Beethoven: Eroica Symphony; Egmont Incidental Music (Excerpts)

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Eroica"), Op. 55
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt

2. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Overture
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by George Szell

3. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Die Trommel gerühret
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Pilar Lorengar
Conducted by George Szell

4. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Zwischenakt I: Andante
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by George Szell

5. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Zwischenakt II: Larghetto
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by George Szell

6. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Freudvoll und leidvoll
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra with Pilar Lorengar
Conducted by George Szell

7. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Siegessymphonie: Allegro con brio
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by George Szell

Tracks:

Egmont Overture - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 21 In C Major - Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 14 In C Sharp Minor - Jerome Rose
Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor - Jerome Rose
Piano Sonata No. 23 In F Minor - Jerome Rose
Symphony No. 6 In F Major - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 7 In A Major - Ludwig Van Beethoven
'The Creatures Of Prometheus' Ballet - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Violin Concerto In D Major - Susanne Lautenbacher
Sonata For Violin And Piano No. 5 In F Major - Aaron Rosand
Piano Trio In B Flat - Mannheimer Trio
Fse - Various Artists
Quintet In E Flat For Piano And Winds - Abbey Simon
'Chorale Fantasy' In C Minor For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra - Walter Klien
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat - Alfred Brendel
Piano Concerto No. 3 In C Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 4 In G Major - Alfred Brendel
Piano Concerto No. 5 In E Flat - Alfred Brendel
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat - Ludwig Van Beethoven
'The Ruins Of Athens,' - Ludwig Van Beethoven
'Corolian,' - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Ecossaise For Piano - Alfred Brendel
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Great for the road.......2007-05-11

I found this to be a nice collection of favorites, especially to keep in the car and listen to. It is a variety of well known compilations. Although not encompassing, it is perfect as a review for driving, relaxing, and enjoyment. Plus, the price is right!

Beethoven 25 Favorites.......2006-11-21

Very good! I ordered it especially for Piano Sonata No. 8 Pathetique

25 Beethoven Favorites.......2006-11-05

Good overview of his works----an introduction into his depth as a composer

bEtHoVeN mAnIaC.......2005-11-03

[...] Honestly, it isn't THAT THAT great, but its good enough for its price. I'd say that your $ pays off, for a while. I've noticed how after a long time, it gets aggrivating at times. No harm meant, "Beethoven lover". I just mean don't plunge into this cd with all the hopes in the world. Besides, it's just my opinion, so you may like it more than me. All i can say is; a) listen to some samples before you buy, b)know this is not REALLY the great Beethoven himself, and c) enjoy YOUR music, whatever it may be.

Great Price...Not so good itself.......2005-05-19

This a great priced cd, but the content is why it is so cheap. It's a true-amateur album. Beethoven Lover is over her/his head. This is the real world, not a fantasy-everyone-likes-every-type-of-music world. Deal with it and agree with me. It isn't so great.

Average customer rating:

DON'T HESITATE TO BUY THIS CD

Beethoven: Greatest Hits

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Minuets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

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Schubert: Greatest Hits
Greatest Hits HANDEL ~ Water Music, Largo, etc..
Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits

ASIN: B000002A1D
Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

Symphony No.5 In C Minor, Op. 67: l. Allegro con brio
Minuet in G Major, WoO 10, No.2
Fur Elise (Bagatelle in A Minor, WoO 59)
Sonata For Piano In C-sharp Minor, No. 14, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': l. Adagio sostenuto
The Ruins of Athens, Op.113, No.4: Turkish March
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': l. Allegro ma non troppo
Egmont Overture, Op. 84
Symphony No.3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': lll. Scherzo. Allegro vivace - Trio
Concerto For Piano And Orchestra No.5 In E-flat Major 'Emperor': lll. Rondo. Allegro
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Presto-Rezitativo 'O Freunde, nicht diese Tone' - Allegro assai (Excerpt)

Customer Reviews:

DON'T HESITATE TO BUY THIS CD.......2001-12-28

What can I say other than this is a great CD. Beethoven was a master and his music will live forever. Altough I don't like every single symphony he composed, I love all the pieces on this album. These selections have "fire and passion," and I listen to them over and over again. Enjoy!!

Average customer rating:

The Best Beethoven Symphonies Recording I've Ever Heard
Solti's Beethoven is mainly for his fans.
big shouldered beethoven from the city of big shoulders...
Solti's Great Beethoven- an essential!
The benchmark recordings for the Beethoven nine !

Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000041XV
Release Date: 1990-09-11

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': I Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': II Marcia funebre: Adagio assai - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': III Scherzo: Allegro vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': IV Finale: Allegro molto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Overture 'Egmont', op. 84 - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: I Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: II Andante con moto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: III Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: IV Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: I Adagio - Allegro vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: II Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: III Allegro vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: IV Allegro ma non troppo - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': I Allegro ma non troppo - Awakening Of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival In The Country - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': II Andante molto mosso - By The Brook - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': III Allegro - Peasants' Merrymaking - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': IV Allegro - Thunderstorm - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': V Allegretto - Shepherd's Song. Happy And Thankful Feelings After The Storm - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Overture 'Leonore' No. 3, Op. 72a - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: I Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: II Molto vivace - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: III Adagio molto e cantabile - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: IV Presto - Allegro assai - Andante maestoso - Allegro energico, sempre ben marcato - L.V. Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

The Best Beethoven Symphonies Recording I've Ever Heard.......2007-06-20

This is absolutely a gorgeous recording. It is uplifting and some of the softer sections of the 9th Symphony are so beautiful it brings tears to your eyes.

The Karajan Beethoven Symphonies of 1963 which many rave over is a casualty of not transferring from analog to digital well. Though Karajan's interpretation is wonderful, it is overpowering to the point of speaker overload in the stronger parts and too weak in the softer parts which is typical of old live analog orchestra recordings transferring to digital.

I think Sir Georg was the last of the conductors of his time and style, which is very sad. There will never be a kind like him or Karajan again.

Solti's Beethoven is mainly for his fans........2007-04-22

Although there are some great moments in Sir Georg Solti's last Beethoven Symphony cycle, recorded 1986-89, there are generally better recordings available.

First of all, Sir Georg's tempos in Symphony I: IV and Symphony 2: IV are break-neck, and almost reckless, so much so the Chicago players have trouble staying together!

The recording job throughout is acceptable, but the orchestra does not sound that realistic or immediate, and Decca's usually rich bass and midrange don't come through as in many other Solti recordings. The record level is low, and one has to boost the volume quite alot to get any sense of presence.

I don't think as highly of this set as some listeners might, as I have other recordings of Beethoven I turn to more often: Karl Bohm/Vienna Philharmonic (DG, rec. 1970-72) especially for Symphonies 2,3,4,5,6, and 8; Bernstein/Vienna Philharmonic (DG, rec. 1977-9); Szell/Cleveland (Sony Essential classics, rec. 1959-68) for Symphonies 1,3,4,and 9;
Karajan/Berlin Philharmonic (DG, either the 1961-2 or 1975-77 cycle, both available as complete sets); Bruno Walter/Columbia Symphony (Sony: Symphonies 2,3,4,6, and 8); Ormandy/Philadelphia Orchestra (Sony: Symphonies 5,6 and 8 - may be hard to find in April, 2007) or even Solti/Chicago Symphony in an earlier analog cycle (London, rec. 1972-74) which has sound with better presence: more defined bass, than this recording. Those who are Chicago Symphony fans and MUST have one of their recordings could seek out any of the Fritz Reiner/Chicago Beethovens: Symphonies 1,3,5,6,7 and 9 are still available (RCA).

In light of the competition, I'd pass on this one.

