Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 4/7

1. Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Philharmonia Cassovia
Conducted by Johannes Wildner

2. Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
with Philharmonia Cassovia
Conducted by Johannes Wildner

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.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 7; King Stephen Overture

Average customer rating:

These are two great recordings of fabulous works plus the King Stephen
Szell's Beethoven is for those who value precision over all else
forceful, lyrical performances
Excellent bargain
Szell's genius shines

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 7; King Stephen Overture

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

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Symphonies Nos. 1 & 6
Sym 9: Choral / Fidelio Ovtr - Essential Classics
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 6 / Egmont Overture

ASIN: B0000027UP
Release Date: 1992-06-02

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. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: I. Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: II. Allegretto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: III. Presto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: IV. Allegro con brio
Overture 'King Stephen', Op. 117: Andante con moto - Presto

Customer Reviews:

These are two great recordings of fabulous works plus the King Stephen.......2006-03-18

I still remember what it was like hearing Beethoven's seventh symphony the first time, and it was this recording. The last movement had accents that felt like hammer blows to me and those groaning basses and soaring horns were sounds I had never heard before. This was something I knew I wanted to pursue. Wow!

The fourth symphony (Opus 60 in B-flat major) is a magnificent work that I appreciate more each time I hear it. Not much is known about its composition except that it was done in the summer of 1806 and its writing interrupted the work on the fifth symphony in c-minor. It was first performed in March of 1807 along with his first three symphonies, a piano concerto, and others of his works during two concerts at a Prince L's house. The review noted that the works (not just the 4th symphony) were rich in ideas, boldly original, full of power, but many felt the ideas were not fully worked out because there were just so many ideas. This, the notice said, often created the effect of rough diamonds.

What I love most about the fourth symphony is its display of Beethoven's wonderful humor. He has the ability to put the right thing in the wrong place in ways that tickly, startle, make me laugh out loud, and settle back in complete amazement. In the hands of a great conductor this is a symphony that can astound without ever having to resort to big effects or bombast. The first movement has this long wandering opening that keeps one guessing and then takes off with brilliant ease. The second movement has one of Beethoven's most beautiful melodies that soon wanders into something more stout, sounds like it might take off, then might sing us the opening again, but never quite does.

The third movement is one of my favorite pieces of music when done right. This is real syncopation, not the fake kind where EVERYTHING is off the beat. This piece keeps moving us around so we think we know where we are, but he takes it away as soon as we think we have it. What joy we feel with this movement because its humor is so much fun. The fourth movement starts a like it perpetual motion piece, but doesn't deliver that either. Again, Beethoven is laughing and soon brings us a delightful tune that is contrasted with grinding bombast for and elbow in the ribs effect. Again, we get the fun of real syncopation. The minor mode was never so much fun as it in providing its over the top contrasting material here.

The seventh symphony (Opus 92 in A major) was premiered in 1813 to immediate success (though Beethoven had begun work on it in 1809) and has been a favorite with audiences ever since. It has so much brilliance and energy that you would have to be a corpse to not be lifted by it. Many have been so carried away as to ascribe their own "program" to the piece. One Dr. Iken claimed to hear the story of a revolution and laid out the drama. Beethoven was incensed at this and all other nonsense stories ascribed to his music. Wagner called this piece "The Apotheosis of Dance" and the music has actually been used in ballet.

The first movement is quite complex its contrasts. It is buoyant and even soars, but then has these quiet and moments of stillness that threaten to stop everything, but then off we go again. The second movement is another of my favorite works. It is a movement with a mournful sweetness that pulls of and exquisite beauty that I still find awe inspiring. Yes, it is clearly a dance, but its materials are so spare and unprepossessing that one cannot imagine the beauties that will emerge in this aching and yet sweet music. Once you hear the music and know the movement you still wonder at how he came up with the ideas for this piece. What else is like it?

The third movement starts with an energetic start from the orchestra supported by a gentle boot from the tympani. You can hear foreshadowings of the crazy scherzo from the ninth and you certainly can hear the groaning of the basses from the first movement in the low winds. Again, a movement of big contrasts and a lot of fun. The last movement starts with an explosion and just takes off from there. Turn up the volume and enjoy the way Beethoven keeps things going even when he pulls back a bit, and then adds more and more each time he crescendos. The energy becomes so intense one might feel frantic, but the music never loses control. That groaning bass figure becomes more prominent and the hammer blows forge the music into a sharper and stronger form.

