Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 7 and 8

Track Listings

1. Poco sostenuto - Vivace

2. Allegretto

3. Presto

4. Allegro con brio

5. Allegro vivace e brio

6. Allegretto scherzando

7. Tempo di Menuetto

8. Allegro vivace

Editorial Reviews
Album Description
Critics have already predicted that these unique interpretations, utilizing historically-informed performance practices delivered by a modern symphony orchestra, will serve to establish new standards for interpretation.

Sixteen years after his controversial readings of the Beethoven Symphonies, the maestro returns to this repertoire with a new understanding and a fresh vision. While remaining absolutely faithful to Beethoven's original concept, Sir Roger Norrington wanted to capture the excitement of confronting these scores for the first time. These live recordings from the European Musikfest are an eloquent document of Norrington’s life-long involvement with the works of Beethoven and include Norrington’s own commentary, defining his interpretative choices, artistic insights and approach to performance practice.

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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Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies
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Mozart's Magnificent Voyage
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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!

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

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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.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8 [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Acclaimed performances, but is the SACD sound much better?
Terrific recording of the 7th and 8th

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8 [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade; Stravinsky: Song of the Nightingale [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00029CX04
Release Date: 2004-08-10

Customer Reviews:

Acclaimed performances, but is the SACD sound much better?.......2006-01-30

The 1962 cycle of Beethoven symphonies from Karajan has been DG's standard for four decades, and every time there is a tchnological advance, the set is remastered. The latest remastering into SACD surround sound is an automatic choice for people who have converted to SACD. However, the vast majority of music lovers haven't converted, so the question is whether the new sonics, as played through 2-channle CD, are better.

They certainly are in this pairing of the seventh and Eighth, two of the finest performances in the whole cycle. gone are the wiry strings and the "crunch" at loud climaxes. Inner detail is improved, and the bass,w hile dialed back a bit, is considerably less boomy. I was so impressed that I intend to replace my whole cycle. Here we go again, ubt this time it's worth it.

Terrific recording of the 7th and 8th.......2004-09-14

I grew up with these recordings. I wished the Karajan did not become so self-indulgent in later recordings. The tempi of both symphonies, with the exception of the second movement of the 7th, seem to be just right. The adagio of the 7th appears to be a little too quick. (I refer to Fürtwangler's and Giulini's 7th as a more reasonable representation of the adagio movement.) Sonically, the re-mastering is quite superb; there is tape hiss that is still present but this is a small price to pay for such a great performance. It is my hope that the other recordings of this re-release is as good. I look forward to listening to the other CD's.

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.

Average customer rating:

Reliable, well-played Beethoven that's nowhere near the summit
Ormandy's Beethoven is under-rated
Beethoven: Powerful yet beautiful

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Strauss: Orchestral Music from Stage Works

ASIN: B0000029YW
Release Date: 1997-09-02

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: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68: II. Andante Molto Moto
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68: III. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68: 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

Customer Reviews:

Reliable, well-played Beethoven that's nowhere near the summit.......2007-02-22

It seems plausible to me that someone who loves Ormandy's middle-of-the-road style and the gorgeous playing of te Philadelphia Orch. could induce a trance to make his beethoven sound great. Objectively, however, it isn't. Everything here is competent and well played. There's no spark of inspiration, no thunder, no revolutionary fervor. Beethoven has moved to the suburbs and acquired a mortgage.

This isn't breaking news. Sony has relegated Ormandy's flood of recordings to their budget lines, rarely offering him even the dignity of a remastering. There's good reason for that; he was an enormously popular conductor with the general public who wasn't esteemed by his peers--except on rare occasions--any more than Arthur Fiedler was, to name another enormously popular figure. I hate to splash cold water on anyone's head trip, but this is far from first-rate or inspired Beethoven.

Ormandy's Beethoven is under-rated.......2005-08-16

These recordings of Beethoven's 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Symphonies by Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra are a good example of how the best recordings by an American orchestra and conductor are overlooked in favor of those by bigger media names: Karajan (3 DG and 1 EMI cycle), Bernstein (Sony and DG cycles), Norrington, Gardiner, Sawallisch and Solti (2 Decca cycles) all come immediately to mind.

Ormandy's recordings of Beethoven 5 and 8 are among the best ever, if not THE best since Furtwangler. Ormandy is moderate and not into theatrics: he reminds me of Bruno Walter/Columbia Symphony in these works. Like Walter, Ormandy does NOT take the repeat in I or IV of Symphony 5. The Philadelphia strings serve Beethoven's music beautifully, creating their golden sound under Ormandy's leadership. We should all be thankful Columbia recorded Ormandy/Philadelphia in the 1950s and 60s for posterity.

