Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 4; Egmont Overture

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

2. Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

3. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84 Overture
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

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's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies

Average customer rating:

Greatest baby gift ever
Great for the whole family
More Great Fun
One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!
Absolute joy, and endless fun!

Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies

Manufacturer: Rounder / Umgd
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies
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World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English!

ASIN: B0001I2C8O
Release Date: 2004-03-16

Tracks:

Stuck In The Saddle Again (Light Cavalry March, Suppe)
Sing Verdi Very Loud (La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi)
Its The Same Every Verse (In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg)
Musical Bs (Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms)
Dont Play That Violin (Violin Concerto #2, Paganini)
Schuberts Trout (Trout Quintet, Schubert)
Dvorak The Czechoslovak (Humoresque #7, Dvorak)
A Fan of Chopin (Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin)
Please Do Not Tease The Viennese (Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss)
Its Spring! (Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi)
Wow What a Wedding Cake (Wedding March, from A Midsummer Nights Dream,. Mendelssohn)
Instrumental Performances:
Light Cavalry March, Suppe
La donna e mobile, from Rigoletto, Verdi (with vocals)
In The Hall of The Mountain King, from Peer Gynt Suite, Grieg
Hungarian Dance #5, Brahms
Violin Concerto #2, Paganini
Trout Quintet, Schubert
Humoresque #7, Dvorak
Prelude 7, Op. 28, Chopin
Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss
Spring, from The Four Seasons, Vivaldi

Amazon.com

From a pure-pleasure standpoint, the first Beethoven's Wig was nothing to flip over, and the second disc in the series follows suit. However, that is not to say that this is not a valuable and possibly ingenious record. Those unfamiliar with the premise will quickly get the picture: Producer/writer/lead singer/chief clever guy Richard Perlmutter gathers a bundle of important classical works (Paganini's "Violin Concerto #2," Strauss' "Blue Danube Waltz") and makes up silly, catchy lyrics to lay over them, informing the listener about the piece or its composer. Standing out for their offbeat brilliance this time are "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" ("Humoresque #7," Dvorak) and "Wow What a Wedding Cake" (Wedding March from A Midsummer Night's Dream, Mendelssohn). Few stabs at mixing education with entertainment succeed so well. As a bonus, the second half of the CD repeats the symphonies straight up, presenting a neat opportunity to quiz kids 5-12 on what and who they've just heard. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

Greatest baby gift ever.......2007-03-15

Both of my grandchildren (and their parents and grandparents) are hooked on this CD and all of the silliness and beauty it brings into our lives. We sing to it, dance to it, and find ourselves thinking about it at odd times. Who can't love singing Verdi VERY LOUD? I've now started giving this as a simple baby gift, especially to those with older siblings. They are already equipped with clothing and nursery gear, and Beethoven's Wig invites the whole family to gather round...even if it is just on short car rides.

Great for the whole family.......2007-01-04

My husband, 18 month old daughter and I all love this CD. It's a staple in the car. One caveat- these lyrics will get stuck in your head and I now find myself singing the "words" to these songs when I hear them in a store or commercial! I'm hoping this means my daughter will recognize these songs as she gets older.

More Great Fun.......2006-03-13

Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!.......2006-01-10

My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!

Absolute joy, and endless fun!.......2005-11-15

The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along. My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car. What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music!

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Average customer rating:

CD set is misnamed
Do not Buy
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Seek better versions
It Is What It Is

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music

Manufacturer: Compendia
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits
25 Classical Favorites
25 Romantic Classics
The Most Relaxing Classical Album in the World...Ever!
The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe

ASIN: B000003QWH
Release Date: 1994-06-09

Tracks:

Canon In D
'Brandenburg' Concerto No. 3: Allegro
The Four Seasons - The Winter: Largo And Allegro
Fanfare ('Masterpiece Theatre' Theme)
Camerata Romana: Air For The 'G' String
'Eine kleine Nachtmusik': Allegro
Piano Concerto No. 21 ('Elvira Madigan' Theme): Andante
Introduction To Symphony No. 5
'William Tell' Overture: Finale
'Aida': Triumphal March
On The Beautiful, Blue Danube Waltz
'The Nutcracker': Waltz Of The Flowers
'1812' Overture: Finale

Tracks:

Sabre Dance
'Light Cavalry' Overture: Finale
Carmen: The Toreadors
' Midsummer Night's Dream': Wedding March
Radetzky March
Symphony No. 9, 'Choral': Finale
'Prince Igor': Polovstian Dance No. 17
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring
Peer Gynt: Solveig's Song
Sleepers, Wake
Water Music: Hornpipe
Symphony No. 9, 'From The New World': Largo
Emperor Waltz
'Emperor' Quartet: St. Anthony's Chorale
'The Tales Of Hoffman': Barcarolle
L'Arlesienne: Farandole
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Mirlitons
'The Nutcracker': Dance Of The Sugar-Plum Fairy
'Rhapsody In Blue': Highlight
'Orpheus In The Underworld': Can-Can

