Beethoven: Missa Solemnis; Symphony No. 3

On this CD:

1. Mass for soloists, chorus, & orchestra in D major ("Missa Solemnis"), Op. 123
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Birgit Nilsson, Sigurd Bjorling, Gosta Backelin, Lisa Tunell
Conducted by Erich Kleiber

2. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Eroica"), Op. 55
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Erich Kleiber

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op.67: Napoleon Shells Vienna
Fur Elise: Childhood Dreams
Symphony No. 3 In E-flat Major, Op. 55: Ludwig And Julia At Schonbrunn Palace Gardens
Piano Sonata No. 14 (Quasi Una Fantasia) In C-sharp Minor, Op. 27, No. 2 'Moonlight': Julia And Her Father Secretly Watch
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op.68 'Pastoral': Ludwig And Caspar Fight
Piano Trio No. 4 In D Major, Op. 70 No. 1 'Ghost': Ludwig Consols Anna Marie
Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 61: The Beethoven Brothers In Baden
Piano Sonata No. 8 In C Minor, Op. 13 'Pathetique': A Concert For Lichnowsky
Piano Concerto No. 5 In E-Flat Major, Op. 73 'Emperor': The Letter
Missa Solemnis In D Major, Op.123: The Funeral
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: Karl At The Ruins
Violin Sonata In A Major, Op. 47 'Kreutzer': The Carriage Stuck In The Mud
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125: The Night Of The Premiere

Customer Reviews:

Below Average Beethoven Performances.......2007-03-10

It is unfortunate that they chose Solti's direction for the symphonic pieces in this soundtrack as he is simply one of the worst conductors for Beethoven. His direction is so slow one would think he is leading a funeral procession instead of music inspired by the French Revolution.

Of all old school directors such as Karajan, Toscanini, etc., Solti's performances are simply morbidly slow to the point of killing the grieving attendants with boredom. The cacophony of the oversized orchestra doesn't help either. Solti's interpretations are even too slow for a requiem. You think a regular interpretation of the 7th's second movement is slow? Wait 'til you hear this one; you're going to need a massage you'll be so stiff. The 9th symphony march is supposed to be a brisk revolutionary march calling the citizens to arms and to join the militia marching through a town. With Solti you imagine only a funeral procession coming through the town. In the Fifth the whole orchestra is almost struggling to slow down to match the strings. Karajan's interpretations are not particularly fast either but at least he breathes some life into them and the orchestra. I personally like Toscanini in terms of the old 20th century symphonic conductors and Gardiner's traditional interpretations that are at least at a correct speed and give the listener the impression they are marching off as part of a revolutionary batallion to bring liberty to the oppressed instead of being rolled to the morgue. Beethoven was a revolutionary anti-monarchist and strongly supported the idea of political change. Although Periah is a great pianist for Beethoven's concertos, there are simply better performances by him that fortunately aren't conducted by Solti such as on Sony with Bernard Haitink and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. The same goes for the performances with Axe and Yo-Yo Ma. Gidon Kramer's performance for the Violin Concerto in D is also mediocre at best: there are better violinists out there than Kremer for Beethoven.

This is just not the best CD to get quality performances of Beethoven's works. Overall, Solti's interpretations are simply too sluggish and indecipherable to represent the ideals of Beethoven's music. Solti would definitely be my last choice for anything. You won't lose anything by not buying this soundtrack that's for sure: Solti's interpretations are so slow they will simply fossilize you.

Immortal beloved film.......2007-02-06

having watched a recording of Immortal beloved for a number of years the tape was past its best. now that i have the chance of ordering on line i did , and a good move it was. It was nice to see the film and things so clear, i had not see before, the writing on the love letter at the begining and tears that was shed. Iam very pleased with the dvd.

Living Perfection.......2007-01-14

This is one of the most perfect CDs I own, it's one I come back to time and time again. The recording quality is excellent - even on the cassette, which I've finally replaced after 12 years - but even better, the musical interpretation is splendid. Anyone who thinks that classical music is no longer relevant in our culture needs to buy this CD.