Ormandy's Beethoven 6 and 7 are not quite on the plane of 5 and 8, but they are very good. 6, "Pastoral" is especially beautiful, and I prefer it to either of Karajan's 1962 or 1982 recordings. 7 has slower tempos than some, and is maybe less effective than Ormandy's other Beethoven recordings.

Why Sony doesn't package all 9 of Ormandy's Beethoven Symphonies in one budget priced box is beyond me. Perhaps with the new Sony/BMG merger, and the release of some of their back catalog, a box of Ormandy's Beethoven will become reality: we can all petition Sony to consider this.

Beethoven: Powerful yet beautiful.......2000-04-24

Ormandy captures Beethoven's Sturm & Drang Roman- ticism to perfection with a magnificent balance between musicality and virtuosity. Beethoven's rhetorical phrases and perpetual motion are high- lighted by this great conductor with his Philadel- phia Orchestra(it really was the world's greatest under Ormandy)at its peak, with peerless playing by all sections. This is large scale Beethoven as it should be, but nothing is bloated or overdone. Ormandy's tempi are hypnotic and the music is ex- citing while flowing naturally. The Nov/Dec 1999 American Record Guide laudes these performances and says that those of the 5th & 8th are the best ever. I would say the same for the 6th & 7th too. The sound is close and warm from the 1960's. If you love these performances, please contact Sony and ask them to release Symphonies 1-4 in the same format. Those performances are just as great!

Average customer rating:

Generally solid, and a terrific price
Excellent Beethoven!
A great deal for the price
Not entirely successful

Symphonies Nos. 1-9

Manufacturer: Amadis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001KPE
Release Date: 2000-05-24

Tracks:

Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: Allegro Con Brio - Zagreb Phil
Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: Andante Con Moto - Zagreb Phil
Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: Allegro - Zagreb Phil
Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: Allegro - Zagreb Phil
Sym No.2 in D, Op.36: Adagio Molto/Allegro Con Brio - Zagreb Phil
Sym No.2 in D, Op.36: Larghetto - Zagreb Phil
Sym No.2 in D, Op.36: Scherzo: Allegro - Zagreb Phil
Sym No.2 in D, Op.36: Allegro Molto - Zagreb Phil

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in E Flat, Op.55 'Eroica': Allegro Con Brio - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.3 in E Flat, Op.55 'Eroica': Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.3 in E Flat, Op.55 'Eroica': Allegro Vivace - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.3 in E Flat, Op.55 'Eroica': Allegro Molto - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.8 in F, Op.93: Allegro Vivace E Con Brio - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.8 in F, Op.93: Allegretto Scherzando - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.8 in F, Op.93: Tempo Di Menuetto - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.8 in F, Op.93: Allegro Vivace - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil

Tracks:

Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastoral': Allegro Ma Non Troppo - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastoral': Andante Molto Mosso - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastoral': Allegro - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastoral': Allegro - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastoral': Allegretto - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: Adagio Molto/Allegro Con Brio - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: Andante Cantabile Con Moto - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: Menuetto: Allegro Molto E Vivace - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil
Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: Adagio-Allegro Molto E Vivace - CSR SO/Zagreb Phil

Tracks:

Sym No.7 in A, Op.92: Poco Sostenuto/Vivace - Zagreb Phil/Richard Edlinger
Sym No.7 in A, Op.92: Allegretto - Zagreb Phil/Richard Edlinger
Sym No.7 in A, Op.92: Presto - Zagreb Phil/Richard Edlinger
Sym No.7 in A, Op.92: Allegro Con Brio - Zagreb Phil/Richard Edlinger
Sym No.4 in B Flat, Op.60: Adagio/Allegro Vivace - Zagreb Phil/Richard Edlinger
Sym No.4 in B Flat, Op.60: Adagio - Zagreb Phil/Richard Edlinger
Sym No.4 in B Flat, Op.60: Menuetto: Allegro Vivace - Zagreb Phil/Richard Edlinger
Sym No.4 in B Flat, Op.60: Allegro Ma Non Troppo - Zagreb Phil/Richard Edlinger