Tracks:

Introduction To 'Also sprach Zarathustra'
Symphony No. 4, 'Italian': Saltarello: Presto
Piano Concerto No. 20: Romance
'The Valkyrie': Ride Of The Valkyries
'The Four Seasons' - The Spring: Allegro
Toccata and Fugue
Trumpet Voluntary
'Royal Fireworks Music': la rejouissance: Allegro
'Moonlight' Sonata: Adagio Sostenuto
London Festival Orchestra: Overture To 'The Barber Of Seville'
Piano Concerto No. 2: Adagio Sostenuto

Tracks:

Carmina Burana: Introduction To 'Carmina Burana'
Peer Gynt: Dawn From 'Peer Gynt'
Lohengrin: Prelude To 'Lohengrin'
'Lieutenant Kije': Troika From 'Lieutenant Kije'
Adiago For Strings
'Carmen': Habanera From 'Carmen'
'Double' Concerto: Allegro From 'Double' Concerto
The Marriage Of Figaro: Overture To 'The Marriage Of Figaro'
(Rondo) Alla Turca
Xerxes: Largo From 'Xerxes'
Symphony No. 5: Allegro vivace From Symphony No. 5
'Swan Lake': Scene: Enchanted Lake From 'Swan Lake'
Clair De Lune
Bolero

Customer Reviews:

CD set is misnamed.......2007-06-08

They should have titled this "classical music for people who love classical music" because most of the selections are typical classical music. The title suggests it would be lively selections of "light classical" music that is more upbeat, i.e. Sabre Dance, etc. I really don't hate classical music at all and have many classical CDs in my collection but I really wanted to hear more exciting selections. I won't be purchasing any more of this set but if you like traditional classical music these are good one.

Do not Buy.......2007-02-21

I do know it says classical music for people who hate it, but serioulsly you would have better luck never listening to classical music again. The recordings are awfull and do not do justice to any of the composers. Buy something else.

Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music.......2007-01-30

We love this set of CD's. I just got a new copy because my kids keeping taking our first copy with them so that they can listen at work or in their bedrooms but then I can never find them.

Seek better versions.......2006-12-09

If you are fairly new to classical purchases then compilation CD's can be useful for deciding what to buy next. Sometimes you only need a small taste of a piece to inspire you to buy a release with the whole performance on. The problem with this compilation however is that most of the versions are poor in performance or recording quality (or both) when compared to the best versions and the fact that the conductors aren't even credited on the track listing made me suspect that this would be the case. One of my favorite classical pieces is Tchaikovsky's 1812 festival overture but if the first CD version I had heard had been the finale excerpt that is on this compilation I may not have gone on to buy the whole thing. Luckily I heard Adrian Leaper's version first and Adrian's version is rather good.
My classical CD buying experience is limited to only a couple of dozen discs but I have found that the Naxos and Deutshe Grammophon releases are fairly safe. Avoid any release which does not name the conductors on the track listing or sleeve notes.

It Is What It Is.......2006-10-27

It's fitting that this page is fraught with the same kind of silly snobbery that turns people off from classical music (and necessitates collections like this) in the first place.

Any criticism of this compilation, which focuses on the quality of the performances or the fact that many tracks are excerpts, misses the point. This is not a collection for people who consider such things, nor does it purport to be. The idea is to package as many ultra-famous classical melodies as possible in one affordable collection and market it to people who have never purchased a classical recording. As such, top-tier performances are likely too expensive to be sold so cheaply and are unnecessary anyway. Those of us who already know and love a piece or two can forgive the compilers the inclusion of sub-par recordings, when we are exposed to so many other beautiful pieces for the first time.

It probably comes as a shock for some to hear that most people are not familiar with these classics. We may hear snippets on TV or movies, but are left with no idea as to the composer or historical context. With that in mind, it is extremely intimidating to begin buying classical. I suppose those among us, who so thoroughly dismissed the very notion of a boxed set like this, would have us begin by buying full albums by reputable interpreters. Surprisingly enough though, the majority of people would consider that a tad cost-prohibitive.

To conclude, this is a STARTER collection. It will either affirm a listener's feelings about classical music or lead to an interest in purchasing better recordings. Ideally, I suppose the interpretations would be better, but, for reasons mentioned above, that just isn't in the cards for a collection of this nature. If you're familiar with 50 different recordings of "The Ring" series, or have season tickets to the New York Philharmonic, then this probably isn't for you. For us cretins with limited foreknowledge of classical music though, it serves as a succinct introduction with little to complain about.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 [Special Edition] [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Worth every Penny !
Over all very good, in places great
smoothed out edges
Solid live performances, great sound, but a little identity crisis?
This latest Beethoven Symphonies cycle is not that great

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 [Special Edition] [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Lso Live UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition, A Night on Bald Mountain, and Other Russian Showpieces [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B000GUJYRE
Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