Szell conducts these works with intelligence, understanding, and real with. I love these recordings. You may have other favorites and that is fine. I am not claiming these as the one and only. But I am claiming; WOW!

Do we really care about the King Stephen overture after hearing the seventh symphony? I don't.

Szell's Beethoven is for those who value precision over all else.......2005-08-19

Szell's recordings of the Beethoven Symphonies enjoyed wide circulation on Columbia, Epic, and later Odyssey LPs, and have been on CD since the late 1980s, and the current issue, the early 1990s, in differing couplings with other works. This should attest to their success, as they are played with great precision: not a note or phrase out of place, and there are no slack moments of ensemble. The Cleveland Orchestra plays so well, as one would expect: Szell's Beethoven is for those who value precision over all else.

Symphony 4 is a top recommendation. All movements are played at a sensible tempo, and there is never a sense of recklnessness, or that things are out of control. This recording was the first I heard of this work, and I became familiar with Beethoven Symphony 4 from this recording (Epic LP) in 1972. Symphony 7 may be considered less successful by some listeners, who value Bruno Walter (Sony), Karajan (DG, the 1962 or 1976 recordings, with the complete Beethoven Symphonies), or Bohm (DG) as authoritative in this piece. I for one like Szell's sensible tempos, and if the acoustics seem a little dry at times, one's mind is drawn to the great precision of the playing. The Cleveland horns are terrific, especially in movements I and IV. The KING STEPHEN Overture is well played, too, and the woodwind and horn fanfares in the closing coda really stir up a storm.

I would recommend this, but not as your only CD of these works.
I recommend supplementing these with Beethoven Symphony recordings by Bruno Walter/Columbia Symphony (Sony, available individually), or Karl Bohm/Vienna Philharmonic (DG, in 2 CD sets which sell for the price of one). You can't go wrong with Szell, and even less so with Szell + Bohm or Walter; it's a "WIN/WIN" situation from the start.

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 movements of the 5th and 7th symphonies. the orchestra could render the full dynamic range, and the strings -- for example in the first chords of the egmont overture -- were capable of the powerful, rich sonority we expect from 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.

i love these recordings. at a time when our culture relies on noise, speed, excess, vulgarity and lack of control to get our attention, it's a treat to hear beethoven that is sonorous, sprightly, forceful, lyrical and eloquent. and at a bargain price!

Excellent bargain.......2003-04-12

I had the entire cycle of Szell's Beethoven on LP when I was kid, so getting this CD was like getting re-acquainted with an old friend. Szell's command of the Cleveland Orchestra made it one of the top orchestras in the land during his tenure. (Cleveland!)

This CD has excellent performances of these symphonies. The tempi are (almost) all just right (except for the last movement of the 4th, which is a bit slow for my taste). Szell keeps the second movement of the 7th moving -- too many conceive of it as a dirge. He does the last movement of the 7th just right: it has so much energy that you feel like it's just on the edge of going out of control. The scherzi are also done well: the 4th is on the relaxed side, the 7th extremely fast. Throughout, there is usually just the right amount of rubato where it's required.

My only quibbles with this CD are very minor. The balance seems a bit heavy on the lower notes -- the cellos and basses are a bit too strong and muddy at times. An old friend of mine had a rule about judging a performance of the 4th: listen to the fast fortissimo entrance of the cellos and basses right near the end of the last movement. If it doesn't make the hair on the back of neck stand up, then seek another recording. Szell does OK here, but there are better. (E.g. Bernstein's 60's recording with the NY Phil -- the low strings just explode!)

So, if you don't have a copy of the 4th and/or want another copy of the popular 7th, you won't be disappointed with this choice.