If you like Solti/Chicago, consider their recordings of the Brahms Symphonies (London, 4 CD set). And for SOLTI fans, he recorded the Beethoven Symphonies 3, 5 and 7 with the Vienna Philharmonic (Decca, 1958), a recording I have not heard, but have read is very good, better than either of Solti's Chicago Beethoven Symphony recordings.

big shouldered beethoven from the city of big shoulders..........2006-08-06

This is a broad, powerful, heavy-duty Beethoven symphony cycle, free of idiosyncracy, that can stand as a benchmark to measure against more unconventional interpretations, a kind of golden mean of Beethoven. Decca's spacious sonics foregrounds Solti's attention to orchestral detail; all the sections, particularly the low strings and the winds can be heard to beautiful effect. Solti's tempos are expansive, and as befits a great opera conductor,incident rules over architecture. The decade from the late '80's to the late '90's was a stellar period for Beethoven symphony cycles. The four best, each completely at odds with the other, are Gardiner (period performance practice, Beethoven as French revolutionary, martial, manic, zealous); Barenboim (Wagnerian, deep orchestral colors, expressive tempos); Harnoncourt (raw,fusing Barenboim's personal expressiveness and Gardiner's small forces and fast tempos --Beethoven as untamed avant gardist, somewhere between Bach and Schoenberg); and this set, where Solti utilizes a Wagnerian orchestra with strong on-the-beat phrasing (Toscanini to Barenboim's Furtwangler). This conductor was the last of the old-school Middle Europeans in the field, and one of the only members of his breed to benefit from a first-rate band recorded with clarity in digital sound. (Karajan's late Beethoven cycle is to be avoided at all cost). If you like your Ludwig Van straight up, technocratic, without weirdness or surprises, then this set is for you (I mean that as a compliment...)

Solti's Great Beethoven- an essential!.......2006-05-22

Reviewers would tell you that Karajan's first Deutsche Grammophon recordings is the Beethoven cycle to own. While I believe that Karajan's string-rich virtuoso view of Beethoven's score is refreshing, a quick comparison of the score and Karajan's music shows that he often takes a very Wagnerian (rubato) view of the score. Most people believe that Wagnerian entails a brassy, loud "heavy-metal" handed interpretation of the music. This, however, is a misconception that needs to be erased. Unlike Wagner, Beethoven had metronome markings in his score that a conductor needs to interpret to music to make the music sound right. Also, the development in the symphonies' musical and emotional structure are aided by these score markings to make it easier for the conductor to bring forth the composer's message. Karajan took a Wagnerian style of conducting in the sense that he changed some of the tempi to his liking. Solti, however, follows Beethoven's score in a German Romantic tradition. This means that there is a transparency to his conducting, but not to the degree that Szell takes with his Beethoven. Every musical detail is heard, and the strings are very well accentuated too. Karajan's recording emphasized the strings too much and drowned the other instruments. I find that although his Beethoven symphonies can be rather ravishing, it does not offer a very complete vision of the music.

These Chicago recordings (recorded by possibly the greatest symphony in the world at that time, the CSO) are undoubtedly the work of a conductor who knew the intentions of Beethoven very well and respected them. I highly recommend this set for anyone who wants to listen to Beethoven as it should be performed.

The benchmark recordings for the Beethoven nine !.......2005-10-16

Some say the Karajan (1963) are better. Well it may have sounded so *inside the hall* when Karajan played it back then. But the recording is pretty awful. I own the set and am thinking of tossing them out. But then it shouldn't come as a surprise because it was recorded in ..umm..1963.. using primitive equipment.

This Decca DDD set, like all Decca DDD recordings, are just spectacular ! The sound is rich, clear and room filling with plenty of bass in the strings, something most other recordings seem to lack. I have heard many versions of the Beethoven nine, Szell, Bernstein, Karajan, Muti, Levine, Chailly and others - but this is the one that sets the benchmark.

(ps: For # 3, I prefer the Levine/Met (DG, 4D recording) version )

Average customer rating:

Mostly good
Look at the List of Performers First
this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France
You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks!
Buy my box Set!

Beethoven: The Masterworks (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00062FLHE
Release Date: 2004-11-30

Customer Reviews:

Mostly good.......2007-05-26

A bit of a mixed bag. The symphonies are superb. This is one of the great symphony cycles. The piano sonatas are good, very good (analog) sound. The quartets are well recorded indeed, but there are better cycles out there. The rest is OK, and the sound is genrally good.

Look at the List of Performers First.......2006-11-17

If you want most of Beethoven sitting on one bookshelf, this is a great bargain (especially if you shop for it on amazon.de). But few if any of the performances represent the pinnacles of interpretation that most listeners demand when Beethoven is the composer. The symphonies for instance: can Blomstedt be compared to Furtwangler or (if you lean toward historically informed instrumentation) Gardiner? Most amazingly, the artists who perform the quartets -- the heart of Beethoven's music -- are not even named in the listing.
On the other hand: Vivaldi: The Masterworks is a collection including the very best interpreters, such as Fabio Biondi! Bach Edition (complete Bach) is a fabulous selection of recordings made over 20 years, and almost the same praise can be given the Complete Mozart.

this "masterworks" series is available much more cheaply from Amazon France.......2006-05-28

there are several sets in this series and it's much cheaper to buy these from Amazon France.

included are bach, beethoven, vivaldi, brahms, dvorak, schubert, handel, hayden, and mendelssohn.

they're even cheaper than the list price once u go through the checkout (VAT is removed for overseas (out-of-france) purchases).

**also, the 'complete works of mozart' set is much cheaper there (or at Amazon Germany), too. the 'complete works of bach' is due out later this year.

You heard guy below: Beethoven needs the royality checks! .......2006-04-07

There is quality beyond the Austrian green cardboard (which is lovely to look at, to say the least). In fact, the performance of the symphonies (Dresden Staatskapelle and Herbert Blomstedt) is alone worth the price. The Staatskapelle is a solid group, and Blomstedt, although less wellknown, holds his own. It should be mentioned that Blomstedt recorded many of the most celebrated 20th composition CDs on the market, and definitely knows his stuff. Peter Wohlert recorded mostly for compiliation lables, but to be selected by the Berlin Phil shows that he is a formdiable conductor in rank as well.

Should you buy this collection then? Given the fact that each CD cost $1.75, there is definitely the bargin factor. However, Beethoven's music desveres the top interpreters and musicians of our time - and this applies for all of his music, not just the symphonic. If you are into bargins, then proceed to buy this collection. However, if you save up a bit more, you can buy Karajan's 1963 Beethovens symphonies along with Kempff's 1956 sonata cycles for just a bit more than 70 bucks. Shop around for the string quartets, and the complete overtures should range anywhere from 15 to 30 bucks depending on the conductor/ensemble.

Overall, this is certainly an exceptional bargin. However, quality matter more than money. Besides, chicks dig people with sophisticated tastes.

Buy my box Set!.......2006-03-21

Awesome deal, 40 CD box set of me, Beethoven! There are 3 principle reasons you should buy this box set:

This box is QUALITY my friend, made of the finest, Austrian cardboard with a lovely green finish, it is made to last! You can just set it on your dresser and whenever you need a Beethoven fix you can just pull a CD out. But don't you hate getting your CDs out of order so you can't find what the hell you're looking for?! Not with this set! They are well organized into symphonies, concerti, sonatas and such, so you can find EXACTLY what your looking for, and they have big numbers on them so you can put them right back where they belong.

And the music! Need we go into this, composed through the inspiration of God himself and penned by the greatest composer who ever walked the streets of Vienna, me, Beethoven! Top notch, all done by top performers and recorded at high, clear, digital quality, stick one in your stereo and rock out man! All of my great and mighty works are here, absolutely sublime!

Lastly, you'll be supporting me, I need those royalty checks to keep rolling in!

Buy it if you love me or just buy it if you want people to think that you're sophisticated (the chicks also dig it, I should know: Antonie Brentano, giggity!), you can't go wrong!

