Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 6-9

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 6 in F major ("Pastoral") Op. 68 Awakening of Happy Feelings on Arriving in the Country
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Munich Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

2. Symphony No. 6 in F major ("Pastoral") Op. 68 Scene by the Brook
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Munich Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

3. Symphony No. 6 in F major ("Pastoral") Op. 68 Merry Gathering of the Country Folk
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Munich Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

4. Symphony No. 6 in F major ("Pastoral") Op. 68 Storm and Tempest
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Munich Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

5. Symphony No. 6 in F major ("Pastoral") Op. 68 Shepherds Hymn, Happy and Thankful Feelings after the Storm
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Munich Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

6. Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Munich Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Rudolf Kempe

7. Symphony No. 9 in D minor ("Choral") Op. 125
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by London Symphony Chorus / London Symphony Orchestra with Sheila Armstrong, Anna Reynolds, John Shirley-Quirk, Robert Tear
Conducted by Carlo Maria Giulini

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Andante con motto
Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Scherzo - Allegro
Symphony No. 5 Op. 67 C Minor: Finale - Allegro
Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Adagio - Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Adagio
Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Menuetto, Allegro vivace Trio: un poco meno allegro
Symphony No. 4 Op. 60 B Flat Major: Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Marcia funebre. Adagio assai
Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Scherzo-Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 3 Op. 55 E Flat Major, 'Eroica': Finale-Allegro molto
Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Allegro vivace e con brio
Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Allegretto scherzando
Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Tempo di menuetto
Symphony No. 8 Op. 93 F Major: Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Andante molto mosso
Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 F Major: Allegretto
Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Larghetto
Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Scherzo Allegro
Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 D Major: Allegro molto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Poco sostenuto - vivace
Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Allegretto
Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Presto - Assai meno presto
Symphony No. 7 Op. 92 A Major: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Andante cantabile con moto
Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Menuetto (Allegro molto e vivace)
Symphony No. 1 Op. 21 C Major: Finale Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso - Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Molto vivace - Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Adagio molto e cantabile - Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 Op. 125 In D Minor: Presto - Allegro assai - Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven Collection.......2007-05-14

I just got this for my brother-in-law as a gift and he loves it!

Amazing!.......2007-01-24

Having Beethoven's Symphonies in one, very affordable, set is heaven! The recordings are clear and crisp. Each symphony is truly a masterpiece from the very soft tones of the woodwinds to the thundering sounds of horns. It is amazing to listen to certain passages of Beethoven and realize the genius and otherworldliness of his talent.

An excellent introduction to beethoven's symphonies........2007-01-11

The sound is excellent, and the musicianship and conducting is excellent.

Beethoven Collection.......2006-07-23

Beethoven is my favorite composer. No matter how upset or tired I am, his music calms me down, just like a big, gentle hug.
But the cheap CDs have poor quality. And the good ones are too expensive for me. When I found this collection, with such a good price on Amazon.com, I couldn't believe it. Shortly after I purchased it, I received it. The quality is great. I am enjoying it. Thank you

Hoda

Top music!.......2006-07-19

Everything else you can get over, but classical music like Beethoven is stuff you just can't get sick of. A whole collection of Beethoven's Symphonies for such a small price, Wow!. Classical music is so relaxing and peaceful that you can't go wrong with spending time chillin out to this pure classic. The symphonies are great but after this you've got to go get the sonata's etc and I guarantee you won't be dissapointed!

Think about it, they don't call it classical for nothing.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Great Beethoven Cycle
a fine combination of quality and value
THIS SET IS AN ABSOLUTE STEAL
Excellent
Pleasing overall...

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos; Choral Fantasy
Beethoven: Complete Symphonies
Brahms: The Complete Symphonies / Karajan, Berlin PO
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO
Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos

ASIN: B000001VWY
Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': Allegro Con Brio
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': Marcia Funebre (Adagio Assail)
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': Scherzo (Allegro Vivace)
Symphony No. 3 In E Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': Finale (Allegro Molto)
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: Adagio Molto. Allegro Con Brio
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: Andante cantabile con moto
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: Menuetto (Allegro molto e vivace)
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op. 21: Finale (Adagio, Allegro molto e vivace)

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: Pocco sostenuto-vivace
Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: Allegretto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: Presto-Assai meno presto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major Op. 92: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: Adagio molto-Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: Larghetto
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: Scherzo (Allergro)
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 36: Allegro molto

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: Andante con moto
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: Allegro
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: Allegro
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: Adagio, Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: Adagio
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major, Op. 60: Allegro ma non troppo

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': Awakening Of Happy Feelings On Arriving In The Country - Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': By The Brook - Andante molto mosso
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': Peasant's Merrymaking - Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': The Storm - Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastorale': Shephard's Song. Happy And Thankful Feelings After The Storm - Allegretto
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: Allegro vivace e con brio
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: Allegretto scherzando
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: Tempo di menuetto
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93: Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Allegro ma non troppo un poco maestoso
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Molto vivace
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Adagio molto e cantabile
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Presto-Allegro assai