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in d, Op.125 'Choral': Allegro Ma Non Troppo/Un Poco Maestoso - Gabriele Lechner/Michael Pabst/Diane Elias/Robert Holzer
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125 'Choral': Molto Vivace - Gabriele Lechner/Michael Pabst/Diane Elias/Robert Holzer
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125 'Choral': Adagio Molto E Cantabile/Andante Moderato - Gabriele Lechner/Michael Pabst/Diane Elias/Robert Holzer
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125 'Choral': Finale: Presto - Gabriele Lechner/Michael Pabst/Diane Elias/Robert Holzer

Customer Reviews:

Generally solid, and a terrific price.......2003-09-08

This Beethoven set probably won't win any awards, but considering the price, it's surprisingly good. Richard Edlinger's conducting is straightforward and no-nonsense, and the Zagreb Philharmonic produces a solid, dark Beethoven sound. Unfortunately, two of the symphonies (3 and 6) are performed by the CSR Symphony Orchestra conducted by Michael Halasz, and are noticeably weaker. Halasz's conducting is perfunctory and the CSR, whoever they are, has a thinner-sounding string section. The recording quality is excellent, however, and the price is unbeatable. If you're a cheapskate Beethoven fan, grab it.

One minor point ... Amazon describes this as a "box set." It isn't; it's in a foldout cardboard container (which is slightly too large to fit into a conventional CD storage rack).

Excellent Beethoven!.......2003-07-31

Having not spent my life in search for the "perfect" interpretation Beethoven's symphonies, I went with this satisfying set from Lydian. This is a very handsome collection with interesting notes on each symphony's creation and portraits of the master composer. The Zagreb Philharmonic proves themselves to be fine players with each passage clearly recorded and reproduced. The quality of sound is excellent! The tempos and interpretations feel appropriate. I have enjoyed getting to know each symphony through these recordings and anyone looking for a bargain price with quality performances will too. Fine music such as this will shine no matter who is playing. Bravo Beethoven! Bravo Zagreb!

A great deal for the price.......2002-12-14

Regardless of the comments of the reviewer above me (look up...if you dare) I must say this is a surprisingly good set of Beethoven's complete symphonies. Its true (as my above reviewer states) that some of the symphonies are taken at a fast tempo, but they are hardly "light". This set could very well be priced at three times as much as it currently is and still be considered a good deal. (I've learned that in the world of classical music, the most expensive CD is not ALWAYS the best)

Not entirely successful.......2002-01-10

The performances on this set range from D- to B-. The best are the 5,7, and 8 and the worst the 3 and 6. It seems clear that Edlinger is an able Beethoven conductor and his orchestra is basically fine. His interpretations are also really good on the 7 and 8 though the 5 is a little fast and lightweight for my taste. The other conductor is just well..unlistenable. Maybe a set that is good across the board is not to be expected at this price. My recommendation would be to save for the Karl Bohm cycle on DG, which is available on three doubles(and includes overtures), and supplement that with Giulini's wonderful no.5 with the LA phil.

Average customer rating:

Beethoven for the first time

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 "Italian"; Octet for Strings, Op. 20
Bach: The Brandenburg Concertos Nos. 1-3; Orchestral Suite No. 1
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Beethoven: Symphony No. 4; Schubert: Symphony No. 5

ASIN: B00000270N
Release Date: 1990-05-03

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; Assai meno 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: II. Tempo di Menuetto
Symphony No. 8 In F Major, Op.93: IV. Allegro vivace

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven for the first time.......1999-11-06

Listening to this recording is like discovering well-known music again. The only competetive version of the 7th symhony is Toscanini's old one with the New York Philharmonic (better than the later NBC version) - but the sound is mediocre. Karajan's 7th with the Vienna Symphony is only nearly as good (why didn't he make more recordings with this orchestra with whom he obviously had great affinity?). Casals' 7th has got the best orchestra, the most "urgent" atmosphere as it is a live recording, and the best sound. The real surprise, however, is Casals' account of the 8th symphony, so vivid and brisk as never before. He opts for the same tempi as Gardiner does in his recent DG version. The difference is that Casals has got rhythm as well. Sony, please, release more recordings with this great musicien.

Average customer rating:

The best of Muti's Beethoven, especially the Seventh
Has moments, but why settle?

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00001ZSX5
Release Date: 1999-10-19

Tracks:

I: Poco sostenuto - Vivace
II: Allegretto
III: Presto
IV: Allegro Con Brio
I: Allegro vivace e con brio
II: Allegretto scherzando
III: Tempo di Minuetto
IV: Allegro vivace

Customer Reviews:

The best of Muti's Beethoven, especially the Seventh.......2006-11-22

After three decades of Muti recordings and hering him on one occasion in Carnegie Hall, I came away unimpressed. His career high on CDs began in the Seventies when Muti made scads of recordings on EMI with the Philadelphia Orch. he inherited from Ormandy. This coupling of the Beethoven Seventh and Eighth finds the orchestra in great shape, and the recorded sound is warm, clear, and detailed. Both supply strong support for Muti's surprisingly powerful readings.

