Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 6 ("Pastorale") & 8

1. Symphony No. 6 in F major ("Pastoral") Op. 68
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Conducted by Herbert Kegel

2. Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Conducted by Herbert Kegel

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. 4 & 6 "Pastorale"

Average customer rating:

best Beethoven 4th I know of
Beethoven 4th symphony
A charmed moment in Walter's late Beethoven
Bruno Walter's kindness shines through here.
excellent sixth!

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 "Pastorale"

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3
Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Symphony no 9 / Furtwangler, Schwarzkopf
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Brahms: Symphony No. 1; Haydn Variations; Academic Festival Overture

ASIN: B000002A7Q
Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

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
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': I. Erwachen heiterer Empfindungen bei der Ankunft auf dem Lande. Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': II. Szene am Bach. Andante molto moto
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': III. Lustiges Zusammensein der Landleute. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': IV. Gewitter, Sturm. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 'Pastoral': V. Hirtengesang. Frohe und dankbare Gefuhle nach dem Sturm. Allegretto

Amazon.com

Bruno Walter was always a most persuasive advocate of the gentler Beethoven--at least, that's what everyone thought until his stereo Beethoven cycle was remastered onto CD, revealing a much stronger musical profile than had been suspected. But that just made the cycle's best performances sound better still--and here they are, together on one midpriced CD! It's amazing that a man in his 80s, as Walter was when these performances were recorded, could take what was essentially a pickup orchestra and turn in performances of such power and authority. Walter and the Columbia Symphony had a genuine chemistry between them--they play these two symphonies as if they had been making music together for years. --David Hurwitz

Amazon.com

Bruno Walter recorded the Beethoven symphonies in stereo for Columbia in 1958-59, taping No. 9 in New York and Nos. 1-8 in Los Angeles with orchestras of freelance and studio musicians who rose magnificently to the occasion. Walter was in his eighties, but that didn't stop him from grabbing these works by the throat; there is no mincing around, no effusive lingering over phrases, and no ponderous trudging either. The even-numbered symphonies are sunny and outgoing, full of the warmth the conductor exuded during his Indian-summer years in the studio. Yet the drama of the odd-numbered works is not slighted. Walter's account of the Fifth, for example, is an intensely expressive one in which lyricism and thrust are in perfect balance--an evocation of stormy Romanticism at its best. The recordings have held up extremely well; the sound on these 20-bit CDs is spacious yet detailed, with amazing presence and solidity. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

best Beethoven 4th I know of.......2007-05-13

This used to be paired with the 5th on Record.. probably the best of both. I love this 4th.

Beethoven 4th symphony.......2006-03-19

I was looking for the 4th specifically and happy with this recording. Entries are clear and tempos steady. Recommended

A charmed moment in Walter's late Beethoven.......2005-12-07

Both these recordings of the Beethoven Fourth and Sixth were made in Hollywood in 1958, the same time that Walter was turning in rather slack and unfocused readings of the other symphonies. Here he recovers some of the dash and intensity that marked his 1930s Pastorle with the Vienna Phil. The Columbia Sym. plays with energy and inflection, even though Walter's tempos are on the leisurely side.

As is generally acknowledged, he found magic in every movement of the Pastorale, which will surely stand as the best of the romantic versions of this symphony (far more charming than Bohm's often recommended but unsmiling recording on DG). The Fourth is in the same mode, with more incisiveness than his Eroica, Fifth, or Seventh. But Walter is somewhat less alert here; the result is another mellow performance of good if not superb quality.

Newcomers might suppose, hearing these performances, that the rest of Walter's Beethoven must be of equal stature. It's not, but we can be grateful for this charmed moment in his old age. Look to his Bruckner, Mozart, and Mahler for similar inspiration.

Bruno Walter's kindness shines through here........2005-08-16

Among the finest recordings of these famous symphonies, even after 45+ years since they were committed to tape. Bruno Walter did a terrific job of getting the Columbia Symphony Orchestra - many of them free lance musicians, studio musicians, and members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic who were doing some work on the side - the play like a Viennese orchestra - very gemuchtlichkeit where it's called for. Bruno Walter's kindness shines through here; this is the loving, kind Beethoven, a reflection of the conductor and worlds apart from Reiner or Toscanini.