Amazon.com

This is a surprisingly fine Beethoven cycle. Herbert Kegel had a reputation as a modern music specialist, and with good reason: He was a certified East German communist intellectual who killed himself shortly after the Berlin Wall came down--perfect for the wilder excesses of the modern German school. But he also had a very idiomatic feel for Beethoven as these objective, tautly rhythmic, and excitingly played performances prove. At super budget price, this set is worth considering. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great Beethoven Cycle.......2007-06-20

Most of my music is on LP or I have access thru Rhapsody. I picked these cds up as part of the 10 CD Beethoven Platinum Collection. Kegel does the first 5 discs, the same discs as in the boxed set here.

I am a niggardly (it means frugal on steroids) Scandinavian who is always trying to stretch a nickel into a dollar. Yet, every time I pursue this course, a little voice whispers in my ear, "You get what you pay for." The thrill of bargain hunting is finding a great value at a mere pittance. This results in left brain/right brain nirvana. I picked up the 10 CDs for about $10 and they sound great, especially the Beethoven Symphonies and especially the 9th. They are also very well recorded including excellent db master line levels.

The other great thing about bargain hunting is that if the purchase is a dud, you are only out a pittance! Just about the worst feeling is paying a premium and buying crapola. So, if you do buy these discs and you do not like them as I did, hopefully your wallet will not be emptied.

a fine combination of quality and value.......2005-12-29

This is a fine set of Beethoven symphonies, well played and recorded, except I think the recording level of the ninth is a bit lower than the rest of the symphonies (might just be my ears). You don't get fancy liner notes or fabulous photographs of the orchestral forces, but the performances are quite solid; the best being the opening of the fifth and the chorale finale of the ninth.

THIS SET IS AN ABSOLUTE STEAL.......2005-12-20

The performance of Symphony No. 5 in this set absolutely kicks serious butt- it's the most powerful, driven Fifth I've ever heard- worth the price of the whole set alone!!!! The rest of the CD's are excellent as well, but the Fifth in this set reigns supreme!

Excellent.......2005-09-26

This is an excellent series of recordings. The peak of which, of course, comes in the final CD with the 9th Symphony. The instruments are perfectly mixed so that one section doesn't outweigh another. The solosists are superior. The orchestra is crisp and precise. This is one of the best recordings of the nine symphonies out there. And it's a great value.

Pleasing overall..........2004-07-14

Beethoven's Symphonies are very popular among the classical community, and hence there are many versions and sets to choose from. This box set is wonderful for a classical lover who desires to obtain the complete symphonies, but can't afford to spend a hundred dollars in the process. This is by far not the best performance ever recorded by any means, but overall, it stays close to the music and is very traditional. So if you desire to gain a better appreciation for Beethoven's symphonies, but aren't willing or are unable to spend alot of money doing it, this is the perfect box set for you.

Average customer rating:

Is Karajan's middle Beethoven his best?
Fly with Karajan and the Berliner...
Some of Karajan's best Beethoven in this 2CD set
Impressive remaster
Classic Karajan 70s 9th in a spectacular transfer, and more!

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5, 6 & 9

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00008CLNP
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Customer Reviews:

Is Karajan's middle Beethoven his best?.......2006-07-20

Although these recordings from 1976 and 1977 have their fans, Karajan's second Beethoven cycle for DG marked a troubling shift. Compared to his acclaimed 1963 cycle, the timings for all three symphonies here are extremely close, sometimes within seconds. Yet the vitality of the earlier performances has been compromised. Karajan no longer digs into the phrasing; we feel that we are kept on the music's surface. The change isn't drastic most of the time, but it's undeniable.

This is particularly true of the Fifth and Sixth Sym., which are gray copies of the earlier performances. Surpisingly, a lot of the dulling effect comes from the sonics. Even as remastered here (a decided improvement over earlier attempts), the sound is murky and muffled. Put on any of the new SACD transfers of the 1963 cycle, and you will scratch your head that the passage of over a decade caused DG to move backward in recorded sound. Strange. (The good news being that the 1963 set sounds splendid in sACD.)

I imagine most listeners will be buying this budget two-fer for the Ninth, which Karajan made over a four-month period beginning in September, 1976, and ending in January, 1977. (I wonder if there's a story here.) Given how many critics cite this as Karajan's best Ninth, I was surprised at how markedly tamer it is than the 1963 Nith. Again we are given the same speeds, but mystery has lessened in the opening bars, and the Adagio in particular flows along without soaring into transcendence.

This leaves us with only the finale, and there's no doubt that the 1963 chorus was not ideal. I decided to do a simple A-B comparison since the Wiener Singverein participates in both versions. It came down to a choice between two minor evils. In the 1963 Ninth the chorous is distant and muzzy; it's impossible to detect a single word of the text. In 1977 both soloists and chorus are given close-up treatment, so the muzziness is gone. There's a notably aggressive bark to many choral entries, however, and much stiffer expression than before.