This is particularly true of the Seventh, which emerges with great spirit and vigor. It's not as prpulsively intense as Carlos Kleiber's or as epic as Karajan's 1963 recording, but Muti comes closer than Dohnanyi on Decca. One gets the feeling of a large-scale, lush orchestra playing with grandeur but not pomposity. I am somewhat less fond of Muti's Eighth, wishing for more lightness and fleetness, but it is admirable on its own terms. In all, this is the best Beethoven I have heard form him.

Has moments, but why settle?.......2001-01-05

I recently decided to "get into Beethoven." I knew the 5th, 6th, and 9th from my childhood but set myself the goal of becoming intimate with all the symphonies and began with this recording. Since then I've listened to alot of performances of the 7 and 8. Muti, Kleiber(seventh only), Karajan('62), Solti('88), Edlinger, Szell, Ashkenazy(seventh only) and Karl Bohm. Okay, maybe not a huge sampling after all, but it seems that in almost every way Karl Bohm's recording's of these symphonies are the best. If you are considering the Muti because it is inexpensive, consider that the Bohm is a real deal too. It does cost more but it comes as a two-disk set with the 6th(wow!) for less then many single disks. Comments on the Muti disk? Well, the 7th has moments that seemed rushed, others where articulation is lacking, sound that gets too thick in the lower strings and with lots of wonderful competition in the catalog, just isn't competitive. The 8th is better. Very powerful, very brisk, drama, verve, a consistant vision throughout. If you love the work but always thought it should be played faster but still be lyrical(almost swashbuckling) then it's for you. Bohm showed me that the work could be slower, sweeter, more entertaining yet still exhilerating-more completely satisfying. The man(and his orchestra) is amazing.

Average customer rating:

Polished traditional Beethoven from a great orchestra
Beethoven's Penultimate Symphonies Never Sounded Greater
The more you listen...
Powerful and sublime
"perfect" 7th, 8th is too, but...

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 "Eroica"; Egmont Overture
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5, 6 & 9
Mahler - Symphony No. 8 / Popp · Auger · Minton · Harper · Kollo · Shirley-Quirk · Talvela · Chicago SO · Solti
Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 8 "Unfinished" & 9 "The Great"

ASIN: B0000041W3
Release Date: 1990-04-06

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7: I Popo sostenuto - Vivace
Symphony No. 7: II Allegretto
Symphony No. 7: III Presto
Symphony No. 7: IV Allegro con Brio
Symphony No. 8: I Allegro vivace e con brio
Symphony No. 8: II Allegretto scerzando
Symphony No. 8: III Tempo di menuetto
Symphony No. 8: IV Allegro vivace

Customer Reviews:

Polished traditional Beethoven from a great orchestra.......2006-07-06

Between the end of the Reiner era in 1962 and today, the CSO has given us a bit of Beethoven from Giulini (on EMI), but otherwise the symphonies are represented by Solti. I love this orchestra, and hearing them in top form in the Seventh and Eighth Sym. is very appealing, even if Solti doesn't set the world on fire. He indulges in none of his excesses. This isn't hard, driving Beethoven but respectful, middle-of-the-raod traditionalism. I'd compare Solti's approach to Dohnanyi's with the Cleveland Orch. If you want excitement, neither is for you, but both give polished, assured accounts.

For me, Solti's Eighth is better than his Seventh. The latter could use more fire in the finale and tends to feel too cautious throughout, though that's all relative--I would sitll pick this version over Gunter Wand's blandness or Klemperer's plodding, for examle, if for nothing else than the orchestra. The Eighth is done wiht a good deal of litling buoyancy, except for a slightly thudding Minuet, and one gets to hear superlative wind solos and perfect balancing of chords.

In all, Solti deserves credit for the positive points here since there are very few negatives.