Tempos in both Symphonies 4 and 6 are slower in Allegro movements (I, III and IV for Symphony 4; I, III, IV and V for Symphony 6) than in Szell's recordings, for example, but slower tempos allow for better phrasing and articulation.

I am thankful Walter recorded these works in stereo when in his 80s. Sony Classical has done great service to music lovers everywhere by making this available.

excellent sixth!.......2004-02-13

You must have it. I mean, you cannot fulfill the world of the Beethoven's sixth without trying to listen to this performance. Here are gentle voices of birds. Also you can see water, trees with green leaves, and whatever you wish to see or hear when you think of nature.

Brono Walter recorded three versions of the symphony; with VPO in 1930s', the other orchestra in 1940s' and the performance in 1958 on this CD. In addition, this version alone is in stereo, the other two are in mono. Some say, however, the first one (with VPO) is the best, though it doesn't have good quality. I personally think you should have both; 1936 version and 1958 version.

As for the sixth, I also recommend Bohm with VPO. But in comparison in the last movement, Walter's is better, that's to say, Walter's performance on this CD is the best of all !

Customer Reviews:

Comparing three classic Fifths--Karajan, Kleiber, and Bernstein.......2006-02-07

When Carlos Kleiber released his classic Beethoven Fifth in 1975 with the Vienna Phil., it made his reputation oernight, and the recording itself was greeted as a revelation. At the time I wondered if this was really true, since two older Fifths from the early Sixties, Karajan with the Berlin Phil. and Bernstein with the NY Phil., seemed quite wonderful already. Now I have the latest remastering of each, so I decided to sit down and compare them.

Sonics: The Kleiber recording was never one of DG's best--edgy, a bit thin, lacking in warmth. In its "Originals" reissue things are improved but not drastically so. However, neither Karajan nor Bernstein sounds appreciably better, the main difference being that these conductors asked for heavier weight in the lower part of te orchestra and were given wider stereo by the engineers. There is still some shrillness in the strings at loud volume on all three CDs. I would say that Karajan's latest SACD remastering gives him the edge. The trumpets at the beginning of the finale, for example, sound more exciting and easier on the ear.

Tempos: It's remarkable that all three ocnductors hear the Beethoven Fifth at the same tempo in every movement, within a few seconds of each other. (Karajan times out slower in the finale because he skips the exposition repeat, which Kleiber and Bernstien both take). The single exception is Bernstein's first mvoement, which at 8:30 takes a full minute longer than the other two and sounds stodgy by comparison (heard in isolation it comes off as measured and grand, an older tradition in this movement, except for the ever-fleet Toscanini).

Interpretation: Here is where Kleiber's reputation stands or falls. I think if I played these three recordings blind, the finales would be identical to any listener. Karajan's first movement is more propulsive than Kleiber's--a surprise since Kleiber was praised for finding new energy in this worn-out music. In the second movement, where Kleiber always seemed light and expressive, the other two are, also. The scherzos are more or less identical. Only Bernstein's measured first movement gives away his performance, although with careful listening, it emerges that Karajan's phrasing is a bit on the stiff side, while Kleiber;s orchestra seems a shade more alert and expressive.

In all, these are each performances to live with a long time. To me, it was surprising that Kleiber wasn't as revolutionary as I'd thought three decades ago. If it makes a difference, I once put five versions of the opening movement on a CD to see which was preferred by some friends in a blind listening test. The Kleiber easily won, so maybe there is something special here after all. Second place went to Reiner's great recording from the Fifties on RCA.

Brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-08-08

This is as good as it gets. Superb performance and unbelievable sound. The 5th is right up there with the Carlos Kleiber version.
Once again - superb, beyond all expectations.

Average customer rating:

Wonderful ensemble, but lacking in joy
Más de lo mejor
Essential CD
Excellent Recording From A Master Conductor
forceful, lyrical performances

Symphonies Nos. 1 & 6
Ludwig van Beethoven , Cleveland Orchestra , and George Szell
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 8
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Haydn: Symphonies Nos. 92, 94 & 96

ASIN: B00005YDLI
Release Date: 2002-01-29

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. Finale. Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 Pastoral: I. Awakening Of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival In The Country - Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 Pastoral: II. Scene By The Brook - Andante Molto Moto
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 Pastoral: III. Merry Gathering Of Country Folk - Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 Pastoral: IV. Thunderstorm - Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68 Pastoral: V. Shepherd's Song. Happy And Thankful Feelings After The Storm - Allegretto
Egmont Overture, Op. 84: Sostenuto, Ma Non Troppo - Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful ensemble, but lacking in joy.......2007-01-03

NOTE: Please ignore an undue number of negative responses. They are from an anonymous stalker.