A wonderful tribute to the artist.......2005-05-25

This CD is perfect in my opinion. The recording is perfect, the pitch is perfect, the tempo is perfect, and the track selections are perfect. I think the album samples Beethoven's most remarkable pieces of work from his early years to his death. I have heard many recordings of the Ninth symphony that was just executed poorly; which is a shame because it is such a powerful piece. However, this album does it superbly. Sir Georg Solti and Murray Perahia did an amazing job with this album.

The album just flows really well from one piece to the next evoking a vast array of emotions along the way. Beethoven is timeless and forever will be. There is no comparison even to this day. This a wonderful tribute to the artist.

Very emotional and moving!!.......2005-05-23

I am a big fan of classical music. Beethoven, in my opinion, was one of the best composers, Mozart 1st, Beethoven 2nd, etc. This album is very moving and filled with emotion. I am currently listening to Adagio Cantabile-from Piano Sonata No. 8-from the film album. This piece is so moving and emotional. Another piece was Moonlight Sonata which I especially liked. Beethoven loads this piece with love and emotion for his one true love. In my opinion, Beethoven was the best at writing emotional and moving music. Whenever I listen to his music, I am immersed in a world of emotion and feeling. His music is truly beautiful. Back to the album, Sir Georg Solti really captured Beethoven's genius and devotion to his music in this album. This album really accents the film. You cannot have one, you must have both the film and the soundtrack. This is a must have for classical music/Beethoven fanatics and people who want to get a great summary of Beethoven's genius. BUY THIS!!!!

Average customer rating:

The Very Best of Beethoven

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000B6N64A
Release Date: 2005-10-18

Tracks:

Allegro Con Brio
Egmont Overture
Adagio Sostenuto
Allegro Molto
Rondo
Abscheulicher!
Adagio Cantabile
Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Finale
Rondo

Tracks:

Scherzo
Bagatelle In A Minor 'Fur Elise'
Sanctus-Benedictus
Adagio Molto Espressivo
Rondo
Andante Favori
Allegretto
Scherzo
Adagio Cantabile & Allegro Vivace
Ode To Joy

Average customer rating:

Epic Works On One 2-CD Set

Panorama: Ludwig van Beethoven, Vol. 3

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Panorama: Ludwig van Beethoven, Vol. 2
Panorama: Johann Sebastian Bach, Vol. 1
A great panorama of classical music
Panorama: Franz Schubert
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 "Pastorale"

ASIN: B00005IB61
Release Date: 2001-08-14

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in d, Op.125: 1. Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso - VPO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125: 2. Molto Vivace - VPO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125: 3. Adagio Molto E Cantabile - VPO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125: 4. Presto - VPO/Leonard Bernstein
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125: 4. Presto - 'O Freunde, Nicht Diese Tone!' - Allegro Assai - Gwyneth Jones/Hanna Schwarz/Rene Kollo/Kurt Moll/Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor...

Tracks:

Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 1. Kyrie: Assai Sostenuto (Mit Andacht): Kyrie Eleison
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 1. Kyrie: Assai Sostenuto (Mit Andacht): Christe Eleison
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 1. Kyrie: Assai Sostenuto (Mit Andacht): Kyrie Eleison
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 2. Gloria: Allegro Vivace: Gloria In Excelsis Deo
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 2. Gloria: Allegro Vivace: Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi, Miserere Nobis
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 2. Gloria: Allegro Vivace: Quoniam Tu Solus Sanctus
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 2. Gloria: Allegro Vivace: In Gloria Dei Patris, Amen
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 2. Gloria: Allegro Vivace: Amen, Amen, In Gloria Dei Patris/Quoniam...
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 3. Credo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo: Credo In Unum Deum
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 3. Credo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo: Et Incarnatus Est
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 3. Credo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo: Et Ascendit In Coelum
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 3. Credo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo: Et Vitam Venturi Saeculi
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 3. Credo: Allegro Ma Non Troppo: Amen, Et Vitam Venturi Saeculi. Amen
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 4. Sanctus: Adagio (Mit Andacht): Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus Dominus...
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 4. Sanctus: Adagio (Mit Andacht): Pleni Sunt Coeli Et Terra
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 4. Sanctus: Adagio (Mit Andacht): Prld
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 4. Sanctus: Adagio (Mit Andacht): Benedictus, Qui Venit In Nomine...
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 5. Agnus Dei: Adagio: Agnus Dei, Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 5. Agnus Dei: Adagio: Dona Nobis Pacem
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 5. Agnus Dei: Adagio: Agnus Dei, Qui Tollis Peccata Mundi
Missa Solemnis in D, Op.123: 5. Agnus Dei: Adagio: Presto

