Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 1 / Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5

On this CD:

1. Leonore Overture No. 1 in C major, Op. 138
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

2. Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

3. Symphony No. 5 in C minor ("Fate") Op. 67
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by NBC Symphony Orchestra
Conducted by Arturo Toscanini

Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 1 / Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5, Music, Ludwig van Beethoven, Arturo Toscanini, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Classical, Classical Music, Orchestral, Orchestral & Symphonic, Romantic Overture for Orchestra, Romantic Symphony, Symphonic
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Overtures; Violin Concerto (Limited Edition)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Bernstein's First, Quite Possibly, Best, Beethoven Symphony Cycle
  • Bernstein's early Beethoven makes an enticing bargain
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Overtures; Violin Concerto (Limited Edition)

Manufacturer: Sbme Import
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  3. Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies
  4. Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies
  5. Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies

ASIN: B00006OA68
Release Date: 2002-10-28

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Bernstein's First, Quite Possibly, Best, Beethoven Symphony Cycle.......2007-05-23

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

4 out of 5 stars Bernstein's early Beethoven makes an enticing bargain.......2007-02-20

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

LB used a big orchestra for his Beethoven, and the Columbia Records engineers caught them in a big, reverberant space. If you want to hear this music on a modest scale or with historical touches, lok elsewhere. After he decamped to Europe, Bernstein made a second Beethoven cycle with the Vienna Phil. that's leaner, faster, but somewhat lacking in the excitment of discovery that one heard the first time around.
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 "Pastorale"; Leonore Overture No. 1
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 "Pastorale"; Leonore Overture No. 1

    Manufacturer: Arkadia: the 78's
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    Toscanini, ArturoToscanini, Arturo | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000005O7C
    Release Date: 2000-09-30

    Tracks:

    1. Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: Adagio - Allegro Vivace
    2. Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: Adagio
    3. Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: Allegro Vivace
    4. Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
    5. Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastorale': Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Erwachen Heiterer Empfindungen Bei Der...
    6. Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastorale': Andante Molto Mosso (Szene Am Bach)
    7. Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastorale': Allegro (Lustiges Zusammensein Der Landleute)
    8. Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastorale': Allegro (Gewitter. Sturm)
    9. Sym No.6 in F, Op.68 'Pastorale': Allegretto (Hirtengesang. Frohe Und Dankbare Gefuhle Nach Dem...)
    10. 'Lenore' Ov No.1, Op.138

    Amazon.com

    Arturo Toscanini's 1937 BBC Pastorale has an ebb and flow, disciplined flexibility, and unbridled congeniality absent from his tighter 1952 NBC remake. On the other hand, his 1939 BBC Fourth is atypically foursquare and remote compared to the Maestro's more profiled later version. Arkadia's adequate transfers will do as a stopgap until EMI remasters this material from its best sources. --Jed Distler
    Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 1 / Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • From the best Beethoven cycle---ever!
    • historic recordings
    Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 1 / Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5

    Manufacturer: Classica D'oro
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B00005B1H3
    Release Date: 2001-05-01

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars From the best Beethoven cycle---ever!.......2006-08-21

    In late 1939 Toscanini did a complete Beethoven cycle: 9 symphonies, Leonore overtures, Egmont Overture, the Choral Fantasy and the Missa Solemnis. Whatever was going on these performances burned with white heat. I have heard many, many performances and nothing matches them. This disc contains, to me, the ultimate in three Beethoven works. You will not hear another Leonore No. 1 as powerful as this and the Symphony No. 4 eclipses the BBC version (favored by many) and the later NBC. Now to the Beethoven Fifth, a Symphony I consider the perfect symphony--not necessarily the greatest, but the most perfect ever written. In listening to the Symphony for over 40 years it can transcend the worst of performances and make you listen. This recording is simply the best ever done. Father and son Erich and Carlos Kleiber have made recordings critics have called the best ever; Toscanini has a dim one with the New York Philharmonic from 1933, and a good one celebratimg VE Day from 1945 in addition to the commercially published broadcast from 1952. And there are many fine ones from other conductors: Bernstein, Klemperer (both of these with the repeats in the 4th movement), Szell, Walter, Solti, Furtwangler, and many others. Suffice it to say they are all swept aside by this live performance. From the first note you are pushed forward and forward to the last note. Not because the tempi are fast, but because the performance has an elemental force that moves away everything before it. Of course that's the way Beethoven's music is, and this is the epitome of that (for further proof of Beethoven's elemental power, listen to Sviataslav Richter's recording of the 23rd sonata on BMG). This set is Beethoven of the first rank. For 1939 the sound is good.