Szell's genius shines.......2000-03-22

I was weaned on these recordings, so I will admit a bias for them. However, after hearing numerous recordings of the Seventh, I must still rank this one above the others. First of all, Szell's interpretations of Beethoven are legendary and seem to make the music as passionate and powerful as possible. Second, his orchestra at the time of these recordings was, simply put, the best on the planet. Unfortunately, in my listenings to all recordings of the Seventh, I have not yet heard an orchestra perfect the Siciliano rhythm of the First Movement (Ercih Leinsdorf reportedly sadi that he would not conduct this Symphony since an orchestra was incapable of performing this rhythm correctly) and this one is no different, with occasional spurts of correctness. My special passion for this performance comes in the Allegretto, where Szell was one of the first to adopt a tempo which does not drift the listener to sleep. As the entire Symphony was once dubbed "The Apothsosis of the Dance," this tempo is much more fitting than that of most rival recordings. Now out on a very affordable CD, this is still my recommendation for a Seventh, but with the Fourth and the Overture on the same disc, this should be in everyone's library.

Average customer rating:

Superficial And Disappointing From The Master Karajan
Karajan's great Seventh is as good as ever in digital sound
Moody contrast on one CD...
you're great, Karajan!
Simply the definitive recording of Beethoven's 7th

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 7

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 "Eroica"; Egmont Overture
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Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 "Pastoral"
Beethoven: Symphonie No. 9

ASIN: B000001GJO
Release Date: 1993-10-12

Tracks:

Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major: 1. Adagio - Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major: 2. Adagio
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major: 3. Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 In B Flat Major: 4. Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 7 In A Major: 1. Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphony No. 7 In A Major: 2. Allegretto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major: 3. Presto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major: 4. Allegro con brio

Customer Reviews:

Superficial And Disappointing From The Master Karajan.......2006-08-05

I am a big fan of Karajan, he's overall my favorite conductor, but just because I admire the man for many of his achievements, that feeling does not infect my objectivity and critical judgement. Here is a case in point, two symphonies from his last Beethoven cycle, the digital one from the 1980's.

There is a real element of slickness and emotional coolness about the whole affair. To be fair, the 4th symphony fairs quite well overall, the introduction to the opening movement doesn't have all that much mystery but really, how many conductors since Furtwangler even give large thought to the intricate mysteries that lie at the heart of Beethoven's symphonic output? After the intro, Karajan explodes into the allegro, very dramatic indeed and the whole movement is done with vigor and life. The adagio is a bit detached but it's nothing new from Karajan. The last two movements go by well even though I can't understand Karajan's continual insistence to drop the final movement's exposition repeat! Yes, in every cycle Karajan recorded, he dropped this rather innocuous repeat which is only 1:30 in length! Furtwangler was always wise to keep this last repeat intact. Both Karajan and Furtwangler dropped the first movement repeat and I respect their decision there, that was the fashion of the day.

Moving forward to the 7th symphony and you get your problems. This is the kind of superficial performance that Karajan's hateful critics attack him for and this time they are right! All the timings are basically the same as the earlier cycles from the 60's and 70's but this 7th from the 80's is comparatively lackluster when judged alongside the version from the 60s. Here are a few glaring examples. The allegretto opens up like slush, it is so smoothed over that you can't even hear the famous rhythm! The Penguin Guide went so far as mention this defect in their review as well. The allegretto in Karajan's hands was always lacking in emotional depth, every version he ever made was in the mold of Toscanini. I much prefer the love, depth and gravity a conductor like Furtwangler brought to this beloved symphonic movement. A recent fascinating 7th symphony by Christian Thielemann also took the Furtwangler approach of the slow tempo in the allegretto. I say to hell with the period instrument hacks and their glibness in this beautiful testament to Beethoven's art!

Onto the finale, the last disappointment here. Initially you might find the fast tempo and explosive attack very exciting, however if compared to Karajan's 60's version which is available in terrific remastered sound in the Complete Beethoven Edition Volume 1 as well as on SACD, you will notice major differences. Here on Karajan Gold, the horns are much more recessed and so is the timpani, the recording is not well defined and what you get is a big, fat juicy mess instead of the bolts of lighting that rang out in the earlier Karajan record. In that 60's account the horns leap out of the orchestra and make you smile and the timpani actually make an impact, it has some aural distinction unlike the record you're looking at here.

Overall, this digital cycle has a very intense Eroica, on the same level as the famous early 60's cycle. This digital cycle also has a massively invigorating 8th symphony. As far as the rest are concerned, Karajan has done better before, he really has.