Beethoven - The Symphonies / Augér, Robbin, Rolfe Johnson, Reinhart, AAM, Hogwood

Average customer rating:

Warm feelings towards this much loved set
Excellent value for money
Hogwood Good
I absolutely love this set !!!
A bold, fresh winner

Beethoven - The Symphonies / Augér, Robbin, Rolfe Johnson, Reinhart, AAM, Hogwood
Ludwig van Beethoven , The Academy of Ancient Music , Christopher Hogwood , Arleen Auger , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , Gregory Reinhart , and Catherine Robbin
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Mozart: The Symphonies (Nos 1-41, plus 27 other symphonic works) /AAM * Schroder * Hogwood

ASIN: B000004CYT
Release Date: 1997-06-24

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: I. Adagio molto Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: II. Adante canabile con molto
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: III. Menuetto & Trio: Allegro molto e vivace
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: IV. Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace
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. Schertzo: Allegro vivace
Symphony No.3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': IV. Finale: Allegro molto

Tracks:

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
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': I. Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': II. Adante molto messo
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. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: I. Adagio - Allegro vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: II. Adagio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: III. Allegro vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: IV. Allegro ma non troppo - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: II. Andante con moto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: III. Allegro - - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: IV. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Overture 'Coriolan', Op. 62
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: I. Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: II. Allegreto
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. Allegreto 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:

Overture 'Egmont', Op. 84
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': II. Molto vivace - Presto
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': III. Adagio molto e cantabile - Andante moderato
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': IV. Presto - Allegro assai - Andante maestoso - Allegro energico, sempre be marcato - Allegro ma non tanto - Prestissimo

Amazon.com

Stylistically, Hogwood is on firm ground, and there is much to be said for his insights into the music. He prefers not to "conduct" the symphonies in the conventional manner, but to "coordinate" their performance as a musician of the period might have done. His Eroica and Pastorale are outstanding, and his Ninth most impressive. The symphonies were recorded in the order of their composition, and the sound is consistently good throughout. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Warm feelings towards this much loved set.......2007-03-05

In the early 1980s I was indifferent to the use of period instruments in the music of Beethoven. I was very enthusiastic, to be sure, about the use of period instruments in Baroque and Renaissance music and I was rather partial to the sound of the Fortepiano in Mozart and Beethoven. I owned many of Collegium Aureum recordings of Mozart, J. C. Bach and Beethoven recorded in the 1970s and I enjoyed them a lot. I have a soft spot for the Collegium Aureum recording of the Triple Concerto of Beethoven, it is a favourite of mine and I've really never heard a recording I prefer over it. Strange, isn't it that Gardiner, Hogwood, Immerseel, Levin, Brüggen, Norrington, Herreweghe and the other HIP conductors and performers haven't recorded it?

I digress. Whilst walking down Chapel Street in Prahran in Melbourne one sunny Sunday afternoon with a girlfriend I walked into a music shop. I'd recently bought a CD player and I was on the look out for some good Classical recordings. I noticed the Hogwood recording of the Eroica and I had a listen to this recording on the headphones. I was astonished. In the slow movement it was as if I could hear the orchestra actually breathing. The use of fortepiano basso continuo also impressed me with the subtle colours it gave to the orchestra. Yep! I bought the disc on the spot and the rest, as they say, is history.

I love the Hogwood set because he does as little standing in the way between you and me, the listeners, and Ludwig van Beethoven, the composer, as possible. Does this make any sense? Perhaps not. However, Hogwood seemed to entrust Beethoven's written music with his players and he lets this music be itself.

The performances are exciting and moving. I like every moment in this set except the tempo of the March section of the 4th movement of the 9th Symphony, which uses the erroneous metronome mark (the tactus should be halved).

This recordings stands up incredibly well against the more recent recordings by Gardiner and Brüggen, for instance, although I think many may prefer Gardiner these days (and Brüggen's recordings are very, very good, too).

The best HIP/period Beethoven symphonies? Hard to say, but I do like the sets by Norrington, Hogwood, Gardiner, Goodman and Brüggen. As I said, I have some very warm feelings of affection for Christopher Hogwood's pioneering recordings of the Beethoven Symphonies. I bought this repackaged set a few years ago and I return to it often.

Excellent value for money.......2007-01-04

This album is a reissue of the recording done in the eighties and, I believe, is still among the best interpretations of Beethoven's symphonies. The performance is amzingly crisp and clear. You will not regret if you buy this set.

Hogwood Good.......2007-01-01

I'm one of those Beethoven fanatics who has all the period recordings of Beethoven's nine symphonies, or most of them anyway. I've got Norrington, Gardiner, Bruggen, the Hanover Band and Hogwood. Between the five, I could assemble a definitive "period" set. They all have strengths and weaknesses, but Hogwood and his forces could hold their own over the course of the nine. I enjoyed symphonies 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7.

If you are looking for one good set, with solid sound at a great price, this is it. Nevertheless, the Hanover Band recordings on Nimbus, originally won me over. Before them, the modern orchestra frankly bored me with their Beethoven, and I hadn`t heard the other period specialists yet.

My favorites ~
*The Hanover Band
*Franz Bruggen and the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century
*Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music
*John Elliot Gardiner and the Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique
*Roger Norrington and the London Classical Players

I absolutely love this set !!!.......2006-09-05

This set is excellent. I love Hogwood and his approach to these symphonies. Instead of playing Beethoven according to contemporary orchestral practices, Hogwood brings us back to the correct size and sound of Beethoven's day, and in doing so delivers one of the most interesting and lively recordings of these immortal symphonies. The Beethoven one hears on these discs is an exciting one, the music is vibrant, alive and...yes, even fun at times! Hogwood plays Beethoven the way he should be played, with an authentic orchestra and authentic timings. The instruments sound fresh and alive, and the quality of the recording is excellent, the music sounds clean and direct. I highly recommend this incredible set, and I want to say thank you to Mr. Hogwood for creating my favorite set of Beethoven's symphonies!

A bold, fresh winner.......2006-02-19

There is a growing consensus among professional musicians, musicologists, and aficionados that the use of "period" instruments in performances of the Classical repertoire yields an authenticity that is not realized when modern instruments are used. This sparkling cycle is more grist for the mill. Clarity, balance, and rationality - the hallmarks of the Classical style - shine through here.

Perhaps listeners raised on Karajan and Klemperer will be a bit jolted by the sound here. There are no theatrics, no fussy bombast, no histrionics. But for admirers of texture, the luxury of being able to hear the subtleties of orchestration will have a narcotic effect. To take but one example from this cycle, the fugal development of the final movement of Eroica is the most clear and balanced version I've yet heard.

Even so, the war between the "purists" and the "revisionists" will rage on, but thanks to this outstanding recording the former have gained yet another battle victory over the latter.

Average customer rating:

FANTASTIC!!
The best at your hands

The Best of Beethoven

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B0000014H2
Release Date: 1997-10-20

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 - Allegro con brio
Bagatelle in A minor, WoO23
Symphony No. 3 in E flat major, Op 55, 'Eroica' - Scherzo: Allegro vivace
Piano Sonata No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13, 'Pathetique' - Adagio cantabile
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61 - Rondo: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, No. 2, 'Moonlight' - Adagio sostenuto
Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, 'Pastoral' - Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major, Op. 73, 'Emperor' - Rondo: Allegro
Overture to Egmont
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, 'Choral' - Finale: Presto

Customer Reviews:

FANTASTIC!!.......2007-05-04

THIS CD IS AMAZING!! It gives a great overview of Beethoven's music, and is nicely recorded. At this price, this music is AMAZING!!!!

The best at your hands.......2000-08-21

Naxos has released dozens of "The Best of" CDs, and this one is a great addition, just as any other CD. It might be a coincidence, but this particular CD got me hooked on Classical Music. For newcomers to Classical Music, I would definitely recommend this fine CD. At budget price and with the DDD quality, it is worth buying. For Beethoven experts, this might just be a worthy addition to their repertoire.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 9; Overtures

Average customer rating:

A Matter of Taste
La mejor Eroica de todas!
Very fine, but could have been so much better
The "Eroica" gets 5 stars; The Ninth, 3...maybe
What's all the hype about?