The 1953 sloists (Janowiwtz, Rossel-Majdan, Waldemar Kmentt, Walter Berry) are superb, but here the race is basically a tie. The 1977 quartet (Tamova-Simtov, Schreier, Baltsa, Van Dam) sing very much in tune for such exposed miking. Schreier, for example, sounds louder than the whole orchestra in his solo, so we can be thankful that he gets through it so smoothly. Pacing is nearly identical with the 1963 finale, but as in the other movements, one feels that Karajan isns't fully committed.

Whatever magic made the 1963 Ninth feel so natural and yet so dramatic, so joyous and tragic, has partially disappeared. One listener, at least, will no longer wonder whether Karajan's middle Beethoven was his best.

Fly with Karajan and the Berliner..........2006-05-26

This is a very listenable and nicely remastered recording, and I highly recommend it. While it may not be particularly impassioned, the virtuosity and technical mastery from all involved more than compensate.

I agree with another reviewer that perhaps Karajan did not really understand the 6th Symphony - this reading is not nearly as focused as many others - but in the capable hands of the Berlin Philharmonic it is still wonderful. The brisk reading of the 5th shines with brilliance, and the 9th is gorgeous.

You can't go wrong: A Beethoven symphony, masterfully executed, always promises an amazing, awe-inspiring experience.

If you happen to be a new listener to Beethoven symphonies, or if you just want one recording that is representative of the astounding range of Beethoven's symphonic compositions, this would be a good introduction. If recording quality is among your top concerns, you'll certainly find much less distraction here than with Furtwangler or other earlier recordings.

That said, the foundation of classical music appreciation is exploration: So as a listener, if you like a particular piece, seek out many different professional recordings of it and lose yourself in it. You will be enlightened by this pursuit.

Some of Karajan's best Beethoven in this 2CD set.......2005-12-17

Karajan is a very, very good Beethoven conductor, but is he great? He doesn't rise to sublime heights like Furtwangler but Karajan beats out most others like Bernstein, Szell, Klemperer, Abbado, Rattle, most Solti and so on. If you can say one word about Karajan's Beethoven, that word would be, " dependable ".

These recordings are from the 70's cycle, here remastered beautifully in 24-bit sound. All 3 works sound much better than their earlier incarnations on the DG Galleria label.

The 5th is very powerful, intense and most pleasing, as good a performance as Carlos Kleiber and Karajan's version has better sound. However this performance doesn't surpass Karajan's earlier 60's version which is even more menacing and deeply felt. The 60's version is available in terrific sound on SACD and in the Complete Beethoven Edition Volume 1. That really is Karajan's best 5th.

This Pastoral is possibly Karajan's best take on a work he didn't understand or did not want to understand. He was always critisized for fast tempos in this glorious music. He's fast here too but not breathless. The scherzo repeat is taken, thankfully. All in all, ok.

The 9th is the real winner here. This 1977 version is just as famous as the 1962, the one from the 80's is not in the running.
Here in the '77 version, Karajan sticks to his old plan, powerful, fast, first movement, vivid, energetic second movement but the adagio is finer than his other records. A gorgeous sound that only the Berlin Philharmonic can produce is summoned here and Von Karajan takes a more expansive tempo. The results are exquisite, not Furtwangler, but close. The finale is not always successful, strange recording techniques here and there, like the instrumental build up of the joy theme which drops in volume for some weird reason, then goes back to a higher volume. The old Galleria CD also had this. The chorus is backwardly balanced like on most other CD's of the Ninth, it's still good though, regardless. Better than any of Bernstein's versions. The most amazing part of this performance is the final coda, Karajan leads everyone, chorus and orchestra, in a huge volcanic eruption, with the timpanist thundering away! Whoah! ( quoting Keanu Reeves ) Certainly, it's the most thrilling end to this famous work I've ever heard. Unbelievable power!

My overall preference is for Solti's magnificient 1972 Ninth with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, insane power in the first 2 movements, a sublime adagio and it has the best choral finale of them all, the chorus much more powerful for Solti than Karajan. Solti's final coda is just about as intense as Karajan's volcano. Many people have written about that Solti version, check it out!

For a historical account, of course Furtwangler in Berlin 1942 is the one to go for. Truly apocalyptic. You can get that in a set on the Music and Arts label.

So, even if these Karajan performances aren't the best, they destroy most of the competion, like I said, all of Bernstein, Szell, Abbado, not to mention those pesky period instrument conductors, Gardiner, Norrington, Harnoncournt, etc. Karajan beats Solti in everything Beethoven, except that majestic Solti Ninth from 1972.

The 2CD set is very economical. Three symphonies for about the same price as just the 5th and 6th from the Karajan digital cycle.