Given how much one listener's tastes can change, I have to remind myself that when it came out on LP in the early Sixties, I really admired Dzell's Pastorale Sym. It was cut from the same mold as Toscanini's but seemed less intense and hectic (two qualities that haven't worn well in Toscanini's approach). Szell's reading hasn't changed--it's a model of disciplined ensemble, perfect balance, and impeccable taste--but I must have, becasue I keep missing the humor, warmth, and expressed joy in this symphony. Scine those are all subjective qualities, I won't offer them as anything else.

The Pastorale is a particularly difficult work for many conductors, and the gorgeous playing here is quite relazed, especially for Szell. He outdoes great competitors like Karajan (fast and bloodless), Giulini (heavy-handed), Bohm (dawdles) and Klemperer (stiff). All made renowned recordings of this symphony, so Szell has given us an outstanding CD, no doubt. Sony certainly should remaster it, but compared to the original LP on Epic, this transfer is quite an improvement. As for a five-star recommendation, no one bids fair to improve upon Bruno Walter with the Columbia Sym., also on Sony, and for sheer depth of expression there are a number of Furtwangler performances, all slow and in poor-to-middling mono.

Más de lo mejor.......2004-11-23

Siguiendo con el ciclo de sinfonías de Beethoven dos maravillas, en interpretaciones soberbias, y ademas una obertura genial para completar el CD.
La sinfonia N° 1 es bella, muy alegre, muy juvenil, si bien comienza con un Adagio, la obra en general es juguetona, la primera sinfonia para demostrar lo que vendria.
La 6a sinfonia es casi un poema sinfonico, una epopeya de los campos y la vida en las bellas tierras europeas.
Tenemos bailes y danzas, temporales, apacible trabajo en la campiña, y mas. La Orquesta de Cleveland bajo la batuta de Szell suena como ninguna (la prefeccion cercana a Ormandy), las cuerdas y los vientos son perfectos, la frescura espontanea de Szell (dicen que ensayaba hasta la espontaneidad) hacen que en este caso, esta sinfonia suene natural, dulce, apacible y por cierto de belleza casi perfecta.
Al finalizar este CD un agregado, la obertura Egmont, en una gran interpretación.
Beethoven en manos de sus mejores interpretes.

Essential CD.......2004-08-10

There's no secret that George Szell has always been regarded as one of the finest Beethoven intreperters ever, and after listening to this classic recording, one fully understands why. The first symphony, which I don't hold as a major Beethoven, is nicely played, though I'd complain that the Cleveland is awfully harsh on some of the opening notes and puts on too much accents. My favorite recording of the first symphony has always been an old one with Krips and the LSO, though that one lacks in sound quality and is hard to find find these days. Neither is the case with this Szell/Cleveland rendition; EMI Classics has a hefty reputation and another gem here. The sixth symphony as played here; I really can't imagine how any one can do better, or why anyone would want to record the sixth again; just seems absolutely pointless with the masterful performance out there. Szell vividly captures the programical story; you can just see yourself walking in the countryside, enduring through the thunderstorm, and passing by the merry gatherings. One notable spot - at the end of the opening movement, there's a very tricky solo for clarinet with upward arpegios. Cleveland principal, the legendary Robert Marcellus pulls it off perfectly and effortless. Brilliant playing.

Excellent Recording From A Master Conductor.......2004-05-05

George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra are perfect in this CD. Other reviews have discussed the history of the recordings in this series, so I'll skip that.

This performance of the two symphonies is perfect - certainly close enough to perfect for me! However, the recording has a couple of flaws. There is a slight click preceding the second movement of the First Symphony, and the first notes of the fourth movement in the First are truncated a fraction of a second. There are a couple of dropouts, although those might in my individual CD/player combination.