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 9; Overtures

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Symphony Nos. 6, 7 & 8/2 Overtures
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Beethoven: Symphony No.9 'choral', 'egmont' Overture

ASIN: B000001GHL
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

Symphonie no. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Heroique', op. 55: Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphonie no. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Heroique', op. 55: Marcia funebre : Adagio assai - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphonie no. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Heroique', op. 55: Scherzo : Allegro vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphonie no. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Heroique', op. 55: Finale : Allegro molto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Ouvertures: Ouverture du drame de J.W.v.Goethe 'Egmont', op. 81 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Ouvertures: Ouverture de la Tragedie II. de J.v.Colin 'Coriolan' op. 62 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Ouvertures: Ouverture du ballet 'Les Crures de Prom, op. 43 - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Symphonie no. 9 en Re mineur, op. 125: Allegro Ma Non Troppo Un Poco Maestoso - L.V. Beethoven
Symphonie no. 9 en Re mineur, op. 125: Molto Vivace - L.V. Beethoven
Symphonie no. 9 en Re mineur, op. 125: Adagio Molto E Cantabile - L.V. Beethoven
Symphonie no. 9 en Re mineur, op. 125: Presto - L.V. Beethoven
Symphonie no. 9 en Re mineur, op. 125: Presto -`O Freunde nicht diese Tone' - L.V. Beethoven

Amazon.com essential recording

This is one of the greatest recordings of the famous Ninth Symphony. It has long been overshadowed by Karajan's three recordings for the same label, as well as Bernstein's version with the same orchestra. But put them all on your CD player and compare, and this is the one you'll be coming back to. Böhm was the least glamorous of conductors, but he approaches the Ninth with messianic zeal and a fanatical gleam in his eye. The opening movement is a cataclysm, the sublime slow movement never loses its contemplative flow, and everyone involved simply sings and plays the pants off of the finale. If the final minute or two doesn't pull you right out of your seat, nothing will. Grab it while you can at this "twofer" price. It's a steal. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A Matter of Taste.......2006-09-16

These are beautifully played but tame performances. Bohm, like Haitink, is a conductor who can somehow get away with this.

If you want stormy weather look elsewhere.

La mejor Eroica de todas!.......2006-03-28

he conocido numerosísimas versiones de la Eroica, todas destacadas: Karajan-Berlín/1962 (y también las posteriores), Klemperer-Philharmonia(1954), Szell-Cleveland, Wand-NDR, Wynn Morris-Londres, Schuricht-Paris, etc., pero la versión de Böhm-Viena que tuve hace treinta años en vinilo, más tarde en cassette y hoy en CD ha gozado siempre de mi preferencia. ¿Razones?, vamos viendo:
1er. movto: los vigorosos acordes iniciales, enérgicos sin ser violentos como un Szell-Cleveland o Wand-NDR, nos anticipan una concepción majestuosa, sin embargo en la sección de transición siguiente el director se muestra más bien tímido o cauteloso, pero después de ese breve pasaje, la potencia de los acordes iniciales regresa paulatinamente para no decaer más hasta concluir el movto. el cual es en su conjunto un torbellino de pasión, la coda final es estremecedora, a mí me causa una impresión similar al crescendo del finale del 1er movto. de la 7a de Bruckner en la versión de Schrowazewsky-Saarbrücken (ARTE NOVA), el pasaje de las trompetas destacadísimo sin nublar el ondular de las cuerdas al fondo, los timbales en su justa medida: destacados, sin un protagonismo exagerado. La conclusión, apoteósica;
2° movto: los tonos grises emergen con moderación desde las sombras y van aumentando en color e intensidad, la emoción crece paulatinamente nó en terminos dramáticos como en Klemperer-Philarmonia/1954, sino en términos épicos o eroicos, no se ejecuta propiamente una marcha fúnebre sino un himno, más que a un drama asistimos a una epopeya épica, prima por sobre la dramaticidad, la solemnidad. Para concluir, desde las sombras emergen esta vez los cornos en perfecto contraste con las maderas y cuerdas graves, cerrando el movto. con una bofetada que nos devuelve la respiración;
3er movto: los violines irrumpen graciosa y elegantemente, sin marcar un acusado contraste con el movimiento precedente como en Karajan-Berlín/62, en que de un funeral se ingresa en una bacanal desenfrenada!, Böhm prefiere abordar este pasaje con moderación reservando las fuerzas para el finale, los cornos nuevamente magníficos en la sección central, tras una recapitulación tanto del tema principal como del trio, el movto se cierra con una rápida conclusión;
4° movto: casi sin pausa emerge poderosa la introducción del movto., y las cuerdas en pizzicato presentan el tema principal, que es el mismo del Prometeo y del Septimino, tras lo cual dos acordes vigorosos dan inicio a las variaciones que como un torbellino se suceden unas a otras, recorriendo las distintas secciones de la orquesta, dejando de manifiesto la maestría del compositor en el manejo de los recursos orquestales, para concluir el movto. con los acordes iniciales que se vuelven marciales recordándonos que estamos en presencia de una "epopeya", para concluir la obra con un frenético final.
La vesión que yo tengo es una antigua edición de una colección de precio medio "resonance", pero tengo entendido que es posible encontrar no sólo la Eroica, sino todas las sinfonías con Böhm-Viena en "Eloquence" y además con el sonido mejorado(¡como para comprarlas todas!) La mejor versión de esta obra que he escuchado. Ofrezco las excusas del caso, porque la 9a contenida en este CD doble no la conozco, pero dificilmente podría superar a mi versión preferida que es la de Eliahu Inbal-Sinf. de Viena en DENON (conc. de Año Nuevo 1991, live recording). De todos modos igualmente 5 estrellas para esta grabación por la Eroica! Atte Oscar Olavarria, Santiago, Chile

Very fine, but could have been so much better.......2005-10-09

The set presents Bohm at his best, but inadvertently illustrates what I always find so frustrating about his musicmaking. Elisabeth Furtwangler, the widow of the great conductor, once said in reference to him, "in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king". Bohm is always very sensible in tempo, articulation, balance, etc., and in these performances is passionate, occasionaly inspired, but alas, the music doesn't have the breath of life. One never has the sense of the music evolving on it's own, and of being immersed in that flow, but rather of being detached from it, as if reluctant to surrender oneself to it. In this day and age, it is remarkably rare to have a recording very good, as this is, and one feels thankful for it, but that is only a sign of how far classical music has fallen that we are satisfied with this standard, rather than with a cosmic experience such as Furtwangler often provided. Comparing the recordings certainly does Bohm no favors. Bohm's Eroica is a thrill ride, nothing less and really nothing more, whereas Furtwangler's Eroica (especially the outstanding Berlin Eroica from December 8, 1952) is a deeply moving experience; as one example, the funeral march is rendered strictly and inflexibly by Bohm, whereas Furtwangler fills the piece with an indescribable sense of resignation. The Ninth is an even more strking example. The entire piece emerges from an incredible, otherwordly atmosphere that completely defies description, but Bohm turns a blind eye toward the spiritual significance that the form of the symphony has. Even Furtwangler's worst Ninths (because of poor execution, recording, or because of a somewhat less inspired performance than it could be) tower above the competition, but the great performances that are playing through my mind right now are the wartime Berlin (extremely dramatic), the '51 Bayreuth (great joy), and especially the ethereal Lucerne Ninth. The overtures which fill out the first disc are unquestionably well done, but again, Bohm goes halfway to a remarkable experience.

The "Eroica" gets 5 stars; The Ninth, 3...maybe.......2004-01-08

In Karl Bohm's view of the Ninth, the only thing that stands out in my mind are the closing chords. There are some attractive moments but, for the most part, throughout virtually the entire symphony the "wrist" is rather limp and its pulse rather weak. Even in the final movement, the chorus and orchestra just seem to amble along to the very end. The vital forces that should resound in this work have taken a holiday. I find it difficult to wax eloquent about this mostly uneventful event.... But the Third or "Eroica" is a horse of a different color as far as I am concerned. Bohm gives it one of the finest performances I have encountered. The kinds of musical details he brings out and the way he expresses them make for very satisfying listening. This is especially true of his rendering of the first and fourth movements. But it is in the funeral march where he really scores. While Bruno Walter is particularly effective at conveying the solemnity of the occasion, Bohm digs even deeper, and delivers an even more thoroughly felt combination of seriousness, sadness, tragedy and nobility. To cite another comparison, while Karajan in his 1962 "Eroica" is dramatic here, he is unable to break through to a more profound level of emotional expression. In closing, this Bohm/Eroica deserves to be on the short list of excellent Beethoven Thirds.