    5 out of 5 stars historic recordings.......2004-06-02

    This is an essential record for any classical music admirers.

    Especially, Toscanini's Beethoven 5 is one of the greatest records of this world-famous symphony.

    The tempi are a little fast, as usual in Toscanini. But, this doesn't disturb listener, because he was interpreted with fire, passion. Still, he is an "at all Italian". So, this performance is very impressive. Especially, the Finale of 5th Symphony...
    Even so, all records in this CD are, concert recordings.

    And the sound quality is very good. Actually, these recordings from 1939. But this CD was very succesful remastered.

    Even so, the performances of not too known Leonore No. 1 and beautiful Symphony No. 4 are very good, too.

    In other words: at this price, you must get this CD without hesitation about sound quality or performance.

    Highly recommended.
    Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 9
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • A Great Place to Start
    Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 9

    Manufacturer: Compendia
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B00000JR0P
    Release Date: 1999-08-10

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A Great Place to Start.......2000-12-08

    I'm a beginner at classical music. This set did a great job of helping me to become familiar with Beethoven's 9 symphonies. There are some other great selections on the disks as well, but it's the symphonies that warrent spending the money for this set. I've since looked for other recordings of the forth and sixth, but there aren't many better than these. Everyone knows what the first movement of the 5th sounds like, but listening to the rest was an eye opener for this novice. If you're just starting out and want to see why Ludwig is so popular, check this out. He rocks.
    Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4; Leonore Overture No. 1
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Toscanini in London
    Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4; Leonore Overture No. 1

    Manufacturer: Iron Needle Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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    Toscanini, ArturoToscanini, Arturo | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B00004TVBF
    Release Date: 2000-07-04

    Tracks:

    1. Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: I. Adagio Molto Allegro Con Brio
    2. Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: II. Andante Cantabile Con Moto
    3. Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: III. Menuetto; Allegro Molto E Vivace
    4. Sym No.1 in C, Op.21: IV. Adagio. Allegro Molto E Vivace
    5. Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.61: I. Adagio - Allegro Vivace
    6. Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.61: II. Adagio
    7. Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.61: III. Menuetto; Allegro Vivace - Trio
    8. Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.61: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
    9. Leonore I, Ov - BBC SO/Arturo Toscanini B

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Toscanini in London.......2006-03-11

    From 1937 to 1939, Arturo Toscanini (1867-1957) made a series of commercial recordings with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in Queen's Hall. The 78-rpm discs were made for the Grammophone Company, also known as His Master's Voice, and released in the U.S. by RCA Victor. They had remarkably good sound and were generally very fine performances by an orchestra that was founded by the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1930, primarily to make broadcasts and recordings. Today the orchestra is known as the BBC Philharmonic.

    Toscanini conducted the BBC Symphony numerous times in the 1930's and he always spoke well of the orchestra's discipline and ability. It was certainly a tribute to their music director, Sir Adrian Boult, who greatly admired Toscanini and said so during the 1952 broadcast concerts with the Philharmonic Orchestra that Toscanini conducted in the Royal Festival Hall.

    Queen's Hall was the home of the BBC Symphony until 1941, when it was destroyed by a German incendiary bomb during the Battle of Britain. The BBC moved their concerts to the Bedford School gymnasium for the duration of World War II; later broadcasts and recordings took place in the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall.

    HMV had an innovative approach to recording Toscanini. Knowing his dislike for the recording process of the time, which involved stopping every four to five minutes while the master was changed, the company utilized two recording machines and simply went back and forth between the machines while Toscanini conducted a continuous performance. The original 78-rpm discs often ended abruptly or faded out at the end of each side. However, it later became possible to join the sides together to recreate the original continuous performance on LPs and then CDs. Seraphim reissued the recordings in the U.S. in the late 1960's to commemorate the centenary of Toscanini's birth.

    Having heard both the original 78-rpm discs and the LP reissues, this writer can say that the results were generally quite good. The sound is often better than the early recordings Toscanini made with the NBC Symphony for RCA Victor. There was definitely advantage to record continuous performances; Toscanini clearly appreciated the freedom he had in not having to worry about stopping in the middle of a movement. He was so relaxed that he occasionally hummed during the music, something he often did in live performances.

    The Beethoven first and fourth symphonies are given outstanding performances by the British musicians. There was clearly a very good rapport between Toscanini and the orchestra. It is reported that he seldom lost his temper with the musicians and wass generally pleased with their playing. These are definitive performances, certainly more fluid and more interesting than the RCA recordings Toscanini made between 1938 and 1939, including a series of Beethoven recordings.