Karajan's great Seventh is as good as ever in digital sound.......2006-07-15

Karajan's late digital cycle of Beethoven symphonies hasn't gotten much love form critics, but in many cases his interpretations are unchanged from ealier years. That's certainly true of the Seventh, which Karajan made a specialty. His 1963 account, often consiered definitive, is duplicated in its entirety here. We get the same rhythmic vitality, a slightly faster Allegretto, and astonishing virtuosity in the sworling finale. The good news is that DG's sonics, now remastered for the Karajan Gold edition, are exceptionally good, far better than the Sixties analog sound of the earlier version.

Karajan's Fourth is just as fine. It's authoritative and yet nimble and vivacious. by the Eighties Karajan was no longer a modernist in Beethoven as he had been in the era of Furtwangler--his penchant for leaner textures and faster tempos had been adopted by dozens of othe conductors. but the Fourth remains fresh, and in the improved sound it, too, goes ahead of its Sixties predecessor.

Moody contrast on one CD..........2004-04-12

Beethoven's symphonies just get better and better as the numbers rise. Number Three was great enough, but numbers Four and Seven have more surprises in store for listeners.

Symphony number Four is unique in that it is probably Beethoven's happiest symphony. Biographers speculate this is so because it was written during a time of relative peace and calm in Beethoven's life, around the year 1806 when Beethoven was on vacation away from some of the hustle and bustle of his life in the city (which may have provided some relief from the anguish of his deafness). The Fifth symphony was already in progress before the fourth was begun and a commission from one Count Franz Von Oppersdorf caused Beethoven to put aside the turbulent Fifth and begin on the relatively more peaceful and happy Fourth.

The Fourth has suffered neglect and unpopularity probably due to the nature of how Beethoven is conceived of as a composer. In the minds of the public he was - and mostly still is - an anguished and tortured artist (tortured by deafness, by lonliness, amongst other things the popular imagination conjured and conjures up). In light of this, Beethoven's more stormy, moody and passionate works get full press while his more delicate or sprightly tunes take back seat. The vast majority of the listening public just didn't - and don't - want to see him as content or happy; we all want a reason for genius, or for at least there to be a price to pay for exaggerated creative energy. In short, Beethoven was typecast in the same way that celebrities and artists continue to be typecast today.

That aside, the Fourth is a great work with many catchy melodies and phrases. It will have you bouncing in places and skipping in others. In short, it is a delight, and it is far less moody than his other symphonies. To say it is his happiest work will seem strange to listeners of the very beginning of the fourth, because some of his darkest passages are there: thick goopy strings seem to scrape melancholy. But then something happens soon after: the sun comes out and the gloom is forgotten about. Whether or not this was a personal statement that reflected Beethoven's vacation mood, who really knows. What is evident is that the dark passages are overcome with joy, and the symphony remains relatively optimistic in spirit throughout. Perhaps due to this, the Fourth remains Beethoven's least popular symphony. The Fifth was to steamroller over it like a Panzer.

The Seventh symphony, by great contrast, will feed the passionate Beethoven fan full up to the top of the esophagus. It is pounding and passionate, but still catchy. Timpanies boom, horns yell and strings scrape throughout. These two symphonies were probably put together in the Karajan Gold series more as a matter of convenience rather than artistic simularity. The Seventh premiered in 1813 and has remained quite popular since. Beethoven himself thought it one of his best, and Wagner followed suit (likening it to great dance music - interesting). The second movement, the Allegretto, has to be one of the great movements in Beethoven's symphonies. It begins hushed and rises until it explodes. Calls of encore consistently followed early performances of this movement. Others were less considerate and called Beethoven a madman or claimed that he must have been madly inebrieated when he composed it. Regardless, it is one of his great symphonies.

Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker play these pieces remarkably. The Seventh in particular is astounding. All in all this is a great packaging of two symphonies with rather divergent feelings and moods.

you're great, Karajan!.......2003-12-02

That's the finale of the seventh I was looking for.
Save me from the Grave and Wise!!!
Thanks a lot, dear Herbert.

Simply the definitive recording of Beethoven's 7th.......2001-03-13

As another reviewer has mentioned, this faster-than-often-heard recording of the last movement of the 7th simply keeps me on the edge of my seat. Once you've heard this recording, you'll never go back. Von Karajan was a great man, and this is probably my favorite CD of all time (although his recording of Mozart's Requiem on the same label is also in the running).