Whether you like Karajan or not, there's no denying these performances of the 5th and 9th symphonies are in elite company.
Karajan's 5th from the 60's is better than what you're buying here but the 9th symphony here is slightly finer than the earlier 60's version.

P.S. March 2007. Upon further examination I have found that Karajan's recordings from the 1960's of all these symphonies are clearly superior to this offering. The sound is better on the earlier recordings, more natural and vibrant, not as close up as we get here, plus the vigor and intensity of the younger Karajan is hard to resist. If you are going to buy the versions from the 1960's, I suggest you get the remastered Hybrid SACD box set of the whole cycle or the Original Image Bit-Processing box set release as part of the Complete Beethoven Edition. Check my reviews for further analysis of that cycle.

Impressive remaster.......2004-07-17

I have also possessed versions of the 1977 recording of the 9th most recently issued as a mid-priced DG Galleria release. The versions of the 5th and 6th included on this re-issue are definitely worth having but for me the 1977 recording of the 9th is the stand out. Even in its Galleria issue it presented us with arguably one of the most affecting and intense recordings Karajan and the BPO ever committed to disc. There were minor reservations though concerning the finale. These were largely technical concerns over the engineering and placement of microphones. Others have alluded to those concerns but for me they barely detracted from an otherwise remarkable recording. For his part Karajan, still at the height of his formidible powers in 1977, extracted the most pure and passionate reading from his orchestra and his singers. All through the recording one can sense the absolute commitment of everyone involved.

What a revelation it is then to now hear this newly re-mastered version which all but totally cures those minor audio quibbles.

The hairs on the back of my neck literally stand up when I hear the hushed intensity of the Adagio now with even more detail exposed in this remaster. In the hands of the BPO and Karajan it becomes the aural equivalent of a wounded animal ready to pounce. And that finale! The singers (especially Peter Schreier and Jose van Dam), so utterly sure of themselves and now so much better placed and balanced. Truly sublime. The intensity released with the remastering makes this finale every bit as driven as Karajan's earlier BPO recording which has also been deservedly praised. There are so many remarkable recordingsboth old and new being produced these days it is hard to keep up. But I am sure that if the record of human achievement were somehow lost but for this symphony and this recording it would be all the evidence needed of the soaring heights humanity could reach.

Classic Karajan 70s 9th in a spectacular transfer, and more!.......2004-01-11

Herbert von Karajan recorded all of the Beethoven symphonies no fewer than 4 times (once in the 1950s for EMI with the Philharmonia Orchestra, 3 times for DG in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s). For a complete cycle, I prefer the 1960s set (which is forthcoming later in 2004 on SACD). But of all of the Ninth's he made, this one takes the cake. It has been around on a Galleria CD since 1986. I've used it for demos many times. I never thought it could be improved upon so much!
I especially like the improved sound of the finale. It sounds like the engineers did some significant rebalancing. Instruments that previously dominated, sounding like a microphone was within a few inches of the instrument, are now more warmly balanced with the rest of the orchestra.
The solists in the finale are certainly no match for those in the 1960s recording, but they are more than adequate.
The 1960s recording almost had a sense of occasion about it, kind of like the great Furtwangler recording made at Bayreuth in the early 1950s. You don't get that here, but you do get a more solidified vision from Karajan.
Get it while you can, though.
Something tells me these won't be around for very long.

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

Average customer rating:

Bernstein's First, Quite Possibly, Best, Beethoven Symphony Cycle
Bernstein's early Beethoven makes an enticing bargain

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

Manufacturer: Sbme Import
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006OA68
Release Date: 2002-10-28

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

I can name that tune in three notes
A Fabulous CD
Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!
Fun Sampler
Useful.