But these are minor annoyances at worst. The performance is great. For the price, you cannot go wrong. Bon Apetit!

forceful, lyrical performances.......2003-05-27

the beethoven cycle recorded by george szell and the cleveland orchestra in the early 1960's is a miraculous and distinctive account of the symphonies and major orchestral overtures. it manages at the same time to be true to the spirit of beethoven yet immediately fresh and new when compared with almost any other performance available on disc.

szell raised the ensemble and technical control of the cleveland orchestra to an astonishing level, which allowed him many hair raising plunges through the music, for example in the last movement of the 5th symphony. the orchestra could render the full dynamic range, and the strings -- for example in the first chords of the egmont overture -- were capable of a powerful, rich sonority equal to a brass choir.

the real beauty in szell's interpretations is the orchestra's almost balletic sensitivity to rhythm and musical accent. these musicians don't just play the music as a dance, they express dancing as they play. it's a treat to be surprised by this irresistible, springing dance spirit in movements that are so often played as academic forms -- the disc of the 1st and 6th symphonies provides many happy moments. one regrets that there's no szell recording of beethoven's "creatures of prometheus" available.

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.

Liszt: Piano Transcriptions of Beethoven's Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 (First Movement)

Average customer rating:

Non-believers may want to hesitate
SKIP THIS ONE, AND GET GOULD'S LISZT'S BEETHOVEN'S SIXTH INSTEAD...
One of the most pyramidal achievements of Mr Gould!
Does not compare to Cyprien Katsaris
Beethoven's Fifth for Piano Solo

Liszt: Piano Transcriptions of Beethoven's Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 (First Movement)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Glenn Gould Edition: Beethoven/Liszt
Glenn Gould Edition: Schumann & Brahms
Gould Meets Menuhin
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 (Piano Transcription)
Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 24 "À Thérèse" & 29 "Hammerklavier"

ASIN: B0000028NV
Release Date: 1992-10-13

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: Awakening Of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival In The Country: Allegro ma non troppo

Amazon.com

None of Liszt's ingenuous Beethoven symphony transcriptions had been recorded when Glenn Gould charted virgin territory in 1967 with the Fifth. Not only does Gould take Liszt's prodigious technical demands in stride, he also turns in what may be his best Beethoven playing on record. The pianist brings a kind of rhythmic acuity to the outer movements that makes many orchestral versions seem tame in comparison, even those with faster tempos. Gould's genius for sustaining tension at slow tempos is fully revealed in the second movement, in which each phrase is timed to a T. The first movement of the Pastorale flows more assuredly and accurately than in Gould's CBC Radio performance of the entire transcription. It's a pity Gould abandoned his plans to record the entire cycle. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Non-believers may want to hesitate.......2006-09-11

Arguing against Glenn Gould's eccentric choices of recording material is a guarantee of being scorched here at Amazon, but in all fairness, Beethoven's symphonies lose a great deal in piano transcription. The instrument cannot sustain a true legato, encompass orchestral power, mimic wooodwind and brass colors, etc. What we're left with when you erase all the orchestration is Gould's personal interpretation. I wondered if he would have brillinat or even just strange new ideas about the Fifth. He doesn't. this is basically a straightforward reading of the score, the way a conductor might play it at home to learn the work. For me, one listen was enough, but of course GG fans will strongly disagree.

SKIP THIS ONE, AND GET GOULD'S LISZT'S BEETHOVEN'S SIXTH INSTEAD..........2006-04-14

Gould's Liszt's Beethoven's Fifth is a strange realization. I've been a GG fan--and a Beethoven fan--for over 30 years; still, I can't say I really like this recording. Again, Gould sees the piece as a gestalt--which is a good thing. The first movement he plays like the early Beethoven sonatas. He expands the time scale of the second movement, which is also a good thing. However, in the third movement GG seems a little fussy to me: but I hasten to add that I think this is Liszt's fault: I think Liszt's transcription is quirky. The last movement has those tremolos which Gould termed, "the worst excesses of Aunt Sadie at the upright [!]." One might imagine an old silent film accompaniment with the villan tieing the heroine to the railroad tracks: it's bathos at it's worst: hilarious. But Gould is just following Liszt's score.

Another critic says the first movement of B's Sixth is better than the whole gestalt GG did for CBC: WRONG! Lookit: my whole hearted recommendation is that art lovers obtain the whole recording of GG's B's Sixth instead of this recording. It's listed on Amazon as Glenn Gould Edition: Beethoven/Liszt ASIN: B0000028NW. That is the realization to get.