What's all the hype about?.......2003-11-28

This is one of the most dissapointing Ninths I have ever heard. Bohm conducts Beethoven as Mozart, controlled and at moderate/slow/incredibly slow tempi. To begin with, these tempi are far off from Beethoven's specifications, regardless of whether or not Beethoven's metronome was off or if he set the tempi too high for whatever reason. Karajan's tempi versus Gardiner's "correct" tempi are convincing, but to slow it down as much as Bohm does is clearly not in Beethoven's intention--Bohm is not within the ballpark. And if Bohm wishes to slow down the tempi so much, he should at least add more emotional intensity. The truth is, Beethoven's symphonies are more emotionally intense at quick tempi and good dynamics. Though the first movement of Furtwangler's 42 or 54 performances are also slow, Furtwangler's first movement plays with terror whereas Bohm's plays with grace. Grace was not the intention of the first movement--that's for sure. The second movement is also too slow, though it does for a second add more mystery to it, but just for a second, then I get bored. I think Furtwangler got it right when he detected both mystery and ferocity in this movement, thus his scherzo starts slow but has rapid changes in dynamics. Bohm's is just boring. Now, Bohm's slow movement isn't bad, as I do believe it is best when played slowly. Slow tempi should be used when they accurately convey the emotion that Beethoven probably was trying to communicate, so the slow movement isn't bad. The fourth movement: in the strings interlude after the turkish march/tenor solo-- how weak is this! Many have interpreted this as being a "war" of some sort (preceded by a call to war by the tenor and followed by victory), but this surely is a weak war! Furtwangler, once more, in his fast mind-blowing tempo choice, conveys the struggle accurately. But Bohm seems to want clarity above anything. The fourth movement, because of the chorus and soloists, however, is not bad. It does play warmly, and that is perhaps why so many love this recording: they only care about one movement! That, or, they are too used to listening to Bohm's recordings of Mozart and need to experience the mind of Beethoven--a possibly bipolar, anything but controlled, madman of fury!

Average customer rating:

One of Karajan's best Beethoven Symphony cycles
Fine Analog Performance
Bring me the desert island, please.
Karajan's best Beethoven cycle for combination of performance and sound
under the surface

Beethoven: Nine Symphonies

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

ASIN: B000001GBT
Release Date: 1990-07-03

Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: 1. Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: 2. Andante cantabile con moto
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: 3. Menuetto. Allegro molto e vivace
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: 4. Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: 1. Adagio - Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: 2. Adagio
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: 3. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: 4. Allegro ma non troppo
Overture, Egmont, Op. 84: Sostenuto, ma non troppo - Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 36: 1. Adagio - Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 36: 2. Larghetto
Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 36: 3. Scherzo. Allegro
Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 36: 4. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: 1. Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: 2. Allegretto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: 3. Presto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: 4. Allegro con brio

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Erocia': 1. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Erocia': 2. Marcia funebre. Adagio assi
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Erocia': 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Erocia': 4. Finale. Allegro molto
Overture Leonore No. 3, Op. 72A: Adagio - Allegro

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: 1. Allegro con brio - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: 2. Andante con moto - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: 3. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: 4. Allegro - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 8 In F Major, Op. 93: 1. Allegro vivace e con brio - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 8 In F Major, Op. 93: 2. Allegretto scherzando - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 8 In F Major, Op. 93: 3. Tempo di Menuetto - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 8 In F Major, Op. 93: 4. Allegro vivace - L.V. Beethoven
Overture Fidelio, Op. 72B: Allegro - L.V. Beethoven

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': 1. Awakening Of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival In The Country - Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': 2. Scene By The Brook - Andante molto mosso
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': 3. Merry Gathering Of Country Folk
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': 4. Thunderstorm
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': 5. Shepherd's Song: Happy And Thankful Feelings After The Storm
Overture To H. J. von Collin's Tragedy, Op. 62: Allegro con brio
Overture 'The Creatures Of Prometheus' To Salvatore Vigano's Ballet: Adagio - Allegro molto con brio
Overture 'The Ruins Of Athens' From The Music To A. von Kotzebue's Play: Andante con moto - Allegro, ma non troppo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: 1. Allegro manon troppo, un poco maestoso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: 2. Molto vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: 3. Adagio molto e cantabile - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: 4. Presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: 4. Presto - Final Chorus From Schiller's 'Ode To Joy' - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Amazon.com

This is hedonistic Beethoven, though in listening to these accounts one wonders sometimes whether Herbert von Karajan may not have confused sex with love, and physicality with emotion. At least he seems more concerned with opulence of sound and weight of texture than with psychology or substance. Yet while his interpretation has neither great emotion, nor struggle, nor a sense of spiritual release, it certainly has great beauty and exhilaration. The readings are typical of the "massaged" style of performance Karajan cultivated in Berlin during the 1970s, and which Andrew Porter famously critiqued when he likened the results to Kobe beef. There is a certain softness under all that muscularity, though for the most part Karajan shows his usual strong grip and maintains the balance of lyrical and kinetic elements. The Berlin Philharmonic, at its peak when these recordings were made, is a marvel: even if its playing is rarely fiery or spontaneous, its sound is plush, succulent, and exilaratingly rich. Karajan uses a big orchestra all the way through, even in Symphony No. 1--which as a result sounds rather massive, though not heavy (the brisk scale in the violins at beginning of the fourth movement is delightfully airy). In addition to their polish, his readings are notable for their high energy level. This is particularly true of the Eighth, one of the most successful items in the set, which is interpreted in a way that clearly shows its connection to Seventh. On balance, the accounts run from very good to outstanding (Nos. 4, 8 and 9), but only rarely do they approach the transcendent. The recordings, made in Berlin's Philharmonie, are close-miked and mastered at a fairly high level, and sound is impressively firm. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

One of Karajan's best Beethoven Symphony cycles.......2007-04-20

Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989) recorded the Beethoven Symphonies four different times: with the Philharmonia Orchestra (early 1950s, EMI); with the Berlin Philharmonic (1961-62, DG); again with Berlin (1975-77, DG: THIS recording), and finally, in Berlin (1982-85, DG). Most critics consider either the 1961-2 or THIS recording to be Karajan's best Beethoven Symphony cycle. (The EMI has cramped sound, and the last cycle shows Karajan's eccentric side: somehow it doesn't "jell" and sound like Beethoven to me - it's more Karajan than Beethoven.)

These have Karajan's best Beethoven Symphony 5 and Symphony 6 recordings. The Berlin Philharmonic has the lush, rich sound Karajan was known for and will be remembered for by future generations of music lovers. The other symphonies are all very fine, too.

I should state my allegiences are for Bohm/Vienna Philharmonic (DG, 1970-72) in most of these symphonies. I also like Szell/Cleveland (Sony) for Symphonies 1, 3, 4 and 9; and Bruno Walter/Columbia Symphony for Symphony 3,4,5, and 7 (Sony). Thomas Beecham's EMI recordings of Symphonies 2 and 7 with the Royal Philharmonic are worth seeking out.

Karajan is very fine, if you don't have an allegience to a given conductor, as I do to Karl Bohm.

Fine Analog Performance.......2007-03-12

Karajan has been one of my favorites for the past 30 plus years and I have many of his recordings on lp and cd. One of the few things I collect are lp box sets. This set I own on vinyl and it either just got posted to Rhapsody or I just ran into it. Rhapsody now has this set, his 1950s, and his digital 1980s posted. I have not run into the early 60s set yet at Rhapsody, but have it on vinyl and cd. I was a bit surprised to see yet another Karajan Beethoven Symphony cycle at Rhapsody and did a search at Amazon to find out what cycle it is.