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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Similar Items:

Mahler: Symphonies Nos 1 2 4 5 & 9
Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies
Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 1-6; Orchestral Works (Limited Edition)
Sibelius: The Complete Symphonies
Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies

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:

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

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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:

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:

An honest and revelatory account, but some flaws
Favorite

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 7

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000SGO
Release Date: 1992-10-06

Tracks:

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
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: Allegretto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: Presto
Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op. 92: Allegro con brio

Amazon.com

These two symphonies are a popular CD pairing, and they actually have quite a bit in common. Both begin with long, slow introductions, have fleet Scherzo third movements and two of Beethoven's zippiest finales. Nikolaus Harnoncourt conducts both works with a keen understanding of both their similarities and differences. They rank with the finest modern performances available. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

An honest and revelatory account, but some flaws.......2002-11-14

Harnoncourt has a reputation for some strangely unorthodox interpretations of the classics, but this isn't one of those recordings that leaves you thinking "why did he do that?". The main difference from the days of Karajan and Klemperer is the clarity of texture: the strings, while audible, do not thickly dominate, and such things as the offbeat woodwind chords in the last movement of the 7th come through easily. The tempos are on the fast side, but not excessively so - suggesting athleticism rather than caffeine- or dogma-fuelled mania. Thankfully, swifter tempos and lighter timbres do not go hand in hand with undernourished tone or short-winded phrasing - Harnoncourt is not throwing the baby of melody out with the bathwater of portentousness. For example, in the slow movement of the 4th the dotted rhythms are lively almost to the point of perkiness, but the melody is a long-phrased legato cantabile. There is also force and power from the brass and timpani where it is needed, showing that Beethoven's climaxes don't need to be underpowered with a small orchestra.

The reservations I have are on the first and second movements of the 7th: as with 95% of conductors, Harnoncourt can't get the strings to keep the triple dotted rhythm "up" during the Vivace development section, and it ends up limping rather than bounding - the "little" notes should have been lighter. But I haven't heard a performance where this is done right - perhaps Toscanini? The theme of the famous A minor "slow" movement (actually Allegretto) is extremely quiet, virtually inaudible without adjusting the volume control - ppp rather than the p that Beethoven marked. This is the only disturbing idiosyncracy in a bracing and rewarding disc.

Favorite.......2002-07-02

This is my favorite Beethoven Symphony series. Over the decades, I have listened to dozens of the series. I have purchased a handful of them. This is the set I keep coming back to. The interpretation is great. The precision is there. The recording is superb. Even the price is right. Not much more that I could ask for!

Average customer rating:

Outstanding
A fine Beethoven set, volume 2
First Rate Beethoven
Beethoven with power

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 7

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1, 3, 6, 8
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
The Nine Symphonies

ASIN: B000004246
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

Symphony No.5 In C Minor, Op.67: l Allegro con brio
Symphony No.5 In C Minor, Op.67: ll Andante con moto
Symphony No.5 In C Minor, Op.67: lll Allegro
Symphony No.5 In C Minor, Op.67: lV Allegro
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: l Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: ll Allegretto
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: lll Presto
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: lV Allegro con brio
Egmont Overture, op.84

Tracks:

Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36: l Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36: ll Larghetto
Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36: lll Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36: lV Allegro molto
Symphony No.4 In B Flat Major, op.60: l Adagio - Allegro vivace
Symphony No.4 In B Flat Major, op.60: ll Adagio
Symphony No.4 In B Flat Major, op.60: lll Allegro vivace & Trio (Un poco meno allegro)
Symphony No.4 In B Flat Major, op.60: lV Allegro ma non troppo
King Stephen Overture, op.117

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding.......2002-10-05

Monteux does a wonderful job with these symphonies. The 5th and 7th are fantastic. While I do take issue with some of Monteux's tempi, I can see where he got them, and they don't detract from my enjoyment of these works one bit. While not sticking perfectly to Beethoven's tempi, Monteux definitely captures the spirit of the works. The contrast between the first and second movements of the 5th is absolutely wonderful. On very few recordings does the second movement of the 5th seem like it belongs to the same symphony, but Monteux beautifully captures Beethoven's contrast. And then there's the 7th. It has this joyous, rollicking feel that truly captures the emotions of Beethoven's score. Again, a rarity. Overall, I'd say these recordings are a MUST for anyone who appreciates these pieces of music.