One of the most pyramidal achievements of Mr Gould!.......2005-03-03

This record is simply a musical treasure. Glenn Gould made a glorious and breathtaking performance of this score, maintaining an expressive lyricism, and idiomatic approach about this hard to play transcription. Gould knew to express the inner tensions and the force of this quintessential Symphony. You won't miss the original version for whole orchestra.

A sublime masterwork which proved again the huge loss that meant for all the world the early vanishing of this giant keyboardist.

In memoriam: 1932-1982.

Does not compare to Cyprien Katsaris.......2004-05-09

I've heard several performances of Beethoven's Symphonies on piano. The performances by Cyprien Katsaris are far superior to Glenn Gould's. Katsaris closely follows the original score by Beethoven, takes the repeats, and plays at the proper tempo consistently. Gould hums, plays too slowly and never takes repeats.

Comparing the 5th Symphony between Gould and Katsaris, it's easy to hear vast differences. Throughout the symphony, Katsaris plays with passion, excitement and tension. He adds notes left out by Liszt (and Gould) and he takes the repeats (often playing them the "ossia"). The symphony is much more entertaining and accurately played by Katsaris. The final movement by Gould is slow and almost boring. While Katsaris performs it quickly and precisely.

Overall Katsaris adds notes for instruments Liszt left out for all 9 Symphonies and is much more accurate than any other performance I've ever heard. I highly recommend Cyprien Katsaris over anyone else for Beethoven's Symphonies.

Beethoven's Fifth for Piano Solo.......2002-01-19

This CD is top-rate. The recording quality is excellent. Some piano recordings can sound distant--not this one. You feel like you're standing next to the piano. Glenn Gould plays Beethoven's Fifth Symphony with flawless virtuosity, and he stays true to the symphony. The piano arrangement by Liszt captures the symphony's message, and you will want to turn up the volume and listen to every note. If you like Beethoven's Fifth and you like solo piano, this CD is a winner. Note that only the first movement of the Sixth Symphony is on this CD.

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

Average customer rating:

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

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

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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

ASIN: B000001VWY
Release Date: 1995-05-16

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 6 "Pastoral" & 8; King Stephen Overture

Average customer rating:

One of the best albums from the Beethoven-Sony Bernstein cycle
Just listen to it

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 6 "Pastoral" & 8; King Stephen Overture

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Bernstein Century - Beethoven: Symphony no 3 'Eroica' / Bernstein, New York PO
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Beethoven: Symphony No. 9; Fidelio Overture
Dvorak: Symphony No9; Carnival Overture Op92

ASIN: B000009CYA
Release Date: 1998-07-14

Tracks:

Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 - Pastoral: Awakening Of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival In The Country - Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 - Pastoral: Scene By The Brook - Andante molto moto
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 - Pastoral: Merry Gathering Of Country Folk - Allegro
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 - Pastoral: Thunderstorm - Allegro
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 - Pastoral: Shepherd'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
King Stephen Overture, Op.117

Customer Reviews:

One of the best albums from the Beethoven-Sony Bernstein cycle.......2006-04-16

This CD, featuring the Sixth ("Pastoral") and Eighth Symphonies, is one of the best albums from the Beethoven-Sony Bernstein cycle. The only other superb album will have to be the one featuring the Third "Eroica" and his discussion on "How a Great Symphony is Written."

In the "Pastoral" Symphony, Bernstein makes the work about 45 minues, which is relatively average. He takes the first movement rather boldly and quickly, more energetic than most other recordings. Plus, he repeats the exposition (something I prefer in first movements for all symphonies, except the Ninth). In the second and third movements, however, the tempo is slightly sluggish. Not exactly fitting to my taste, but it's still brilliantly played. Lenny maintains the Beethovenian power and charm in the last two movements.

In the Eighth, which I am less critical of, Bernstein and his orchestra play beautifully, without any sign of blandness or excessive outpour of emotions.