Customer Reviews:

Epic Works On One 2-CD Set.......2003-05-19

Despite his increasingly poor health and the fact that he was totally deaf by 1823, Beethoven had once more defied the odds and produced two monumental masterpieces of Western music--his immortal Ninth Symphony, and the lesser-known but equally impressive Missa Solemnis. Incredibly, Deutsche Grammophon has managed to cram these two gigantic works into one 2-CD set as conducted by the late, great Leonard Bernstein.

The Ninth Symphony, of course, is one of those works that always intrigues the listener, no matter how many times he or she has heard it. In this, Bernstein's second go-around with Beethoven 9 (his first was with the New York Philharmonic in 1964; his third and final one would be the immortal Berlin Celebration Concert of 1989), he has at his command one of the great orchestras of the world, the Vienna Philharmonic, plus the Vienna State Opera Concert Chorus, and four world-class soloists in the fourth movement's immortal choral setting of Schiller's "Ode To Joy." In spite of the fact that Vienna tended to be among the most anti-Semitic cities in the world and Bernstein himself was Jewish (or perhaps, in a twisted way, BECAUSE of it), the Vienna Philharmonic is at its usual world-class best under Bernstein's hand. This live 1980 recording, at 72 minutes, is only about one minute slower than the studio recording Bernstein did in New York in 1964.

The Missa Solemnis, Beethoven's second and final setting of the Latin Mass (his first, in C Major, was more in the Haydn/Mozart tradition), is a work of intense grandeur, placing a great burden on conductor, orchestra, chorus, and soloists. But once again, in this 1979 recording, Bernstein is more than up to the task. This time, he is at the helm of Amsterdam's world-famous Concertgebouw Orchestra, along with the Hilversum Radio Choir. All five parts of the Mass are thoughtfully realized by Bernstein and his forces, with the "Kyrie" having a special poignancy, and the "Gloria" being given one of the most explosive and violent performances on record. If one reads the timings right, then Deutsche Grammophon has somehow managed to put an 82-minute recording onto just one CD when most single CD running times should be two minutes shorter!

Tracks:

Album Description

Import exclusive box-set includes Complete Symphonies, Piano Concertos, Violin Concerto, Piano Sonatas, Violin Sonatas, Cello Sonatas, String Quartets, Piano Trios, Masses, & Overtures performed by various artists including London Symphony Orchestra, Berliner Symphoniker, pianists Shoko Sugitani, John Lill, & more. Standard jewel cases housed in a flip-top box approx. 16 x 6 x 5''. Brilliant Classics.

Beethoven: 9 Symphonies; Missa Solemnis (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

the essential, the timeless, the eternal . . .
Masterful performance of the 9th
A Revelation...really
A Revelation...
Revelatory performances with greatly improved sound

Beethoven: 9 Symphonies; Missa Solemnis (Box Set)

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000028DLA
Release Date: 2001-02-20

Customer Reviews:

the essential, the timeless, the eternal . . ........2006-04-17

The Toscanini NBC recordings of Beethoven are, as they have been from their inception - the one essential set of recordings that everyone seriously interested in hearing Beethoven as this music was intended by the MASTER to sound - should own - the centerpiece of any classical collection. I used to own these recordings as Mono LPs - and, in those long gone days, they still sounded great. We can thank BMG and its fleet of engineers for keeping Toscanini up with the demands of the times.
As for Beethoven - despite his disciple Chuck Berry's assertions (wonderful as they are) - he remains very much alive - in the words of his awesome biographer, Romain Rolland, the Prometheus of the Moderns - and Toscanini, in perceiving that the soul of Beethoven is his energy - perceives that - and keeps that tremendous, explosive dynamism at the core of his interpretation.
We can also thank BMG for including the Missa in this package, which really gives the prospective buyer an 'essential Beethoven' package in some ways - not really to be found anywhere else on the market. Although there are a number of other versions of the Missa I also like, and perhaps prefer, no attempt has ever matched Toscanini's powerhouse renditions of the 9th and the 5th (during Toscanini's lifetime the 5th was considered Beethoven's signature orchestral statement - so pervasive was his recording of that piece), the combination of both the symphonies and the Missa in their pen-ultimate recording, and classic rendering, is a rare treasure not to be passed up by any with an intent to procure a boxed set of Beethoven's symphonies.