A fine Beethoven set, volume 2.......2002-07-28

Pierre Monteux recorded the complete Beethoven symphonies at the end of his long life. Symphonies #s 1, 3, 6 and 8 were recorded with the Vienna Philharmonic, of which he was a frequent guest conductor, and #s 2, 4, 5, 7 and 9 with the London Symphony Orchestra, of which he was the permanent conductor at the time of these recordings (between 1961 and his death in 1964). From my own listening, Monteux did better with orchestras of which he was permanent conductor (San Francisco Symphony and London Symphony), or with which he had long-standing associations (Boston Symphony), than with those where he guest-conducted. The SFSO and LSO in particular reflected Monteux' orchestral values and sonorities: clear, clean and lean string textures; light, clear and colorful woodwinds; and powerful, raspy brass. Monteux applied these sounds, and his intelligent understanding of the structure of each score, to his Beethoven performances with great results. These are not Teutonic Beethoven performances, but they are great ones. Symphony #2 fares the least well, mostly due to the relatively poor sound which hides woodwind details. #4 is a delight from beginning to end, strong and light and full of joy. And #s 5 and 7 are both supurb. #5 has great forward momentum and fire, and #7 has a genuine dance-like quality which I have found unusual in most performances. Both are heroic performances, fleet and light and with great strength and lyricism. In Beethoven, an understanding of musical structure and architecture is very important (to me, probably the most essential element for a truly conherent and persuasive performance), and I tend to favor those conductors who really understand this and communicate it (Monteux, Klemperer), and to avoid those who don't (Solti). Monteux's Beethoven can easily be a "standard" set, one to which you will return time and again. Nothing is overstated, sentimentality is rigorously avoided, and each score is given an honest, clear, committed, understanding and emotionally complete performance. Symphony #9, which was recorded for a different company (Westminster), is available separately and is also well worth getting. I have owned copies of these performances since they first came out on RCA's Victrola vinyl records in the early 1960's and I can attest that they stand the test of time and rehearing. Highly recommended.

First Rate Beethoven.......2002-01-13

These intelligent and compelling interpretations make me forget about the tape hiss and somewhat overly pronounced stereo separation of these 1950s recordings. Monteux was one of the very finest conductors of the twentieth century, and in these recordings he proves it. A genuine bargain.

Beethoven with power.......2001-08-29

I have many versions of the Beethoven symphonies. Most of them sound the same, with minor variations. These are the first that I've been willing to play over and over, and still enjoy every time. The original instrument versions make the weighty symphonies sound like chamber music. This is the most fiery Beethoven available.

Average customer rating:

Great 7th!! Terrible 4th!!!!!
An excellent band playing Beethoven as Beethoven would wish
Early 19th Century rock & roll?
An excellent HIP Beethoven performance.
Magnificent!

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 7

Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000002SSR
Release Date: 2000-07-11

Tracks:

Symphonies 4 , Op.60: Adagio - Allegro vivace
Symphonies 4 , Op.60: Adagio
Symphonies 4 , Op.60: Allegro vivace - Trio: Un poco meno allegro
Symphonies 4 , Op.60: Allegro ma non troppo
Symphonies 7 , Op.92: Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphonies 7 , Op.92: Allgretto
Symphonies 7 , Op.92: Presto - Assai meno presto
Symphonies 7 , Op.92: Allegro con brio

Amazon.com

Some have actually claimed that Roger Norrington's career is the creation of the English press and one of the bigger hoaxes currently before the public. Norrington uses his enthusiasm for the strange squeaks and squeals that he elicits from his not terribly fine band to conceal the fact that he has no ideas about Beethoven that can't be summed up by the words "fast and loud." Avoid at all costs. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great 7th!! Terrible 4th!!!!!.......2005-08-18