Just listen to it.......2000-05-01

This is an inspired and inspiring performance. I think this is one of the best of "The Bernstein Century" reissues, and the Sixth is one of the best versions of this symphony ever recorded in my opinion, and one of the better symphonies in Bernstein's earlier Beethoven cycle with the NYPO. The first movement takes a more jaunty pace than traditional, but it seems to work and the whole thing cascades into a wonderful crescendo at about 10 minutes into the movement. The sound is excellent, much better than most other Bernstein recordings from Avery Fisher Hall in the 60's. You can hear wonderful orchestral detail and the NYPO are really spot on in this performance. The programmatic nature of the piece is emphasized and you can really feel the storm and then the calm afterwards. This version is marginally better than Bernstein's later Sixth with the VPO even though the timings are almost identical (although the advantage with his later DG version is you can buy it in a boxed set with the whole cycle). This one compares favorably with Ashkenazy's Philharmonia version on Decca, Bohm's version from the 1970's with the VPO, and Guilini's version with the La Scala Philharmonic on Sony. All are quite good. The Eighth is equally impressive with incisive rhythyms and good, if not excellent, sound.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 "Pastoral"

Average customer rating:

Karajan's Fifth is a classic, despite the eccentric Pastorale
Beethoven's Immortal Fifth Symphony
Karajan conducts Beethoven for the umpteenth time!!
Best recording of these symphonies
Symphony 5 is the better one here

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 "Pastoral"

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Symphonie No. 9
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Beethoven: Symphonie No. 8; Ouvertüren Fidelio, Leonore III, Coriolan
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

ASIN: B000001GJP
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor: 1. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor: 2. Andante con moto
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor: 3. Allegro
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor: 4. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major: 1. Erwachen heiterer Empfindungen bei der Ankunft auf dem Lande: Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 In F Major: 2. Szene am Bach: Andante molto mosso
Symphony No. 6 In F Major: 3. Lustiges Zusammensein der Landleute: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major: 4. Gewitter - Sturm: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major: 5. Hirtengesang. Frohe und dankbare Gefuhle nach dem Sturm: Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Karajan's Fifth is a classic, despite the eccentric Pastorale.......2006-07-15

Karajan was the only conductor to amke four complete Beethoven cycles, one for each decade from the Fifties until his death in 1989. Generally his last set, in somewhat steely digital sound, is considered weak. Karajan's preference for orchestral sheen, generalized phrasing, and lack of emotional depth is a puzzling fact toward the end of his illustrious career. Yet there are exceptions, and this Beethoven Fifth is one.

In every respect, down to the timings of each movement, this reading is a carbon copy of his much acclaimed Fifth from the 1963 cycle. For the Karajan Gold edition DG has improved the sound quite a bit, and sonically it stands ahead of the Sixties version, giving it a slight edge. Expect an authoritative, dynamic reading without eccentricities; the finale is explosive, the Scherzo mysterious, just as in prime Karajan.

The Sixth is also a carbon copy of Karajan's earlier reading, down to the timings of every movement, but his view of the Pastorale was always eccentric. He begins very fast, ignoring Beethoven's marking of Allegro ma non troppo, and glides over the sublime music of the first movement. The brook is flowing too fast in the second movement as well, and the peasants in the Scherzo are sophisticated and nimble on their feet, ruining Beethoven's joke. Indeed, eveyr movement sounds glib and uninvolved. I've bought four Pastorales from Karajan just to make sure this was his conception, and it was. If you happen to like it, then the remastered digital sound on this CD is good, better than the flawed analog sound on the 1963 cycle. (Note: that earlier set has been much improved in its most recent update to SACD.)

Beethoven's Immortal Fifth Symphony.......2006-03-02

There is the problem of a symphony conceived to a classical orchestra being executed by a romantic one. But the music implies interpretation and Karajan is a great master of this art. From my own experience I can say that the combination of Herbert von Karajan and Berliner Philharmoniker means always guaranteed satisfaction. This brilliance can be appreciated, for example, in the passage from third to fourth movement, a difficult transition in despite of its preparation. Many performances fail to make the transition, causing the beginning of the fourth movement to become a cacophony. Karajan obtains to make a perfect transition. Orthodoxy can prefer other readings. Nevertheless this recording will continue being one of the most beautiful.

Karajan conducts Beethoven for the umpteenth time!!.......2005-12-17

Don't take me as a Karajan basher, which I'm hardly. Actually I'm a big fan of the great conductor. There are CDs in my collection featuring Karajan which have taken me to heights of musical ecstasy. This is unfortunately not one of them. This is from Karajan's last cycle, recorded in the the 1980's. These Karajan gold discs sound far superior to the original releases, however that doesn't mean the recorded sound is state of the art. It's quite fierce here and there, which can be beneficial at times to add to the impact of the performance.