Karajan did at least 4 complete Beethoven Cycles (50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s) on lp/cd plus one video cycle in the mid 80s that is just outstanding. Some may argue that this is overkill, and many argue about what cycle is best. As far as I know, no one has surpassed Karajan for the most complete cycles title (Jochum comes to mind who I think did three cycles). It is now possible to convert them all to mp3, put them on a single cd or into an mp3 player and do a taste test. Any of these cycles are fun to listen to and they are all well played, conducted, and recorded. The 50s cycle is probably the weakest from a sound/ recording engineer perspective and maybe the 80s is the best (though some do not like the early digital sound). I personally like the early 60s best plus I greatly enjoy the DVDs. I bought them from China through Ebay for about $30 including s/h.

The big difference for Karajan 80s vs 70s is that in the 80s he had health issues prior to his passing and he also started to get very elderly (born in 1908). I have viewed his DVDs of Tchiakovsky (sym. 4, 5, 6) and Dvorak (8, 9) and his Beethoven 9. He seems to be more vigorious on the Beethoven set, followed by the Tchaikovsky, and then the Dvorak. He seemed to me to be a little out of it on the Dvorak 9th and that symphony seemed to drag. I love his Tchiakovsky set from the 70s and the 80s video is almost as good. I read that Karajan had over 800 recordings!

Bring me the desert island, please........2005-12-17

I've always been an admirer of Karajan's Beethoven. I pretty much cut my Beethoven teeth on the much lauded (by me, too) sixties set. In many peoples' minds I suppose it will never be surpassed.

However, in nearly every respect, this mid-seventies undertaking is a better set. I have, as have others, quibbles with certain decisions Karajan makes. For example, he seems to have no problem occasionally ignoring Beethoven's calls for repeats, while at other times he observes them scrupulously. It seems to me that if Beethoven says to do it, then you should do it. Karajan, apparently, doesn't agree.

One could quickly lapse into a minutiae-induced stupor over details. However, a couple will suffice: This is, without doubt, Karajan's best recorded Sixth. That said, it must be admitted his overall concept of this symphony has always been, for some, a weak link. I agree. Simply, there are probably better Sixth's in the catalog, although none could possibly be better played, interpretation not withstanding. Also, this Fifth is to be preferred over the earlier version, ignored repeats and all. The Ninth, arguably the crown jewel of the earlier set, is remarkable here. The soloists are all admirable, even if they aren't Janowitz, Ludwig, et al.

All-in-all, a magnificent undertaking, beautifully realized on CD.

Finally, as most know, Karajan undertook the complete symphonies one last time, near the end of his career (and life) in the early eighties. They are great. The sound is generally great (although not really better in any demonstrable way than here). But Karajan and his Berlin orchestra were having legal, personal and personnel problems which would finally force the Maestro to leave Berlin all together for his final few recordings. At this stage, probably the less said about the utterly disgraceful treatment the ailing Maestro was subjected to, the better. However, that final recorded cycle suffers, I think, from these problems. There are, at times, a certain sloppiness to the procedings Karajan would never have tolerated earlier in his life.

Happily, we have cycle two, in glorious mid-seventies Berlin sound, as a living testament of Karajan's superlative Beethoven.

Karajan's best Beethoven cycle for combination of performance and sound.......2005-10-09

This cycle of Beethoven symphonies, recorded 1975-77 is Herbert von Karajan's strongest. It is also the best of his Beethovens for both performances and sound. Symphonies 5 and 6 are the best here of any others Karajan did, as are Symphonies 1, 2, 3 and 9.

Much of "the best" depends on personal preferences, but I prefer these to the last cycle, recorded 1982-84 for DG. The 1961-2 cycle (DG) is also very fine.

I won't go into details in the interest of keeping this review concise. But Karajan takes slightly slower tempos in Symphony 5: I and Sym. 6: I, II, making a better case for each work.

The sound is rather low level, and you may have to crank up your volume a bit + add some extra bass, as Deutsche Grammophon often shorts the bass a bit in some of their recordings. But the sound is clean, and overall very fine.

Read my reviews of Karajan's first DG cycle, also with the Berlin Philharmonic, for other details. This cycle is recommended, and highly thought of by many critics.

under the surface.......2003-09-18

This truly is an amazing set!
For me this set beats his famous 1963 recordings.
It seems that many people take it for a fact that most of his 1970 recordings lack power, passion and meaning without ever hearing those performances.

Yes you have that recognizable Karajan sound allover, but how this sound interacts with a certain composer or work you'll only find out by listening to it.
For example: I like the "kitschy" singing violins in this Beethovenset very much, it adds mysterie to the score.
The same singing violins (same recorded as well) however I dislike very much in his Bruckner-recordings.
Weird, because string-vibrato in general suits Bruckner's music better than Beethoven's.
But to me those strings rob Bruckner's music of its mystery and mystique.

As said, the main reason why people underrate this set and most of his '70 recordings is because of their general perception of Karajan's sound.
That Karajan sound isn't just the orchestral playing, but also the sound of the recordings and I agree that this sound can add too much "Karajan" to a musical work and can rob the music's identity
The Karajan soup, constantly flavoured by the same ingredients.
One particular flavour is the artificial sounding concert hall acoustic and it is this acoustic in partnership with those singing violins that might give some music that peculiar 1970 romantics feel: candlelight dinners, on the beach at the right time: when the sun is going down etc.

But it's not honest to judge all his music on these unlikable (or likable if you will) features
Under that polished surface of the recordings there is real passion, energy and drive and the playing isn't that polished at all.
Listen to the lower strings, they rub intensly and the brass isn't underplayed all the time, rather under-mixed.
I am probably the only person who rate these performances higher than his 1963 recordings, there I do not find the same energy, passion and speed.

Yes, the tempi are faster and I like them that way.
Of this set I particuarly like the 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th symphony.
The first two symphonies are given a too massive performance, in these works only a period intsrument ensemble can do a fine job or the orchestra must be smaller.

His 9th is let down by a too slow and not very rhythmical defined 1st movement. The rest, especially the adagio is superb.
The adagios in general I like better played by a traditional orchestra instead of a period ensemble.

His 3rd is superb.
Great speed in the first movement and the orchestra is playing their socks of, what power, drive and passion!
Same with the 7th.
Yes the brass could be better profiled and articulated, but the overall stormy performance generously makes up for these minor complaints.

His 6th is still the best I ever heard, to my ears this work is the most romantic in atmosphere and therefore everything matches even that "kitschy" recording.
And that's actually pretty funny because Karajan didn't care much for this symphony.

All these performances are not that cold and polished as the recordings might suggest.
In comparison with Gardiner I noticed that Gardiner's performance is much more controlled, polished and somewhat more polite than Karajan.
I recommend this set without hesitation, for me these performances are still up with the best.
Judge for yourself.

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 "Eroica"; Egmont Overture

Average customer rating:

Not Karajan's greatest Eroica, but sitll interesting
Music Making of a High Order! Possibly the Best Digital Eroica
Bonaparte should have known better...
Excellent performance, poor recording
I love it and just listened to it a few hours ago

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 "Eroica"; Egmont Overture

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

ASIN: B000001GJN
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major Op. 55 'Eroica': 1. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major Op. 55 'Eroica': 2. Marcia funebre. Adagio assai
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major Op. 55 'Eroica': 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major Op. 55 'Eroica': 4. Finale. Allegro molto
Egmont, Op. 84: Ouverture: Sostenuto, ma non troppo - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Not Karajan's greatest Eroica, but sitll interesting.......2006-07-14

Reviews for this Eroica are all over the place, so it might be good to establish a few facts. First, the sonics here are excellent, betraying no early-80s digital glare. As is generally true of the Karajan Gold series, DG has corrected a great deal of the original recording's flaws. Second, this is not an explosive, driven reading. Karajan has always taken a moderate view of the Eroica, and the timings here are the same as those in his 1963 version, except that the Funeral March is a minute faster at 16 min.