Beethoven's Penultimate Symphonies Never Sounded Greater.......2004-11-26

This album is without question the greatest interpretation of Beethoven's 7th and 8th symphonies. George Solti conducting the Chicago Symphony not only rivals but surpasses Herbert Von Karajan and his Berlin/Vienna Philharmonic editions. Karajan is as overrated as a conductor can get, though he is truly a master and indeed you can never go wrong with his versions. But we must not forget that there are other conductors as well. George Solti, a British-born conductor, was equally as successful as Karajan and perhaps even far more recorded. Solti mastered the terrain of 19th Century Romantic Era music (Beethoven, Brahms, Dvorak, Bruckner, Mahler) as well as making majestic interpretations of operas- Wagner's Ring, Tristan and Isolde among others. Solti favors the "grand" sound, the epic sound and in the case of the Romantic Era of the 19th century this type of style is very fitting and appropriate. Solti truly captures the spirit of Beethoven and this album has the best interpretation of the 7th and 8th. It is clear, it is precise, it is perfect. Look also for Solti's version of Beethoven's 9th. That's incredible. It's as if Solti WAS Beethoven, or incarnate.

Beethoven was the first Romantic in music. Before him, other composers, such as Mozart, Haydn, and as far back as Bach, were merely servants to patrons of high rank and political station or royalty. They were not stars in their own right. Mozart was a rebel in that he did not always follow his patrons' instruction but he payed dearly for it because he was never as popular during his adult years. Beethoven, on the other hand, opened the gates to the new star in the music scene- the composer and conductor. His music is at heart classical, because eventhough it can reach the tempest and glory of 19th century grandeur, it remains at core perfectly balanced and harmonious. It's still tonal music. The 7th is one of his most beautiful. It has been described as a Symphony In Dance, and much of it is light, airy and so energetic that it makes you want to dance. The second movement, the slowest and most melancholy, is reminiscent of a funeral march. The Allegretto is quite a popular piece. Beethoven concludes the piece with a glorious and joyful theme- the allegro con brio. This piece is a lively, highly joyous work of music that truly does shine. For the younger ones, this piece was even used as a funny theme song to the Japanese anime "Dragon Half" and I'm sure has been featured in several films and tv media. I also heard it in the BBC Masterpiece Theatre production of "The Lost Prince" about World War I and the forgotten, epileptic and frail son of the English king. The 8th is also very tame, very beautiful, very intimate and spiritual. It seems to me as if Beethoven was purposely building up in a subtle way to the "great noise" that would be the 9th, which of course made history and revolutionized music, setting the bar for the coming composers of the 19th century. After the 9th, music was never quite the same.

The more you listen..........2000-12-25

The definitive 8th symphony is from Karl Bohm and the VPO. Solti's 7th is really good. Is it worth the price? Probably not if your Beethoven budget is tight. Start with the Bohm cycle at Amazon's astonishingly low price, pick up the Kleiber 5 & 7(inexpensive also), and skip this.

Powerful and sublime.......2000-12-20

Each time when I listen to this version of the seventh, I feel like having been transcended to more heroic part of history. Like hardly anybody else, Solti and the CSO capture the spirit of Napoleon and revolution, of war and peace, of triumph and of death. The 2nd movement is the best in terms interpretation that I have ever heard, for it is here where lesser performances usually give way to a too funeralistic, even impressionistic type of play. Solti's CSO play it very much with rythm, like a march, and as Sir George himself as eloquently remarked, this is the way he thought Beethoven would have wanted it.

Powerful and sublime.

"perfect" 7th, 8th is too, but..........2000-12-11

As a child I was exposed to Beeethoven's 5th, 6th and 9th symphonies and loved them. Always wanted to hear the rest, I said, and now I finally am. What a ride! I'm amassing quite a collection very quickly and from my unschooled perspective I'm not always sure what is correct and what isn't. I _am_ certain that these two symphonies are just wonderful pieces of music. It _seems_ to me that you want the 7th to be played kind of straight, but the 8th should have some bounce to it (and certainly some "pace" at the climax). The Solti is my sixth recording of the 7th and to my ears is solid all around. Solid is a good word for the recording too, as the lower strings are much more pronounced then my other versions. If you were just listening to Karl Bohm and the VPO and then put the Solti on, it would sound positively booming: you can really hear those basses and cellos! Bad? No! Just not as "sweet." I guess it's whatever you prefer. The sound is certainly clear. The 8th also has that "all-around-solid, regular" quality but it seems to work much less well than with the 7th. Szell and '62 Karajan have more of that bounce and I get more joy out of them, but there might be more definative recordings out there.

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1. Poco sostenuto - Vivace
2. Allegretto
3. Presto
4. Allegro con brio
5. Allegro vivace e brio
6. Allegretto scherzando
7. Tempo di Menuetto
8. Allegro vivace