Masterful performance of the 9th.......2005-03-22

The moment this CD started, the music filled the room and blotted out all other considerations. Toscanini's work is masterful -- this recording really grabbed my attention and held it. I am not qualified to discuss the nuances of the orchestra's playing, but I can truly say that I felt as if I was in the presence of genius. I think that Beethoven would have approved of this performance! I urge fans of Beethoven's symphonies to buy this and compare it to other performances; I think that they will agree that this ranks as one of the greatest recordings of "the glorious ninth."

A Revelation...really.......2001-06-28

For some reason my review below was not posted in its entirety. Here is the complete review...

Like other listeners, I was skeptical when these new CDs were issued. My thoughts were that the early 1990s Complete Toscanini reissue was probably the best that could be humanly done to restore the very pinched and nasal sounding originals. Since I had already bought half of that set, I wasn't about to spend more of my hard-earned money on a marginally improved RE-reissue.

I was wrong. In 1997, RCA totally reorganized and inventoried its massive vaults, which had been in disarray for decades. As a result, many original sources which had been declared "lost" were now "found." This new remastering is strikingly improved sonically over all earlier issues. Utilizing the best technology now available, RCA has also done the right thing by hiring a musician--conductor Ed Houser--rather than whiz-bang technicians to supervise the remastering. The NBC Symphony Orchestra now sounds better than ever before, with smoother strings, fuller winds, and less blotting out during fortissimos.

Perhaps no conductor of the 20th Century has been as misunderstood as Arturo Toscanini, as evidenced by the critical backlash with which he was assailed in the years after his death. That criticism was partly in reaction to the equally unbalanced adulation heaped upon him during his lifetime. I remember once mentioning to an acquaintance my admiration for Toscanini's Beethoven and Brahms, and he shot back, "He conducts everything too fast!" In fact, in comparison with other recordings and broadcasts of his era, Toscanini's conducting was not generally faster than average. In relation to TODAY'S phlegmatic tempos, however, Toscanini's pacing is definitely brisk. But what most people are hearing as fast is, in fact, Toscanini's characteristic rhythmic vitality and, occasionally, drive, which brings the faster movements to sparkling life. (The finale to Beethoven's Seventh Symphony is an example: the tempo is not unusually fast, but it SEEMS faster than normal because of the precise articulation and clarity.) Likewise, the slow movements are never dragged, and glow with Italianate warmth.

It is worth noting that RCA has made one major change in this reissue of Beethoven Symphonies: the 1949 studio recording of the "Eroica," heard in previous LP and CD versions, has been replaced by the 1953 live Carnegie Hall version. RCA does not credit the liner notes, but they are reprints of Mortimer H. Frank's excellent notes originally written for the early 1990s CD release.

RCA has so far only released Toscanini's core repertoire with the NBC Symphony--but they are more than welcome additions to the catalogue. The Maestro's recordings with the New Your Philharmonic, and The Philadelphia Orchestra should also be remastered, post-haste. Then, RCA, which has given us magnificent reissues of Kapell and Rubinstein, should get to work and replace their thoroughly botched Vladimir Horowitz reissue from the 1990s, using this magnificent Toscanini reissue as a template.

A Revelation..........2001-06-24

I was wrong. Back in 1997, RCA totally reorganized and inventoried its massive vaults, which had been in disarray for decades. As a result, many original sources which had been declared "lost" were now "found." This new remastering is strikingly improved sonically over all earlier issues. Utilizing the best technology now available, RCA has also done the right thing by hiring a musician--conductor Ed Houser--rather than whiz-bang technicians to supervise the remastering. The NBC Symphony Orchestra now sounds better than ever before, with smoother strings, fuller winds, and less blotting out during fortissimos.

