditation
Carmen: Intermezzo
Madame Butterfly: Humming Chorus
Prelude
The Valkyrie: Fire Magic
Eugene Onegin: Polonaise
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture
Twilight Of The Gods: Siegfried's Rhine Journey
The Force Of Destiny: Overture
Lohengrin: Prelude

Tracks:

Humoresque
Melody In F
Ave Maria
Norwegian Dance No.2
Caro mio ben
Chanson triste
Spring Song
Nocturne In E Flat
German Dance No.1
Cradle Song
Zigeunerweisen
Minuet
Romance
Standchen
Waltz
Octet In E Flat: Scherzo

Customer Reviews:

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.......2000-07-24

10 CD's of beautiful pieces of classical music, digitally recorded for only 20 bucks sounds very good. I decided to buy this CD set because of very good price. But, what you will get for your money? Noting special, believe me! I was very disappointed with some performances, but sound quality of some tracks is even worst. Disc No. 6 is one of the most poorly recorded and engineered CD's I have ever heard. I can't believe that this CD is digitally recorded. So, forgot price and look somewhere else. I can recommend this CD box set to absolutely beginners only.

Beethoven: Symphony No. 7; Coriolan & Prometheus Overtures

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Symphony No. 7; Coriolan & Prometheus Overtures

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"; Egmont Overture
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 "Choral"

ASIN: B000003EQX
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Symphony No. 7 / Coriolan & Egmont Overtures

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Symphony No. 7 / Coriolan & Egmont Overtures
Ludwig van Beethoven , Vladimir Ashkenazy , and Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00000E2RF
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Beethoven: Complete Symphonies; Overtures; Missa Solemnis

Average customer rating:

Excellent...period!
A delightful change
Hardwearing Velet
Hanover Band Beethoven
Beethoven of varied quality

Beethoven: Complete Symphonies; Overtures; Missa Solemnis

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In C Major Op. 21: I. Adagio molto -- Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 1 In C Major Op. 21: II. Andante cantabile con moto
Symphony No. 1 In C Major Op. 21: III. Menuetto: Allegro molto e vivace
Symphony No. 1 In C Major Op. 21: IV. Adagio -- Allegro molto e vivace
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: I. Adagio molto -- Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: II. Larghetto
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: III. Scherzo: Allegro
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: IV. Allegro molto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major Op. 55 'Eroica': I. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major Op. 55 'Eroica': II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assai
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major Op. 55 'Eroica': III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major Op. 55 'Eroica': IV. Finale: Allegro molto
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major Op. 60: I. Adagio -- Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major Op. 60: II. Adagio
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major Op. 60: III. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major Op. 60: IV. Allegro ma non troppo

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 'Pastoral': Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68 'Pastoral': II. Andante molto mosso
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68 'Pastoral': III. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68 'Pastoral': IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68 'Pastoral': V. Allegretto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: I. Poco sostenuto -- Vivace
Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: II. Allegretto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: III. Presto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: IV. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: I. Allegro vivace e con brio
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: II. Allegretto scherzando
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: III. Tempo di menuetto
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: IV. Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 In D Minor Op. 125 'Choral': Allegro ma nan troppo un maetoso
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor Op. 125 'Choral': II. Molto vivace
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor Op. 125 'Choral': III. Adagio molto e cantabile
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor Op. 125 'Choral': IV. Presto -- Allegro assai

Tracks:

Coriolan, Op. 62
The Ruins Of Athens, Op. 113
King Stephen, Op. 117
Leonore No.2, Op. 72a
Fidelio, Op. 72c
Egmont, Op.84
The Creatures Of Prometheus, Op. 43
The Consecration Of The House, Op. 124

Tracks:

Missa Solemnis: Kyrie
Missa Solemnis: Gloria
Missa Solemnis: Credo
Missa Solemnis: Sanctus
Missa Solemnis: Agnus Dei

Customer Reviews:

Excellent...period!.......2005-05-11

This Beethoven set features the Hanover Band playing on period instruments with less musicians than the average orchestra. These were recorded in a spacious, atmospheric acoustic approximating were Beethoven would have premiered them. The result is thoroughly enjoyable and still sound and feel great after repeated listening.

I also find them far preferable to Hogwood, Norington and Gardiner. Though the Bruggen set on the Phillips label are also pretty good as well. But these seem to have a magical quality about them that is hard to beat.

It's interesting to read about what are the "best" performances, as far as I can tell there are no weak spots to be found. One person wrote - the first was the only letdown - and yet, I found the first to be something quite special. I personally thought the 8th was the only slight drawback to the set, and yet someone else wrote it was their favorite. So who really knows?

This also makes a good second set if you already have a modern interpretation.