If period performances of Beethoven are always played very fast. Why does Norrington play the seventh so slow compared to traditional performances. I wouldn't mind if he played the seventh a bit faster, but he totally mangles this Beethoven fourth. All the mysteriousness of the opening is gone, played at such an incredibly fast speed as this. He does a great job of ruining the 2nd movement also. I can't believe the other reviewers liked this Beethoven fourth. It's completely horrible!!! Don't believe what these stupid reviewers say. The 3rd and 4th movements aren't near as bad as the 1st and 2nd, but decent 3rd and 4th movements can't save this performance. If he had chosen the slow speeds of the seventh, this might have turned out to be a decent Beethoven fourth. So Norrington doesn't have to play super fast all the time. Get some taste Amazon reviewers.
As for the performance of the seventh, this is a really good performance. It clocks in at over 38 minutes, so it is played pretty slow. I think the second and third movement could have been played a little better, but really overall this is a very good Beethoven seventh. He should be taken out and shot, for ruining one of my all-time favorite symphonies, Beethoven's fourth. So I guess the very good performance of the seventh, brings this up to a 3 star rating. Definitely don't get this if your looking for a good Beethoven fourth, because this is easily one of the worst versions you will ever find.

An excellent band playing Beethoven as Beethoven would wish.......2004-09-25

Although I have greatly enjoyed listening to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's Fourth (Solti) and the von Karajan Seventh (Berlin Philharmonic), if I were allowed only one version of these tremendous Beethoven symphonies it would be Norrington's. Why? I think the key-word here is 'transparency'. The period instruments, the original Beethoven tempi (Norrington sticks closely to the metronome marks added by Beethoven or his immediate pupils), the re-seating of the orchestra according to 18th and early 19th century principles and, last but not least, the brilliant recording engineering at London's famous Abbey Road Studios all contribute to a listening experience which takes you deep into Beethoven and his music and makes this CD something rather special. I'm afraid that Mr. Hurwitz' not very witty comments rebound back on him: The London Classical Players are (I should say, were; they have unfortunately disbanded) an excellent period instrument orchestra, and Norrington's version is born not merely of a desire to be an innovator but of love for this music and the desire to restore it to what it was and should remain, namely as Beethoven conceived and wrote it.

Norrington's tempi are often picked out as being too fast, but that is a misconception. In Symphony No. 4, Norrington does go a lot faster than Solti, it is true (he is over three minutes shorter on the second Adagio), but I find that this gives the music a drive that gets lost in the slower, romanticizing version. In Symphony No. 7, however, Norrington takes the opening Poco sostenuto - Vivace quite a bit slower than von Karajan, while his Allegro con brio is nearly two and a half minutes longer than the Berlin version, where von Karajan turns Allegro into Presto. Personally, I find the two central movements of the Seventh to be much more convincing in the period instrument version, and the somewhat strange sounds to be heard seem to fit in with the whole rather nicely.

Norrington was one of the pioneers of romantic music on period instruments. This recording will not be forgotten.

Early 19th Century rock & roll?.......2003-12-08

I rather like this Beethoven 7th as an approximation of early 19th Century rock & roll, which of course it isn't. The martial timpani, the rough quality of the strings, the size of the band, dynamics & tempi mostly loud & furious; it's more listenable if less amusing altogether than what The Portsmouth Sinfonia does.

So what does it prove? That Beethoven did the best he could with what was available? That he was almost lucky to be deaf? That the levels of performance quality in his time varied widely & wildly? Perhaps. But I think Beethoven would gladly have accepted a larger, more professional Romantic-era orchestra & a Concertmaster with a tuning fork. As for the wind instruments, I heard some very strange noises coming from them that are made on superbly-crafted modern instruments only with special effort.

Sir Roger isn't a hoax, as his recordings with the SWR Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart demonstrate. But he may well have been knighted prematurely.

The Norrington 7th is also available with the Coriolan Overture, Op. 62, & Egmont Overture, Op. 84.

Bob Rixon

An excellent HIP Beethoven performance........2001-09-21

Some will find this performance quite 'unusual' and to be honest, I can't blame those people. Roger Norrington approaches the music in a very 18th century way, making room for orignal instruments and techniques and opening up an entire new world of sound and effects. If you like your Beethoven a bit unconventional (like me) and you're open to a whole new experience than this should be your choice; if not, I'd advise you to stay away from this edition.

To me anyway, the complete Norrington cycle of the 9 symphonies are landmark recordings and worthy of any collection!

Magnificent!.......2000-10-07

Much as the cleaning of the Cistene Chapel has revealed previously unknown color and vibrance, so too Norrington's restoration of Beethoven's 7th reveals a brilliance hitherto unimagined. Years of pomp and custom have been stripped to reveal a more exhilarating work than could have been imagined. Bravo!

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