RCA has so far only released Toscanini's core repertoire with the NBC Symphony--but they are more than welcome additions to the catalogue. The Maestro's recordings with the New York Philharmonic and The Philadelphia Orchestra should also be remastered, post-haste. Then, RCA, which has given us magnificent reissues of Kapell and Rubinstein, should get to work and replace their thoroughly botched Vladimir Horowitz reissue from the 1990s, using this magnificent Toscanini reissue as a template.

Revelatory performances with greatly improved sound.......2001-05-28

Music-lovers tend to have strong feelings about Toscanini: either they love him or they can't stand him, but few are neutral. Furthermore, even those critics who do not care for his (allegedly) driven Beethoven symphonies almost always use him as a reference point when describing other conductors. It is true that these recordings are hardly what you'd call relaxed, let alone relaxing. As others have written, it's not the kind of Beethoven that you'd play for background music. But that's part of their power: Toscanini demands active involvement of his listeners, and if you aren't willing to do that, you probably won't like these performances. They are noticeably brisker than many recent recordings. Some say that Toscanini's Beethoven is less "romantic" than other conductors, but I think that is an over-simplification. I find them to be refreshing, sometimes even challenging, but never unpleasant. This boxed set is a real bargain, including all the symphonies, several overtures, and "Missa Solemnis". The new remasterings are amazingly clear, with sound that far surpasses previous releases. BMG includes a bonus disc with examples of the old remasterings compared to the new, and you can definitely hear the difference. There's a broader, less constricted dynamic that gives a much warmer and more realistic sound, and makes these unique performances eminently listenable. A truly classic set at a very good price!

Beethoven: Missa Solemnis; Symphony No. 3

Average customer rating:

Great performances but poorly recorded.

Beethoven: Missa Solemnis; Symphony No. 3

Manufacturer: Urania
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00003A9QY
Release Date: 1999-12-01

Customer Reviews:

Great performances but poorly recorded........2004-08-21

I would like to give this set 5 stars, but the sound is so murky (in the Missa Solemnis) and dry (in the 3rd Symphony) that it is ultimately difficult to judge the quality of the performances.

As best I can tell, Erich Kleiber leads a solid and sensitive performance of the Missa Solemnis. He takes the Kyrie at an extraordinarily slow tempo, very broad and nuanced. The orchestral playing is adequate but not of the first rank. The soloists are fine, and it is interesting to hear the young Birgit Nilsson.

The performance of the Erioca features the NBC Symphony Orchestra at their best, but the poor reproduction makes it hard to appreciate. If one wants to hear Erich Kleiber's way with the Eroica, one is best off turning to the 1951 recording with the Concertgebouw Orchestra available in the DECCA Legends series, coupled with Beethoven's 5th. The combination of Kleiber, the Dutch orchestra, the Concertgebouw itself and DECCA's sound engineers produced indeed legendary performances captured in clear, detailed, and rich sound.

This Urania recording offers both the Missa Solemnis and the Eroica taken from what sound to be transcription disks of 1948 radio performances. The sound in the Mass is compressed, boomy, and far from clear. The sound in the Eroica is also compressed and very dry, suggesting that the broadcast was from NBC's Studio 8H. Given these sources, the remastering is excellent and there is little surface noise. Some improvement can be achieved by fiddling with the treble and bass controls on the listener's sound system, but don't expect too much.

All in all, these are recorded perfomances worth having if one is an admirer of Erich Kleiber and if one purchases the set at a greatly reduced price.