    The first Leonore overture is a curiosity; it was the first of FOUR overtures that the perfectionist Beethoven composed for his only opera, first titled "Leonore" and then "Fidelio." There is a great warmth and drama in this performance. It clearly benefits from the fine playing and the good acoustics of Queen's Hall. Many have said that the destruction of that outstanding concert hall was a great lost to England. Fortunately, these recordings give us an idea of the wonderful sound that the BBC Symphony produced whenever it played there.

    These are but a few of the numerous commercial recordings and broadcasts that Toscanini conducted in London. They provide an interesting contrast to his more famous NBC Symphony recordings.
    Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Grosse Fuge; Egmont Overtures [Box Set]
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Unforgettable and Utterly Compelling
    • The Supreme Beethoven Symphonies
    • Where's the mono?
    • JDFlynn
    • A Monumental Achievement
    Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Grosse Fuge; Egmont Overtures [Box Set]
    Ludwig van Beethoven , Philharmonia Orchestra , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Otto Klemperer , Birgit Nilsson , Hans Hotter , Waldemar Kmentt , Aase Nordmo Lovberg , and Christa Ludwig
    Manufacturer: Angel Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

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    ASIN: B000002SC8
    Release Date: 1994-02-15

    Tracks:

    1. Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21: I. Adagio molto -- Allegro con brio
    2. Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21: II. Andante cantabile con moto
    3. Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21: III. Menuetto (Allegro molto e vivace) & Trio
    4. Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21: IV. Adagio -- Allegro molto e vivace
    5. Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: I. Poco sostenuto -- Vivace
    6. Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: II. Allegretto
    7. Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: III. Presto -- Assai meno presto
    8. Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: IV. Allegro con brio

    Tracks:

    1. Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36: I. Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
    2. Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36: II. Larghetto
    3. Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36: III. Scherzo (Allegro) & Trio
    4. Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36: IV. Allegro molto
    5. Symphohy No.4 In B Flat Major, Op.60: I. Adagio - Allegro vivace
    6. Symphohy No.4 In B Flat Major, Op.60: II. Adagio
    7. Symphohy No.4 In B Flat Major, Op.60: III. Allegro vivace - Trio (Un poco meno allegro) - Tempo I
    8. Symphohy No.4 In B Flat Major, Op.60: IV. Allegro ma non troppo

    Tracks:

    1. Symphony No.3 In E Flaat Major, Op.55: I. Allegro con brio
    2. Symphony No.3 In E Flat Major, Op.55: II. Marcia funebre (Adagio assai)
    3. Symphony No.3 In E Flaat Major, Op.55: III. Scherzo (Allegro Vivace) Trio
    4. Symphony No.3 In E Flaat Major, Op.55: IV. Finale (Allegro molto-Poco Andante-Presto)
    5. Symphony No.3 In E Flaat Major, Op.55: Grosse Fuge, Op.133

    Tracks:

    1. Symphony No.5 In C minor, Op.67: I. Allegro con brio
    2. Symphony No.5 In C minor, Op.67: II. Andante con moto -- Piu mosso -- Tempe I
    3. Symphony No.5 In C minor, Op.67: III. Allegro
    4. Symphony No.5 In C minor, Op.67: IV. Allegro -- Presto
    5. Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: I. Allegro vivace con brio
    6. Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: II. Allegretto scherzando
    7. Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: III. Tempe di Menuetto
    8. Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: IV. Allegro vivace

    Tracks:

    1. Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.66 'Pastoral': I. Allegro ma non troppo - 'Awakening of pleasant feelings on arriving in the country'
    2. Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.66 'Pastoral': II. Andante molto mosso - 'Scene by the brook'
    3. Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.66 'Pastoral': III. Allegro - 'Peasants merrymaking'
    4. Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.66 'Pastoral': IV. Allegro - 'The Storm'
    5. Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.66 'Pastoral': V. Allegretto - 'Shepherds Hymn after the storm'
    6. Egmont, Op.84 - Incidental Music: Overture
    7. Egmont, Op.84 - Incidental Music: Die Trommel ger
    8. Egmont, Op.84 - Incidental Music: Freudvoll und leidvoll
    9. Egmont, Op.84 - Incidental Music: Klarchens Tod bezeichnend
    10. Prometheus, Op.43: Overture

    Tracks:

    1. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso
    2. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Molto vivace
    3. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Adagio molto canatabile - Andante moderato - Adagio
    4. Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Presto - Allegro ma non troppo - Allegro assai - Allegro assai vivace - Alla Marcia - Andante maestoso - Allegro energico, sempre ben marcato - Allegro ma non tanto - Pocco Adagio - Prestissimo

    Tracks:

    1. Overtures: Leonore Nr.1, Op. 138 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
    2. Overtures: Leonore Nr.2, Op. 72 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
    3. Overtures: Leonore Nr.3, Op. 72a - Ludwig Van Beethoven
    4. Overtures: Fidelio, Op. 72b - Ludwig Van Beethoven
    5. Overtures: Die Weihe des Hauses, Op. 124 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
    6. Overtures: K Stephan, Op. 117 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
    7. Overtures: Coriolan, Op. 62 - Ludwig Van Beethoven

    Amazon.com essential recording

    Otto Klemperer's Beethoven is one of the towering achievements in the history of recordings. By today's standards, these performances are hopelessly old-fashioned: dark, heavy, and frequently very slow. But they are also the grandest, most unsentimental, most purposeful versions in the catalog. In addition, the relatively slow tempos (only in the fast movements--the slow ones are pretty swift) and forward wind balance permits more detail to be heard than in most original-instrument performances. At budget price and with a fantastic disc of overtures thrown in for good measure, this is greatness incarnate. --David Hurwitz

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Unforgettable and Utterly Compelling.......2001-03-02

    This Klemperer set belongs in the most exalted company imaginable. In these symphonies and overtures, you find that the entire spectrum of human emotions that Beethoven conjured forth have been understood and communicated perfectly by a man who was a great humanitarian in his own right. For starters, Klemperer's interpretation of the "Eroica" stands alone, and listening to his take on the funeral march is one of the most mind-blowing listening experiences you'll ever have. The rest of his interpretation of this symphony is absolutely formidable too, because Klemperer always has the most incredible control over not only a movement within a symphony, but that movement's relationship to the whole, and his grip never falters. What surprised me most about this collection though is the humour and sheer joy Klemperer brought to the first, second and eighth symphonies; this is entirely appropriate of course, but it illustrated for me how effortlessly he could move from Beethoven's tragic dimension into the less ostensibly heroic works. This adaptability easily transfers over to produce a compact, coiled and vital fourth, and a "Pastoral" that reveals hidden depths of disquiet as well as its better-known lyricism. The transformation from the menacing storm into the Shepherd's Song is operatic in its dramatic intensity, and I don't know of any better rendition of this beautiful moment.

    The primary objection to these interpretations is that the tempos are often too slow, especially those of the fifth and seventh, and above all the finales of those two symphonies. When I first heard them I thought so too; however, once you listen to these renditions in their entirety, you find the finales completely consistent with Klemperer's overall vision of the works as a whole, and suddenly you feel Klemperer has been very faithful to their structural integrity. If you want alternative visions of these symphonies, try Carlos Kleiber, who really races through them at controversially fast tempos, or Karajan (1963 versions), who clocks in somewhere in between.

    The ninth is fine and you certainly won't be missing out on anything by sticking with Klemperer here, but I think the recording quality leads to a somewhat diminished finale, and Karajan's 1977 recording and Giulini's on EMI/Seraphim (now available at a super-budget price) are unbeatable. Klemperer is nevertheless one of those giants of twentieth century conducting, whose integrity suffuses every aspect of Beethoven's work to create a unique listening experience. Karajan's 1963 collection is wonderful, also gets me close to what Beethoven was doing, and is probably more consistent overall. Still, there's something awe-inspiring about what Klemperer achieves here that makes Karajan seem bland at times, so that Klemperer has to be my first choice. Check out Klemperer's Brahms as well for more magical listening experiences.

    5 out of 5 stars The Supreme Beethoven Symphonies.......2001-02-20

    I am an extreme lover of classical music and I know quality of music very very well. When I began looking for a great set of Beethoven Symphonies I was expecting to find only the best. Then I came across 2 great recordings: by Klemperer and Karajan. I wasn't sure at all which would be better the strength and power of Karajan's Beethoven, or the real German qualities of Klemperer's Beethoven. I listened very closely to both, and finally came to a conclusion, KLEMPERER!!! The singers in the Klemperer recording are greater (Christa Ludwig, Hans Hotter,and Birgit Nilson) and plus they give you the complete overtures. THIS IS THE GREATEST BEETHOVEN EDITION OF SYMPHONIES THERE EVER WAS, IS, AND EVER WILL BE!!!!!!!!!!