Idiot's Guide to Classical Music

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ASIN: B000003FPT
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Adagio
Air on the G String: Air on the G String, Excerpt
Brandenburg Concerto: Third Movement, Excerpt
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Excerpt
Tocatta & Fugue: Excerpt
Adagio for Strings: Excerpt
Synphony No. 5: First Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9: Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Fse: Excerpt
Turkish March: Turkish March, Excerpt
Moonlight Sonata: Excerpt
Symphonie Fantastique: March Ot the Scaffold, Excerpt
Damnation of Faust: Excerpt
Carmen - Habanera: Habanera, Excerpt
Toreador Song [From Carmen]
Minuet: Minuet, Excerpt
Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dance No 17, Excerpt
Hungarian Dance No. 5: No 5, Excerpt
Lullaby: No 4, Lullaby, Excerpt
"Minute" Waltz: Excerpt
Grande Valse Brillante: Excerpt
Marche Fune: Marche Fune
Appalachian Spring: Excerpt
Fanfare for the Common Man: Excerpt
Clair de Lune: Excerpt
Prelude to the Afternoon: Excerpt
Lakm Flower Duet: Flower Duet, Excerpt
Symphony No. 9 "New World": Second Movement, "Going Home" Theme, ...
The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Excerpt
Pomp & Circumstance: Excerpt
El Amor Brujo
Pavane: Excerpt
Rhapsody in Blue: Excerpt
American in Paris: Excerpt
Funeral March of Marionette: Excerpt
Piano Concerto in a Minor: Excerpt
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Morning: Morning, Excerpt
Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus: Hallelujah Chorus, Excerpt
Water Music - Hornpipe: Hornpipe, Excerpt
Symphony No. 94 "Surprise": Second Movement, Excerpt
The Planets - Mars: Mars, Excerpt
Sabre Dance: Sabre Dance, Excerpt
Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba, Excerpt
Hungarian Rhapsody
Liebestraum No. 3: No 3, Excerpt
Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo: Intermezzo, Excerpt
Midsummer Night's Dream - Wedding March: Wedding March, Excerpt
Symphony No. 4 "Italian": Fourth Movement, Excerpt
Rondeau: No 1, Rondeau
Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante, Excerpt
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: First Movement, Excerpt
The Marriage of Figaro - Overture: Overture, Excerpt
Sonata in A - Rondo Alla Turca: Rondo Alla Turca, Excerpt
Symphony No. 40: First Movement, Excerpt
Night on Bald Mountain: Excerpt
Pictures at an Exhibition - Great Cave of Kiev: Great Gate of ...
Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Excerpt
Orpheus in Hades - Theme II: Excerpt (Theme)
Carmina Burana - O Fortuna: O Fortuna, Excerpt
Canon: Canon, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Montagues & Capulets: Montagues & Capulets, Excerpt
Lt. Kije's Wedding: Lt. Kije's Wedding, Excerpt
Turandot - Nessun Dorma: Nessun Dorma, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 2: Second Movement, Excerpt
Symphony No. 2: Third Movement, Opening, Excerpt
Rhapsody on a Theme: Variation 18, Excerpt
Bolero
Flight of the Bumblebee
Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio: Adagio, Excerpt
The Barber of Seville - Overture: Excerpt
The Barber of Sville - Largo Al Factotum: Largo Al Factotum, Excerpt
William Tell Overture - Theme II: Excerpt
Danse Macabre: Excerpt
Gymnope No. 1
Symphony N0. 8 "Unfinished": Excerpt
Ave Maria: Excerpt
Finlandia [Finale: Finale, Excerpt]
Valse Triste: No 1, Valse Triste, Excerpt
Stars & Stripes Forever: Excerpt
Semper Fidelis: Excerpt
Blue Danube Waltz: Excerpt
Tales from the Vienna Woods: Excerpt
Also Sprach Zarathustra: Fanfare, Excerpt
Firebird - Infernal Dance & Main Theme: Infernal Dance & Main ...
The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers: Waltz of the Flowers, Excerpt
Swan Lake - Waltz: Waltz, Excerpt
Sleeping Beauty -: Waltz, Excerpt
Romeo & Juliet - Theme II: Theme LL, Excerpt
Piano Concerto No. 1 - Opening: Opening, Excerpt
1812 Overture - Finale: Finale, Excerpt
Fantasia on "Greensleeves": Excerpt
Alda - Grand March: Grand March, Excerpt
Il Trovatore - Anvil Chorus: Anvil Chorus, Excerpt
Requiem - Dies Irae: Dies Irae, Excerpt
Rigoletto - La Donna Mobile: La Donna Mobile, Excerpt
The Four Seasons "Spring" - Allegro: Allegro, Excerpt
The Four Season "Winter" - Largo: Largo, Excerpt
Lohengrin - Bridal Chorus: Bridal Chorus, Excerpt
Die WalkRide of the Valkyries: Ride of the Valkyries, Excerpt

Customer Reviews:

I can name that tune in three notes.......2005-02-19

My family likes to put this disc in on shuffle and play name that tune. I wish they made more discs like this, only with more obscure works.

A Fabulous CD.......2004-10-14

The Idiot's Guide to Calssical Music is an awesome Cd for those people who want to have a tiny sample of all the great classical compositions. Track 61 and 63 are my favorite.

Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!.......2002-03-20

Yes, this CD really does have 99 tracks. How do they do it? Each is about a minuet long. Some are longer, some are shorter, but you get the micro-essential moments of the music.

If you like burning your own CDs, then this is a great source for intra-track fillers, along the lines of They Might Be Giants' "Apollo 18" album, which has all of those short tracks on the end. The idea is to put your CD player on shuffle, so the short tracks get mixed in with the bona fide songs. The result being a very unusual album.

The booklet gives an explanation of the track, where you heard it (i.e. the Warner Brother's Cartoons, or on famous films), and where you can get the full piece of music. So it's a mega sampler CD.

I can honestly say that this CD is a great gift for the friend who has everything.