The cliche about Karajan is that he became glossy and over-refined in late life. That charge doesn't hit the mark all the time, however. What you hear on this CD is spacious, beautifully executed orchestral work abetting a less dynamic view of Beethoven than the earlier Karajan had. I find the Funeral March underplayed, but it's interesting to hear Karajan's mature approach. The first movement retains much of the power of the 1963 version (Karajan's best). Only the Scherzo and finale seem to border on the noncommital.

In sum, this is gentel Beethoven, which some may not like at all. I enjoyed the Berliners and was mildly intrigued by Karajan's late style.

Music Making of a High Order! Possibly the Best Digital Eroica.......2005-12-18

The architectural grandeur and vast scope of Beethoven's Eroica Symphony will always be a tough hurdle for the less initiated Beethoven fan. A fan who perhaps loves Beethoven's 5th and the last movement of the 9th symphony, the moonlight sonata and the violin concerto but a fan who just can't grasp the density of musical thought that is unleashed in this complex superstructure. How bewildering this work must have been to it's first audencies? I remember years ago, listening to the Eroica for the first time in my life, those grinding, lacerating dissonances in the heart of the development section and asking myself, why did he compose that? Haha indeed, it's nothing that Haydn or Mozart, Bach or Handel would have done. This is music of a singular voice, the music of a great liberator of the arts, Ludwig van Beethoven! The first movement begins with those "whiplashes of sound" as Leonard Bernstein called them and it leads us to some very basic thematic material which is then processed into a gargantuan edifice of sound and fury. Beethoven along with Bach are the two most immense architects in musical history. Here Beethoven gives Bach a run for his money. The funeral march confirms this work as not only one of great heroism, but also great tragedy. The scherzo is terrific, something that even contemporaries could appreciated back in the day, however the grandiose finale, a set of variations on a familiar Beethoven theme takes the cake, a whirlwind of energy that audiences found incomprehensible at the time of it's creation.

This performance of the Eroica is one of the best I've ever heard. It's probably Karajan's greatest rendition of this work ever. That puts him in the company of Klemperer's monumental reading from 1961 and Furtwangler's wartime recording. George Szell also has a great version but Szell's performance doesn't have the gravitas of Karajan in the funeral march. Bernstein recorded a famous version in the 60's with NYPO but the sound on that one sucks.

The sound on this Karajan version is quite good without being absolutely top of the line. The Karajan Gold remastering is a big impovement from the previous issue, the high frequencies are fierce at times, but the sound is better than most of the other famous Eroica recordings, it's just a shame it's not state of the art. On the other hand, check out that cool cover! Old grandpa Karajan still strutting like he's the hero of the Eroica! Suffice to say, the performance is quite deep, the first movement explosive, tempos fast but not breathless like the period instrument performers, the climaxes are towering! The funeral march is one of the most dramatic ever, the scherzo is very well done, the finale succeeds with monumental authority. The Egmont overture is very powerful too, but here I would have liked more bass in the recording.

My estimation of this record is quite high as it demolishes most other renditions of this second greatest symphony in history. The greatest symphony is obviously the Beethoven 9th, but what's in third place then? Brahms' 1st, Beethoven's 5th, hmmm...

Karajan's digital cycle, from which this Eroica springs is to be generally avoided. But it's this Eroica and also a CD of the 8th Symphony along with 3 overtures that should be snatched up by Beethoven enthusiasts, they are truly exceptions to the rule.

Bonaparte should have known better..........2004-04-06

This symphony starts out with a BOOM and never lets up. It sucks you in on a visceral level and winds you from note to note until you're almost drunk from the gush of strings and roller coaster creshendoes. By many it is considered one of the best symphonies ever written. It constitutes a big change from Beethoven's previous 2 symphonies, and the differences boink at one's musical senses immediately.

Anyone who's read anything about this work will know that Beethoven declared independence from his previous work. He wanted to go in a new direction; a different drummer started beating. He followed unhesitatingly into new territories previously uncharted by symphonic composers. Listeners at the time didn't know what hit them, and of course there were the inevitable cranky critics who poo pooed the new sounds and depths the 3rd symphony reached.

Obviously, its reputation has survived, and Beethoven's 3rd has taken its place amongst his best known and played works. One of the legends surrounding it is the well known rapacious removal of Napolean's name from the original manuscript in response to his self-crowning as emporer (David was there, the Pope even received second billing). Thus the romance of the ideals of the French revoluton were melted like wax in dragon's breath, and Beethoven would not hear of it. Some sources say he actually tore the manuscript while eradicating the original dedication.

Overall, the symphony has a heroic and gushingly romantic tone to it. It could lead hordes to valiant victory and leave them thirsting for more. It's pounding, then passionate, then shoots you with fireworks, then slows you down, then pounds on you again. Twenty listens won't begin to reveal all this amazing work has to reveal. It is music that any hero would want as their soundtrack.

The first movement develops a theme in an incrementally explosive manner. It is heard at first somewhat softly in the first few bars, then repeated throughout in gradually increasing intensity until, at the end of the movement, we are awash in a fully bloated orchestra shouting out the theme - it will steamroller you.

The second movement, entitled "Marcia funebre" is a standout. Here Beethoven reaches emotional heights and depths that seem insurmountable. It is a passionately heartbreaking ode to the death of the "hero" of the piece. It is both mournful and tempestuous.

And, with nearly all Beethoven, that he was able to compose such profound and amazingly timeless music while losing his hearing is near miraculous. The 3rd symphony premiered in 1805, after Beethoven was terrifyingly aware that something was wrong. He trucked on nonetheless, and the music just kept getting better and better. The "Eroica" will doubtless be played for generations to come.

This recording is edgy and powerful. Karajan seems to frolic in the intensity of Beethoven's music. At the same time, the quiet parts are meditative and moving. Beethoven is both strong and soft, and Karajan's interpretations fit the moodiness. A good 3rd symphony to own.

Excellent performance, poor recording.......2003-08-17

Out of 14 performances of the Eroica I have on CD, including Karajan 1963, this is my favourite. I believe it is the audio of a concert video that I've seen on television, though the packaging does not say so and the between-movement sounds on the TV are missing from the CD. There are only a couple of things I don't like about the performance. Karajan, like most conductors, omits the repetition (of about 3 minutes length) early in the first movement (of my 14 CDs, only four contain the entire symphony). Also, I prefer the scherzo faster and more energetic, like the Cleveland/Szell performance. In all other respects, this is my favourite performance.

My biggest problem, however, is with the recording. Like many classical-music recordings, this lacks bass and over-emphasizes the high frequencies. I don't enjoy listening to it simply because I don't like the sound. It should be the standout CD in my collection, but instead it is just one of the pack. The stereo broadcast of the above-mentioned video on TV had a much fuller, better-balanced sound. It was what this CD ought to sound like.

I love it and just listened to it a few hours ago.......2001-09-07

I really love this interpretation of the Eroica, especially the second movement. The second movement, the Marcia Funebre, is one of the few musical pieces that can really make me feel a very intense painful sorrow. It is one of my favorite symphonies of Beethoven and that movement in particular is a musical treasure.