Average customer rating:

Gallery of Classics: Beethoven

Manufacturer: Unison
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Complete Symphonies; Overtures; Missa Solemnis

Average customer rating:

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

Beethoven: Complete Symphonies; Overtures; Missa Solemnis

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor Op. 67: II. Andante con moto
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor Op. 67: III. Allegro
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor Op. 67: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68 'Pastoral': Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68 'Pastoral': II. Andante molto mosso
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68 'Pastoral': III. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68 'Pastoral': IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major Op. 68 'Pastoral': V. Allegretto

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Beethoven Courtesy Of Harnoncourt And COE.......2001-12-23

Fans of box sets will certainly treasure this splendid collection, which unites all of Nikolaus Harnoncourt's Beethoven recordings with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe. It is absolutely stunning, not only with regards to sound, but also with the exceptional performances given by the orchestra, vocal soloists in the "Missa Solemnis" and violinist Gidon Kremer in the violin concerto. The "Creatures of Promethus" performance is the best I have heard. As for the entire symphony cycle, this is the Beethoven to acquire if you're looking for one set. Harnoncourt leads the COE in brisk, exciting interpretations of the symphonies that combine the best of period instrument practice and contemporary performance. Other acclaimed cycles, most notably those from Abbado, Barenboim, Gardiner and Zinman, have been issued since Harnoncourt's was released, yet his remains first choice.

Excellent Beethoven Presented With A Great Smile.......2001-06-08

Although it runs $100 for 10 CDs, this set qualifies as a bargain. Harnoncourt presents an impressive rethink of Beethoven's symphonies, as well as sterling versions of the violin concerto, various ovetures, the Missa Solemnis and Creatures of Prometheus. All of this is handsomely packaged as a box set, complete with a long and detailed booklet explaining Harnoncourt's approach. Perhaps the most unusual feature of the set it that is contains a picture of Harnoncourt smiling! Prior to purchasing this set, in every picture I had ever seen of the man he was wearing a VSS (Very Serious Scowl) that seemed both pretentious and off-putting.

Anyway, the music...I have reviewed the 9th symphony seperately and for me it represents the highlight of both the symphonic cycle as well as the set...just a flat-out great performance. Other standouts in the symphonies are the 8th (best version I have heard), 4th, 6th and 1st. The 6th is controversially slow, although the slower this symphony is the better I like it, and therefore it works for me. The 5th will not make you forget Kleiber (what would?), but it is strong version nonetheless. 3 and 7 will probably divide listeners...the heroic element is 3 is downplayed and the dance element in 7 is trimmed by lessening the rythmic drive...neither would be a first choice, but both are interesting alternative versions. Perhaps the greatest virtue of the set is the consistency of the interpretation and execution. There is no weak link here...no one or two symphonies that are obviously below par.

As to the rest of the set, well, things just get better. The violin concerto (with Gidon Kremer) is absolutely outstanding...it may be the best version in recent memory. Both Kremer and Harnoncourt catch fire early and sustain an almost wild abandon throughout. As for the Missa Solemnis and Creatures of Prometheus, both are excellent versions that can stand with any. To top everything off, all the major overtures and romances are represented with very nice performances.

For me, this set represents as good an integral set of Beethoven's symphonic output as one is likely to find. Harnoncourt is interesting, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe is outstanding, as are Kremer, the Chorus and the various vocalists. Teldec's recording is absolutely first rate. I still pull out the Kleiber, Klemperer and Furtwangler, but more and more I find myself reaching for the Harnoncourt above all others. And, the guy has a great smile!

A Winner!.......2001-05-22

These performances of the Symphonies of Beethoven, the Vioin Concerto, Overtures, The Creatures of Prometheus and the Missa Solemnis should be on the shelf of every serious music lover. Harnoncourt's radically different approach to these familiar works of Beethoven will cause some to cringe and cause others to leap from their seats in absolute joy. Harnoncourt and the COE have thrown all long held performance traditions out of the window and the result is refreshing and, at times, downright alarming. The textures are lean, crisp and biting. The tempos almost never drag, the listener is constantly propelled forward by these unique and absolutely spell-binding performances. And Teldec has captured them in magnificent digital sound.

After listening to these performances, one can understand why Beethoven was considered such a revolutionary. Go ahead and purchase these recordings. You will never hear a more gripping account of these works anywhere else. Bravo Harnoncourt! Bravo Chamber Orchestra of Europe! Bravo Beethoven!

Beethoven in his bed.......2001-01-04

This was a fair cd. It was not one of Beethoven's best, however it is not bad at all. It is definitely worth a try.

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