Fun Sampler.......2001-11-09

For the beginner. You will be surprised at how many of the 99 themes you recognize here. It is an easy introduction to classical music. Nice booklet too.

Useful........1999-03-22

Take it for what it is, a clever and useful GUIDE to classical music. No, it is NOT an uncut rendition of Beethoven's 9th symphony. It IS a cd that will jog your memory. You have heard many of the tunes presented here, but not always knowing what the work was. This is your chance to catch up with all the great classical music you have been exposed to. Cheap too.

Average customer rating:

Pleased
A wedding minister's review

Forever in Love

Manufacturer: Compendia
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Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Wedding
Great Movie Love Themes: Five Star Collection

ASIN: B000000BM6
Release Date: 1997-04-22

Tracks:

Prelude: Air For The 'G' String - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Prelude: Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - St. Louis Brass Quintet
Prelude: On Wings Of Song - Nancy Enslin
Prelude: Bach's Arloso - St. Louis Brass Quintett
Prelude: Bach's Prelude In C Major - Christiane Jaccottet
Prelude: Large From 'Xerxes' - London Festival Orchestra
Seating Of The Mothers: Schubert's Ave Maria - Nancy Enslin
Seating Of The Mothers: Bach/Gounod's Ave Maria - Nancy Enslin
Seating Of The Mothers: Sheep May Safely Graze - Philip Brunelle
Processional: Bridal March From 'Lohengrin' (A. K. A. 'Here Comes The Bride') - Lubljana Radio Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Processional: Pachelbel's Canon In D Major - Collegium Aureum
Processional: Trumpet Voluntary - Lyn Larsen
Processional: Trumpet Tune In C Major - Carlo Curfey
Lighting Of the Unity Candle: O Perfect Love - Nancy Enslin
Prayer (After The Exchange Of Vows And Rings): The Lord's Prayer - Karyn List/Nancy Enslin
Recessional: Wedding March From 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' - London Festival Orchestra
Recesionnal: Finale ('Ode To Joy') From Beethoven's Symphony No.9, 'Choral' - Nancy Enslin
Recessional: Le Rondeau ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme) - Collegium Aureum
Recessional: Alla Hornpipe From 'Water Music' Suite - London Festival Orchestra

Tracks:

Prelude: When I Fall In Love (Sleepless in Seattle) - Spectrum
Prelude: (Everything I Do) I Do It For You - Spectrum
Prelude: Unchained Melody 'Ghost' - Van Craven
Prelude: Endless Love - FLORIDA SYMPHONIC POPS
Prelude: The Wind Beneath My Wings (A. K. A. Hero) From 'Beaches' - Van Craven
Prelude: Through The Eyes Of Love From 'Ice Castles' - Karyn List/Nancy Enslin
Seating Of The Mothers: Forever In Love - Spectrum
Seating Of The Mothers: Save The Best For Last - Spectrum
Processional: A Time For Us From 'Romeo And Juliet' - Nancy Enslin
Processional: Vangeli's Hymne - Nancy Enslin
Lighting Of The Unity Candle: I Love You Always Forever - Spectrum
Lighting Of The Unity Candle: One Hand, One Heart From 'West Side Story' - FLORIDA SYMPHONIC POPS
Lighting Of The Unity Candle: The Wedding Song (A. K. A. There Is Love) - FLORIDA SYMPHONIC POPS
Lighting Of The Unity Candle: All I Ask of You From 'The Phantom Of The Opera' - Van Craven
Lighting Of The Unity Candle: Whither Thou Goest - Karyn List/Nancy Enslin

Customer Reviews:

Pleased.......2006-07-31

I was very pleased with this product, my sister recently got married and I was responsible for the music.... I am happy that I made this selection, everyone was happy with the music chosen for the ceremony, I would recommend it to any one looking for wedding music

A wedding minister's review.......2000-01-16

I just love this album. I am a wedding minister and many couples ask me about music for their ceremony. I am happy to recommend they buy this album for a wonderful selection of wedding music both traditional and contemporary performed by orchestras, keyboardists, harpists and others including a lovely soprano. One disc is traditional wedding selections and the other is contemporary. The selections are arranged in the order of a ceremony with choices for each part of the ceremony. The CD would be appropriate to use in a wedding if live music is not planned. I plan to add a link to this site from my website just so couples can check this album out for themselves.