Average customer rating:

5 star performance at a budget busting outrageous price
Szell's Beethoven in best sound, forty years later
Superbly Remastered Classic Beethoven Symphony Cycle From Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra
Music Production At Highest Level
As Good as it Gets

Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002CHK6I
Release Date: 2004-06-29

Tracks:

I. Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II. Andante Cantabile Con Moto
III. Menuetto,. Allegro Molto E Vivace
IV. Finale. Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace
I. Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II. Larghetto
III. Scherzo. Allegro
IV. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Marcia Funebre. Adagio Assai
III. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace
IV. Finale. Allegro Molto

Tracks:

I. Adagio - Allegro Vivace
II. Adagio
III. Menuetto. Allegro Vivace - Trio. Un Poco Meno Allegro
IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72a

Tracks:

I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Andante Con Moto
III. Allegro
IV. Allegro
I. Allegro Vivace
II. Andante Cantabile
III. Menuetto. Allegretto
IV. Molto Allegro

Tracks:

I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II. Andante Molto Moto. Szene Am Bach
III. Allegro. Lustiges Zusammensein Der Landleute
IV. Allegro. Gewitter Sturm
V. Allegretto. Hirtengesang, Frohe Und Dankbare Gefuhle Nach Dem Sturm

Tracks:

I. Poco Sostenuto - Vivace
II. Allegretto
III. Presto - Presto Meno Assai
IV. Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

I. Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
II. Allegretto Scherzando
III. Tempo Di Menuetto
IV. Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso
II. Molto Vivace
III. Adagio Molto E Cantabile - Andante Moderato
IV. Presto - Allegro Assai - Recitativo: O Freunde, Nicht Diese Tone! - Allegro Assai (Final Chorus On Schiller's 'Ode To Joy')

Tracks:

Egmont Overture, Op. 84
Coriolan Overture, Op. 62
King Stephen Overture, Op. 117
Leonore Overture No. 2, Op. 72b
Leonore Overture No. 1, Op. 138
Fidelio Overture, Op. 72

Tracks:

Overture. Adagio - Allegro Molto Con Brio
Introduction. La Tempesta. Allegro Non Troppo
No. 1. Poco Adagio
No. 3. Adagio - Allegro Con Brio
No. 3. Allegro Vivace
No. 4. Maestoso - Andante
No. 5. Adagio - Andante Quasi Allegretto
No. 6. Un Poco Adagio - Allegro
No. 7. Grave
No. 8. Allegro Con Brio
No. 9. Adagio
No. 10. Pastorale. Allegro
No. 11. Andante
No. 12. Solo Di Gioja. Maestoso
No. 13. Allegro
No. 14. Solo Della Cassentini. Andante
No. 15. Solo Di Vigano. Andantino
No. 16. Finale. Allegro

Customer Reviews:

5 star performance at a budget busting outrageous price.......2007-06-06

The cover for this cd boxed set came straight off the vinyl lp boxed set issued to commemorate Beethoven's 200 birthday and George Szell's passing in 1970. (I have this boxed set in great, near mint condition that sounds wonderful). I love these performances! I must have a couple of dozen or more George Szell lps. Szell is like money in the bank, like a classical sure thing! Just about everything I have heard from Szell and the CSO sparkles!

My problem with this set is the price. For the money, you could easily buy another great Beethoven cycle, Tchaikovsky cycle, Schumann cycle, Brahms cycle, etc. etc here at Amazon. So, unless money is no object or you are a die hard (more likely die broke) Szell collector, I would recommend finding another path to Szell Beethoven Nirvana. Rhapsody has 6 or 7 of these posted. I checked the a la cart used prices at Amazon and it looks like you could pick up the missing ones not posted at Rhapsody and buy 8 or 9 months of unlimited listening at Rhapsody for the same price. Another option would be an Ebay search. There is probably an earlier cd edition you could bid on for at least two thirds cheaper or even pick up a good, used set of the real deal (vinyl lps!)

Or, maybe you have not done somehing stupid with your money and you are about due and you feel entitled, and that hundred bucks in your pocket is starting to burn a hole.......

Szell's Beethoven in best sound, forty years later.......2007-04-21

I empathize with fans for the late George Szell, who had to endure shallow, hissy sonics on the original LPs of his Beethoven cycle, then to wait decades longer while Sony put the recordings through cheap CD remastering on various budget lines. Now jsutice has been done, and the original tapes come up sounding quite good. (the same renovation has been done to the Szell-Fleisher Beethoven 3rd and 4th piano concertos though not to the Emperor, so far as I know).

The hallmarks of Szell's conducting style are well known by now. He followed Toscanini's propulsive lead, allowing little expressive rubato, insisting on perfection of execution, and in essence bringing the old man into the stereo era. To some ears this is great Beethoven, but there's more heroism and romance to be found elsewhere. I don't think Beethoven should be so well drilled, but if you favor Szell's meticulous cold style, his Beethoven is quite strong.

Sony deserves some finger wagging for filling these CDs so stingily and for stretching the material for 6 or 7 discs out to ten. Charging the full price of $100 seems like gouging, particularly when you have to buy Szell's Jupiter Sym., available elsewhere, and a Prometheus ballet that isn't even conducted by him but his pedestrian assistant, Louis Lane.

Superbly Remastered Classic Beethoven Symphony Cycle From Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra.......2007-01-31

In the 1960s, there was no other orchestra in the world - including Karajan's Berliner Philharmoniker - which sounded as fine as the Cleveland Orchestra under George Szell's magnificient direction. I am delighted that Sony has made this fine CD set available once more, using the latest digital state-of-the-art remastering, since I remember well from some old LPs I had of this Beethoven Symphony Cycle, superb performances of the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th symphonies from Szell and his crack precision ensemble of a symphony orchestra. I concur with others who regard this CD set as the best recorded by the Cleveland Orchestra of not only Beethoven's symphonies, but indeed, of any of the great 18th and 19th Century composers. This 1957 to 1967 recorded cycle will remain as one of the most important artistic legacies of the Cleveland Orchestra during Szell's tenure as music director. Moreover, I am willing to guess that this CD set may be remembered as the best Beethoven Symphony Cycle recorded during this time, even if others, most notably Karajan's early 1960s Deutsche Grammophon cycle with the Berliner Philharmoniker, have earned lavish praise from critics and fans alike.

Music Production At Highest Level.......2006-01-14

No need to explain why Szell's Beethoven performances are exquisite - perfect balancing among instruments, expressive phrasing, unbelievable intensity, and oh yes, details!
But equal amount of praises should go to Sony's remastering engineers. You will hear a night-and-day difference from the old Essential Classics versions!

Just listen to the magnificent 9th. Szell and the Cleveland musicians give out their lives.

As Good as it Gets.......2005-04-10

Originally issued on Columbia's budget label, Epic, George Szell's early stereo (1957-1967) cycle of Beethoven's Symphonies became legendary on its original release. Originally released one at a time, the cycle was later reissued as a boxed set, individually again in the late 1970s, debuting on CD in the 1980s, and in several incarnations during the 1990s. Now, for the 21st Century, Sony has created a lavish reissue.

Ever the perfectionist, Szell drilled the Cleveland Orchestra to within an inch of its life, and the result here is orchestral playing of immaculate perfection, with the various choirs balanced as if they were one soloist. Technically, there is no better Beethoven cycle on records, not from Maazel's and Dohnanyi's later cycles with the same orchestra, not from Karajan's Berlin Philharmonic, and certainly not from Toscanini's NBC Orchestra.

Toscanini bears mentioning here, because there are similarities of approach. Szell chooses not to let details obscure the overall structure of each symphony--though there are telling details in plenty. By the time this cycle was recorded, Szell had lived with these masterpieces for half a century, and it shows in the judicious tempi, straightforward phrasing, and architectonic grandeur.

Receiving its first CD release is the same orchestra's recording of Beethoven's Creatures of Prometheus ballet, superbly conducted by Szell's assistant director, Louis Lane. Also included is Mozart's "Jupiter" Symphony, which was originally the B side for Beethoven's ubiquitous 5th. Since this is one of the finest Jupiters ever recorded, no complaints about breaking the one composer rule.

Sony's set reproduces the original cover art and sequencing (with once exception, the Overtures disc features two bonus tracks). Generally, the CDs are not well filled, however this is more than made up for by the superb documentation. The booklet contains the original LP liner notes (most of them by Klaus G. Roy, then program annotator of the Cleveland Orchestra), unfortunately whittled down. But, with a magnifying glass, one can read the miniaturized backs of the original LP covers. Sony's engineers have done an excellent job remastering the rather dry sounding original tapes.

For those encountering Beethoven's sypmhonies of Szell conducting for the first time, there is no greater starting point. For longtime fans, this set will impress with its refreshed sonics and deluxe packaging.

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