    4 out of 5 stars Where's the mono?.......2000-04-11

    Klemperer is one of the greatest interpreters of Beethoven and his recordings with the Philharmonia Orchestra remain some of the best interpretations on disc. So why only 4 stars, you ask? The 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th are all great, as is the 9th, except that the scherzo is a bit slow and the soloists are a bit of an ear-sore. It's the 4th, 5th and 7th in this set that are the problems. Instead of offering the mono versions of these works, which Klemperer performed with the Philharmonia Orchestra, EMI chose to include the later, worse mono versions. The stereo 3rd is nearly as good as the mono, but the 5th and 7th are too slow and too dull. This set is probably worth buying for 1,2,3,4,6,8 and 9, but I would wait until EMI choses to release the mono versions of the 3rd, 5th, and 7th, if they ever do.

    5 out of 5 stars JDFlynn.......2000-03-24

    I don't know a lot about classical music, but I do know this -- when it comes to conducting Beethoven with all the sublety of the Grand Canyon, Otto Klemperer is OK! And I don't mean obsessive-kompulsive either, although it sure can sound that way sometimes. Perhaps it had to do with Klemperer's bipolar condition. His mono performances have more vitality in them than nearly all the digitally recorded versions of the past 20 years. You want more details? Just listen to all that knitting going on with the brass and woodwinds. I'll bet ol' Schoenberg used to remind OK about that when the latter sat in on some of Arnold's classes at UCLA/USC. To me, one of the the best things about classical music is when you can simultaneously be awestruck by the composer AND the conductor. Like in recordings with Debussy/Boulez and Mahler/Horenstein. Doesn't happen very often on balance. BTW, Testament's recent release of OK's live performance of Beethoven's 9th, done near the time of the recorded effort included in this set, will knock your socks off, too. I would suggest Klempo-maniacs purchase that one, too.

    5 out of 5 stars A Monumental Achievement.......2000-03-10

    I was introduced to Klemperer's recordings several years ago and I must say that it took me a while to appreciate his genius. His recording of the Beethoven Symphonies (along with the Brahms, Schumann, and Mahler Symphonies) is a testimony to one of the greatest conductors who ever lived. Under his baton, Beethoven sounded true and unsentimental. What you hear is pure sound. Some of the highlights that are worth listening for would be: the mysterious opening of the 4th Symphony, the transition from the 3rd to the final movement of the 5th Symphony, the granite-like sonority of the opening of the 7th Symphony and, of course, the heavenly account of the 9th Symphony.

    I acquired the complete CD recordings produced by EMI for less than $50 (includes the Fidelio Overtures, and some other music).

    And if this is not enough to convince you, get the four Brahms Symphonies, Mahler's 2nd, 4th and 9th, and Bruckner's 6th and 7th. In addition, Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde, and Brahms' German Requiem.
    Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4; Leonore Overture No. 1
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Toscanini and charm?
    Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4; Leonore Overture No. 1

    Manufacturer: Dutton Laboratories
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by BeethovenAll Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    ASIN: B000005CZO
    Release Date: 1996-07-01

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Toscanini and charm?.......2004-01-11

    Toscanini's Beethoven performances have become legend. This CD couples two symphonies and an overture he recorded with the BBC Symphony Orchestra in the late 1930s. These 1937 and 1939 performances have always commended themselves to music lovers since they were first released on 78s. The word "charm" comes to mind as you listen to the First Symphony, a word not usually associated with a rigid, top-gear Toscanini performance. That is not to say that speeds are necessarily slacker; indeed the Menuetto is faster than in any other Toscanini recorded performance I have heard. There is a repeat in the second movement. Produced originally by Lawrance Collingwood and recorded in London's Queen's Hall, the digital remastering and transfers have been done by Michael J Dutton.

    Music Track:

    1. Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 2 / Symphony No. 3
    2. Beethoven: Piano Concertos 4 & 5; Für Elise
    3. Bruno Walter: Mahler Symphony No. 4 in G
    4. Chamber Divertimentos
    5. Chopin: Sonata No. 3, op. 58/Liszt: Piano Sonata in B minor
    6. Daniel Asia: Ivory
    7. David Oistrakh Collection, Vol. 9
    8. David Starobin Performs Sor and Giuliani
    9. Dawson: Negro Folk Symphony; Ellington: Suite From the "River," "Solitude"
    10. Eine Nacht in Venedig / Wiener Blut (Highlights)

    Music Track

    music track

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