Average customer rating:

SACD boxed set released!
one of the best modern Beethoven cycles
Good, but the orchestra is not top notch
Stunning Performance, Recording

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4 (Box Set)
Bruckner: Symphonies Nos. 1 - 9 [Germany]
Bruckner: Symphony No.7
Franz Schubert: Symphony No. 8; Symphony No. 9
Bruckner: Symphony No. 5 - The Cleveland Orchestra/Franz Welser-Most

ASIN: B00005QHV5
Release Date: 2001-11-05

Tracks:

No.1 - I - Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
- Ii - Andante Cantabile Con Moto
- Iii - Menuetto- Allegro Molto E Vivace
- Iv - Finale- Adagio Molto E Vivace
No.6 (Pastoral) - I - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
- Ii - Andante Molto Moto
- Iii - Allegro
- Iv - Allegro
- V - Allegretto
Symphony 2 - Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
Larghetto
Scherzo- Allegro
Allegro Molto
Symphony 7 - Poco Sostenuto - Vivace
Allegretto
Presto
Allegro Con Brio
Symphony 3 (Erocia) - Allegro Con Brio
Marcia Funebre- Adagio Assai
Scherzo- Allegro Vivace
Finale- Allegro Molto
Symphony 8 - Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
Allegretto Scherzando
Tempo Di Menuetto
Allegro Vivace
(4) Adagio - Allegro Vivace
(4) Adagio
(4) Menuetto- Allegro Vivace
(4) Allegro Ma Non Troppo
(5) Allegro Con Brio
(5) Andante Con Moto
(5) Allegro
(5) Allegro
Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso
Molto Vivace - Presto
Adagio Molto E Cantabile
Presto
Presto - O Freunde, Nicht Diese T Ne! - Allegro Assai

Customer Reviews:

SACD boxed set released!.......2007-04-22

In March, an SACD set of all the symphonies of Beethoven conducted by Gunter Wand was released in Japan by BMG & Esoteric(a japanese audio maker, a branch of TEAC). It's sound quality is marvelous!This SACDs are being sold only in Japan. Go to Amazon.co.jp or HMV Japan now!

one of the best modern Beethoven cycles .......2005-03-30

During a season of Beethoven I decided to finally hear ALL the symphonies, and so I started to search for a complete cycle. This Beethoven symphonic cycle is the current recommendation of Gramophone, out of all those available -- strong praise indeed! Is Gramophone misguided, deluded or otherwise discombobulated, thus explaining their idiosyncratic choice? I think not. Nobody pays me to listen to Beethoven cycles all day long, so I can't say whether Wand's with the NDRSO of Hamburg (remastered from the original 1980s recordings) is the absolute best, but I can testify that it is great -- no weak links, and several contenders for the best available performance.

The amazing Gunter Wand, who emerged as one of the world's great conductors late in life before his death in 2002, leads the NDRSO in strong, convincing versions of the 1st and 2nd, generally regarded as solid but less than revolutionary works. The 6th is absolutely transcendental, making a believer of me. I had never considered it to be one of Beethoven's best, a bit on the "light" side, but Wand brings it alive and I have seen the light! I am currently listening to two 4ths, this one and one of Furtwangler's wartime performances (on Music & Arts), both of which are very impressive, but it's too early for comment.

The remaining symphonies are all superb, but face the strongest possible competition from the legions of great conductors and orchestras that have tackled these great works over the years. I am partial to Szell's 3rd and 8th with Cleveland, and I can now hear more clearly how distinctive his taut, streamlined interpretation is compared to Wand's, which is fuller-bodied. Furtwangler's immortal live performances of the 3rd are incomparable in their intensity, which can only be fully appreciated by comparison to a powerful, yet mortal account such as Wand's. Of course Kleiber, leading the VPO, reigns with the 5th and 7th. The magnitude of his accomplishment looms ever larger upon the realization that these Wand performances are top-notch, and yet Kleiber goes still further into the Beethovenian essence. That leaves the 9th, and while Wand and the NDRSO present a magnificent performance, it is impossible to say that it is better than the best of Furtwangler (ie, Bayreuth 1951 for the best combination of performance and sound -- see my review).

A word on the packaging -- the "box" is just a thin cardboard liner enclosing 5 standard jewel boxes. All have the same navy blue-with-silver-lettering design, quite appropriately noble looking. The combinations are 1&6, 2&7, 3&8, 4&5 and 9.

This Wand cycle has added immensely to my appreciation of Beethoven, and I strongly recommend it.

Good, but the orchestra is not top notch.......2004-03-28

Everyone knows Gunter Wand as the definitive Brucknerian. His traversal of the symphonies with the Berlin Philharmonic on RCA has been received with open arms. Indeed, the performances are nothing short of astounding. Eager to hear what maestro Wand had to offer with the Beethoven symphonies, I immediately bought this set of the symphonies. However, I was disappointed with the orchestral playing of the set. The symphonies are all fantastically conducted (Wand is genius), with fantastic orchestral balance, top-notch recording quality - every note in its proper place. But as fantastic as that all is, the NDR Orchestra is no Berlin Philharmonic.