The first movement is very intense, so is the entire 5th symphony for that matter. The climaxes in the last movement especially are staggering masses of sound. Great, right? No! You finish the 5th symphony and ask, where's the depth? I get drama and intensity, but it doesn't take me to Mount Everest like Karajan's earlier acclaimed recording from 1962, as well as Furtwangler in his wartime recording or Giulini's awesome work with the LAPO. ( Giulini has the best first movement, next to Karajan 1962, that I've ever heard and I've heard way too many! ) I not too long ago heard the famous early 60's Karajan performance and must admit it's his best take on this great work. Carlos Kleiber's famous recording is good but overrated and has lousy mid 70's DG sound. This Karajan Gold is as good or better than Kleiber but it's not exceptional. On this Gold disc the andante is rushed and take for instance the transition from the scherzo to the grand finale, no mystery whatsoever! This is one of the most thrilling moments not only in Beethoven, but one of the most thrilling in all of music. With Karajan, it's flat, it just happens. Listen to Furtwangler to hear the heavens open up.

Karajan does not take the repeat in the last movement of the 5th, which is fine by me, the repeat makes things redundant, Karajan always left it out. The whole work comes out as very powerful but not profound. The magic doesn't happen. There is also some sloppy playing here and there, something you wouldn't expect from the Berlin Philharmonic.

The Pastoral is a beautiful celebration of life, but you'd hardly know from this lame performance. Karajan never was in tune with this work and it shows. He rushes through the first 2 movements, does not take the scherzo repeat, ( Karajan took the repeat in his 1977 version ), the storm is powerful, the finale is too fast. Yes, this is a bit messy. Herbert just isn't the most perceptive Beethoven conductor in this symphony. Both symphonies have rough ensemble playing at times and also the recording is somewhat edgy and sloppy in places, early digital DG technology is to blame for that.

This last cycle has a great Eroica and a great 8th symphony, the rest are not in the same league. For the best fifth, I would readily go to Karajan's majestic 1962 version, it's available in remastered sound in the Complete Beethoven Edition Volume 1 or on Hybrid SACD. It's even meaner and tougher in the first movement and the rest of the performance is more penetrating than Karajan was ever to do again. It's a thrill ride but with deeper thought especially in the andante and the grandiose horns of the finale ring out like they don't in this Karajan Gold version.

You can also check out Guilini/LAPO for a modern digital CD ( not as intense as Karajan 1962 ) or Furtwangler with Berlin for a historical perspective. Karajan's later versions including this one come in third place with Carlos Kleiber.

For the best Pastoral, go to Bohm or Walter of course, also try Szell and Ashkenazy. Now go buy the Karajan Gold Eroica, which is Herbie at his best! Adios.

Best recording of these symphonies.......2005-12-11

I consider this to be the best buy in CDs for people looking for Beethoven's 5th and 6th symphonies. We play this CD to death in our house.

I've listened to about half a dozen other recordings of these symphonies. There shouldn't be that much difference, right? But there is. Just as Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston do very different interpretations of a song, different conductors and orchestras do the same with classical music.

In the opinion of my uneducated ear, forget about a budget CD or any other recording. Get this one, and good luck finding it at a discount price. There's a reason everyone can charge $17 for it.

Symphony 5 is the better one here.......2005-10-09

Herbert von Karajan (1908-1989) recorded these two famous Beethoven Symphonies in 1982, as part of his final testament Beethoven Symphony cycle. It was his 4th cycle, the other 3 being for EMI (Philharmonia Orchestra, London - mono sound, from the mid 1950s); with the Berlin Philharmonic in 1961-62 and Berlin in 1975-77, both for DG. The latest cycle showed Karajan in less than perfect form: a painful spinal condition was taking a toll on him, and some critics believe his recordings of the 1980s to be less successful than the earlier ones.

Symphony 5 is best here: the Berlin Philharmonic brass in great form, and Allegros crackle with tension and drama. Symphony 6 is less effective, due to too fast tempi in movements I, and II. Karajan doesn't take the repeat in III, which makes the movement pretty short. The sound overall is rather low level, and doesn't have as powerful an impact as other recordings.

What other recordings would I recommend? For both symphonies: Karajan himself from the 1975 cycle (DG, part of a complete set), Karl Bohm/Vienna Philharmonic (DG), Bruno Walter/Columbia (Sony), Wilhelm Furtwangler/Vienna for Symphony 5 (EMI), and Pierre Monteux/Vienna for Symphony 6 (Decca).

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.

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