A delightful change.......2003-10-07

This is a thoroghly delightful set performed on period instruments and tempo. Well worth the price - I have repeatedly listened to the performances and they wear well. There is also a bonus - the recordings are encoded in Ambiasonic sound and will decode nicely on a home theater surround system. One caveat - the recordings were done in an accoustically live environment and if your system tends to the bright side, the recording will seem a tad on the bright side. If you have a complete set of the Beethoven symphonies with a contemporary interpretation, this set is a worthwile acquisition as a reference.

Hardwearing Velet.......2003-01-29

This Nimbus Beethoven set features the Hanover Band - playing on period instruments with fewer players than the average `symphony orchestra' - recorded in a spacious, atmospheric acoustic. The result is seductive, velvety and thoroughly enjoyable!

The performances are directed by Roy Goodman and Monica Huggett. It's not easy to tell them apart and I dare say the seasoned players of the Hanover Band would do almost as well without anyone `directing' them in these honest, workman-like performances. Nothing `revelatory' or earth-shattering. No fuses blow, no lightening strikes. But on the other hand we're not wearied by pointless idiosyncrasies that after hearing once only annoy. Quite the opposite in fact - the Hanover Band performances wear well after repeated listening, although the complacent, vacuous presentation of the slow movements of the 3rd and 9th symphonies can't be said to improve with re-hearing. But don't be put off - there's much here that's enjoyable. And it must be worth something for once not to have to endure a conductor who insists on impressing you with his `insights'!

Hanover Band Beethoven.......2001-07-22

A lot of critical attention has been drawn to the resonant acoustic in which these performances were recorded. The original Gramophone reviewer for example commended the 'natural' balance and perspective, while the Amazon's reviewer David Hurwitz (an anti-authentic critic if there ever was one!) referred to both sound and performance as 'utterly grotesque'! I personally favour the former evaluation; while the reverberance may not be to everybody's taste, it does mean that the brass can let rip without overwhelming the rest of the orchestra, and gives the string tone a warmth and bloom not found on other period cycles. While the woodwind may at times appear 'disembodied' this is a very minor cavil and again this is a subjective issue. As for the performances themselves, I personally find them far preferable to such rivals as Hogwood and Gardiner; the directorship of Goodman allows more freedom of expression than the former, while avoiding the at times wilful excesses of Gardiner. Overall these are played with zing and character, two qualities Beethoven would have surely admired.

Beethoven of varied quality.......2001-05-13

Do period instruments always make for a more authentic performance? Some would accept that as an axiom, but listening to this set shows that this is not always the case. Remember that Beethoven did not always write his visionary music with the instruments of his time in mind; for him, the limitations of those instruments were something to be overcome, not worked around. Accordingly, the Hanover Band sometimes struggles with this powerful and revolutionary music, producing recordings of varied quality.

For a group whose strengths lie in the music of the early Classical period, it is surprising that perhaps their weakest performance comes in the most Haydnesque of all the symphonies, the First. Monica Huggett takes the music at too measured a pace, and the result is a performance that plods along, in contrast to (for example) Karajan's peppy version of the First. The other more "conservative" symphonies (Second, Fourth, and Eighth), however, are excellent. The Sixth is the best of the set, with Roy Goodman and the Hanover Band managing to capture all the nuances of what is Beethoven's most textural symphony with the possible exception of the Ninth.

It is in the more powerful symphonies (Third, Fifth, and Ninth) where the Hanover Band struggles. It is easy to see the vision and striving of Beethoven in these performances, but they lack the excitement and verve of the greatest recordings, and in the end, they can sound hopelessly old-fashioned (in the Ninth wasting an outstanding effort by the soloists).

The biggest argument in favor of this set is, like all of Nimbus's sets, the bargain price, made even more tempting by the inclusion of a sampling of Overtures, and a fine Missa Solemnis (though it, too, is not without its shortcomings).

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op.55, 'Eroica': I. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op.55, 'Eroica': II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assai
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op.55, 'Eroica': III Scherzo: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op.55, 'Eroica': IV. Finale: Allegro molto
Leonore Overture No.3, Op72B

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op.67: Allegreo con brio
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op.67: Andante con moto
Scherzo: Allegro
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op.67: Finale: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op.68, 'Pastoral': Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op.68, 'Pastoral': Andante molto mosso
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op.68, 'Pastoral': Scherzo: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op.68, 'Pastoral': Tempest And Storm
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op.68, 'Pastoral': Finale: Allegretto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op.92: Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op.92: Allegretto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op.92: Scherzo: Presto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op.92: Allegro con brio
Fidelio Overture, Op.72C
Coriolan Overture, Op.62
Egmont Overture, Op.84

Customer Reviews:

From American Record Guide.......2006-04-05

When we think of the great English conductor Sir Adrian Boult (1889-1983), we remember his service to the music of such countrymen as Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Holst but sometimes forget that this admirer of the legendary Arthur Nikisch was also a profound interpreter of the Viennese classics. This was due in large part to typecasting by his record companies (principally EMI and London) which continued through a long career to record him in multiple versions of the Planets and the Elgar symphonies. He did record two complete Brahms cycles, the Schumann symphonies, and a smattering of Mozart and Schubert, but no complete Beethoven cycle--unusual for a conductor of his stature. Though he taped a Pastorale, Piano Concerto No. 3 with Solomon, and the Violin Concerto with Suk, this Vanguard reissue offers us the bulk of Boult's Beethoven.

This conductor was never one to wear his heart on his sleeve. His music-making was direct and to the point. Monteux and Reiner came to mind several times as I was listening to these. Like their readings, Boult's are linear and clear and impeccably phrased with a sure feeling for the architecture. Yet the essential drama is never lacking. Tempos always feel just right--never rushed, never plodding. His habit of dividing first and second violins enhances clarity, as does his infallible feel for balance. Here are concise, rhythmically vital readings that belong in the exalted company of Furtwangler, Klemperer, and Toscanini. No. 5 is as blazing as any in the catalog, and No. 7 is carved from granite. No. 6 may seem a trifle austere if you are accustomed to Walter, but Boult's honesty is refreshing. No. 3 is truly compelling. Exposition repeats, with the exception of No. 5:I, are omitted. The important second repeat in No. 7:III is observed.

Vanguard has worked wonders with these early stereo tapes, which have probably never sounded better. The sonics are full and clear, the pre-Dolby background unobtrusive.

musica integrity.......2000-08-16

A fine example of Sir Adrian Boult's complete and utter faithfulness to the score in front of him; nothing in these performances stikes the listener as out of place or uncharacteristic. What a pity he never completed the cycle!

robust beethoven.......1999-03-13

these performances come from the late 50s. I've had them on LP since then. They last, and it's very nice to see them available on Vanguard CDs (despite the fact that Boult was a great and much loved British conductor, they are not on general isue in Britain). Boult went for integrity and a truthful approach to the music - no flamboyance or quirkiness. What makes his work a bit more tha just worthy literalness is two things ; he was excellent at seeing a work as a whole and climax-building, and he was equally excellent at clearing the feel of a genuine performance rather than a more clinical 'studio' impression. That means occasional roughness in the playing, and the LPO then was less good than it is now, but to compensate there is some lovely playing (espec. in the winds) and a forward-moving, committed approach that is very attractive. You hear this especially in the 'Pastoral', with the slow movement at Beethoven's metronome mark (i.e. very flowing) and the final movement 'unusually ardent', as 'The Gramophone' said when the LPs were issued. The Storm in that symphony has a most terrific climax and is very exciting, not because of sheer loudness but because of the strength in the lower strings and the commitment of the playing. Boult conducted the 7th. with Toscanini's NYPO in the 30s, and it was a bit of a speciality of his. The performance here is very straightforward and , again, flowing, and in the end it's very satisfying. So too with the 'Eroica' and the 5th., which really builds to the exultant last movement. No-one would buy these discs for the overtures alone, but in fact they are every bit as good as the symphonies, with 'Leonora No. 3' in particular alive from the first moment and very exciting at the end ('Coriolan ' - a very different kind of piece - is also first-rate). In the end, what I'd say matters most is that these performances, nearly 40 years old, still sound fresh, and they do the music full justice. The CD remastering is very fine and the sound is immediate and alive (it was always pretty good). In short, these discs are well worth hearing.

boult allows beethoven to speak for himself.......1999-02-16

Sir Adrian Boult was famous for 'straight' performances, absolutely faithful to the composer.This Beethoven is exactly that. For recordings from the late 50s, when they were isuued on LP, they sounds marvellous. Throughout, these are 'real' performances, no extreme speeds, no 'see-me' interpretative points, but gritty, very wellbalanced and strong. I like the 'Pastoral' for its freshness and (in the last movement) its ardour, the 5th. for its directness and the marvellous view of the movements as a whole - as if, in a concept from one of Mazart's letters that Boult often referred to when explaining his own approach to the structural side of symphonic music, the music is like a mountain range with a number of peaks, one higher than all the others, which can be comprehended as a whole. The 7th. is fine too - that was the symphony Boult chose to conduct with Toscanini's NYPO in the 30s when he visited the USA. The overtures are just a fine as the symphonies, and the overall effect is bracing and refreshing. While the LPO was not a sgood an orchestar then as they are now, they play with a lot of character and commitment. Strongly recommended.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

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