Of the nine symphonies, Wand is at his best with the smaller works. The first and second symphonies are top notch. Wand's enthusiasm is evident and the playing is as energetic as ever. Wand's Eroica is very good as well, but he uses Beethoven's original score, not the Hans von Bulow edition, leaving a somewhat empty feeling at the end of the opening allegro. The forth, pastoral, and eighth are, like the first two symphonies, played masterfully. The fifth and seventh are good, routine performances, but Carlos Kleiber's recording with Vienna of these works is the definitive version. Finally, Wand's Ninth is surprising fantastic (see my review).

This is a fantastic set, considering the limitations of the orchestra. And, listening to what Wand does with this all to familiar music is a riveting experience. I highly recommend this set to anyone. Beethoven is one composer you can never have too many recordings of.

Stunning Performance, Recording.......2004-01-08

There are many Beethoven Symphony cycles out there, but this is my favorite so far. The sound quality is head and shoulders above all others I've heard -- the symphonic textures are rich and easily discernable, as if you were sitting in the best seats of the house, in the best symphony hall. Wand's conducting is also very good, and I particularly find his 6th and 9th appealing, for once tipping my preference towards rich modern orchestras instead of period pieces by Gardiner and others. (It also doesn't hurt just how affordable this set is!)

Average customer rating:

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

Symphonies Nos. 1-9

Manufacturer: Amadis
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B000001KPE
Release Date: 2000-05-24

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Good, inexpensive Beethoven

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 6-9

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

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Tracks:

Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 'Pastoral': Allegro ma non troppo - Awakening Of Happy Feelings On Arriving In The Country
Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 'Pastoral': Andante Molto Moto - Scene By The Brook
Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 'Pastoral': Allegro - Merry Gatheribg Of The Country Folk
Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 'Pastoral': Allegro - Storm And Tempest
Symphony No. 6 In F, Op. 68 'Pastoral': Allegretto Shepards' Hymn. Happy And Thankful Feelings After The Storm
Symphony No. 8 In F, Op. 93: Allegro Vivace Con Brio
Symphony No. 8 In F, Op. 93: Allegretto scherzando
Symphony No. 8 In F, Op. 93: Tempo Di Menuetto
Symphony No. 8 In F, Op. 93: Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Allegro, Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Molto Vivace- Presto
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Adagio Molto E Cantabile Andante Moderato
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Presto-Allegro Assai Alla Marcia- Andante Maestoso Adgio Ma Non Troppo, Ma Divoto Allegro Energico, Sempre Ben Marcato- Allegro Ma Non Tanto Prestissimo

Customer Reviews:

Good, inexpensive Beethoven.......1999-07-10

I was previously familiar with Giulini's version of the ninth which is splendid. Great clarity of sound, lots of tension, and emphasis in all the right areas. I own 32 different versions of this work and this is in the top 5 of those recordings. Kempe's version of the sixth was a revelation. Imaginative and poetic. Best of all, you can't beat the price.

Love, Honor and Cherish: Music for Your Wedding

Average customer rating:

Great CD - Received Damaged
Disappointing

Love, Honor and Cherish: Music for Your Wedding

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

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Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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ASIN: B00008ZZ60
Release Date: 2003-04-22

Tracks:

Amazed - Trammell Starks
Could Not Ask for More - Trammell Starks
Truly Madly Deeply - Trammell Starks
I Do, Cherish You - Trammell Starks
When I Fall in Love - Spectrum
Save the Best for Last - Spectrum
I Will Always Love You - Spectrum
Lost Without You - Allen & Allen
May It Be - Taliesin Orchestra
Cherish the Day - Spectrum
You Mean the World to Me - Spectrum
Forever in Love - Spectrum

Tracks:

Arioso
Ave Maria
Air for the "G" String - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
On Wings of Song
Largo [Xerxes] - London Festival Orchestra
Shubert's Ave Maria
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Prelude in C Major
Sheep May Safely Graze - Philip Brunelle,
Pachulbul's Canon in D Major
Trumpet Voluntary - Lyn Larsen
Bridal March (Here Comes the Bride) [Lonengrin]
Trumpet Tune in C Major - Carlo Curley
Lord's Prayer
O Perfect Love - Nancy Enslin & Deborah Benardot
Rondeau (Masterpiecs Theatre Them) - Nancy Enslin & Deborah Benardot
Wedding March [A Midsummer Night's Dream] - London Festival Orchestra
Handel's Alla Hornpipe [Water Music Suite] - London Festival Orchestra
Finale: Ode to Joy [Symphony No. 9 Choral]

Customer Reviews:

Great CD - Received Damaged.......2007-06-27

This CD was to be used for my May 19,2007 bride for her ceremony music.
The CD arrived damaged and Amazon did not have anymore in stock.
Thank God for an understanding bride.

Disappointing.......2004-10-31

A mostly music compilation that sounds like a creative mixing genius put it together. Saddly, the wedding entrance march is sung in German (I think). Some of the music is a little "thin" instead of being "full bodied". The wedding exit march will put listeners to sleep. I wish listening samples had been available or I would have saved the money.

Music Track:

Music Track

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