Allegro Con Brio
Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assi
Scherzo And Trio: Allegro Vivace
Finale: Allegro Molto
Leonore Overture No.2

Tracks:

Adagio-Allegro Vivace
Adagio
Allegro Vivace
Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
Allegretto Scherzando
Tempo Di Menuetto
Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Allegro Con Brio
Andante Con Moto
Allegro
Allegro
Adagio Molto-Allegro Con Brio
Anadante Cantabile Con Moto
Menuetto & Trio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
Adagio-Allegro Molto E Vivace

Tracks:

Erwachen Heiterer Gefuhle Bei Der Ankunft Auf Dem Lande (Allegro Ma Non Troppo)
Szene Am Bach (Andante Molto Mosso)
Lustiges Zusammensein Der Landleute (Allegro)
Gewitter, Sturm (Allegro)
Hirtengesang-Frohe, Dankbare Gefuhle Nach Sem Sturm (Allegretto)
Adagio Molto-Allegro Con Brio
Larghetto
Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
Allegro Molto - Tim Hugh

Tracks:

Poco Sostenuto-Vivace
Allegretto
Presto
Allegro Con Brio
Allegro - Tim Hugh
Largo - Tim Hugh
Rondo Alla Polacca - Tim Hugh

Tracks:

Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso - London Symphony Chorus
Scherzo: Molto Vivace - London Symphony Chorus
Adagio Molto E Cantabile - London Symphony Chorus
Presto-Allegro Ma Non Troppo-Vivace-Adagio Cantabile - London Symphony Chorus

Amazon.com

Haitink's integral set of Beethoven Symphonies with the London Symphony has none of the stodginess that sometimes afflicted his earlier recordings with the Concertgebouw. His restudy of the works, and the presence of concert audiences translate into faster tempos, sharper accents, wider dynamic range and an overall sense of energy that imbue these nine masterpieces. Here, the Classic style is wed to Romantic expressivity but not to Romantic excess, Competition is abundant, ranging from Toscanini, Furtwängler, and the 1963 von Karajan to recent sets from the sometimes hyperkinetic Vanska, the more traditional Abbado, and the insightful Barenboim. But this new Haitink set, available in hybrid SACD/CD, is a solid contender.

The early First and Second symphonies benefit from Haitink's leaner, more vivacious approach. The Eroica also sounds fresher. Its slow movement is still a funeral march, but moves a hair faster this time, just enough to be the difference between a pace that drags and a pace that flows and retains interest. In the outer movements, there's a new spring to the rhythms and clarity in orchestral balances, and this Eroica has the cumulative intensity to make its full effect. Haitink's Fourth is in a grander mold than we usually hear. While never overblown, it has some of the wider scope and heroism of the odd-numbered symphonies. Like the Eroica, it is rhythmically vigorous and the prominent tympani and brass make an impact that sweeps the listener along. The Fifth can suffer from over-exposure but here it has a variety of tonal colors, tempos, and dynamics that make it seem newly minted while no less grand. The propulsive finale, with its pounding tympani and expertly played journey to transcendence, is especially memorable.

The Sixth, the Pastorale, has that same feeling, its flowing tempos and skillful interpretive choices make this one of the best Sixths since Böhm's, with plenty of excitement in the Storm and warmth in the final movement. The Seventh gets a buoyant reading, predominately lyrical without neglecting its powerful rhythms. The driven final movement is exhilarating without being hectic. The Eighth is often considered the slightest of the Nine but Haitink's brisk tempos make it dance and swagger; the lyrical sections played with engaging warmth. As for the Ninth, it is miles ahead of Haitink's earlier versions. The harmonic mist that opens the work is well delineated, the contrasts within movements carefully marked, the Scherzo bursting with energy, the incomparable Adagio sings at a more fluid tempo, the choral final movement as good as any in the catalogue, its structure crystal clear under Haitink's baton. The major filler in the set is the often scorned Triple Concerto, which gets a performance of warm lyricism that can only elevate its status.

The playing of the London Symphony is phenomenal, especially since these are live recordings. The violins' tone glows with radiance, their precise articulation helps make the rhythms energetic, the winds are uniformly excellent, the brass sleekly powerful, the potent percussion authoritative in climaxes. If a criticism can be made it would be that bass lines are sometimes weaker than desirable, perhaps a function of engineering that varies in clarity from disc to disc but is never less than good. In sum, a major addition to the Beethoven Symphony discography. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews:

Worth every Penny !.......2007-06-25

I finally listened to every symphony after 2 weeks. I have to say, every performance sounded quite prestine. I especially enjoyed the 6th and the 9th.
I agree with one reviewer in that the first movement of the 5th seemed a tad fast. Honestly thats the only complaint I have of this collection. If you enjoy classical music and appreciate high fidelity music, this is a must have !

Over all very good, in places great.......2007-04-10

These recordings have outstanding sound quality, as other reviewers have said. None of them are less than worthwhile, and I think the rendition of the Eroica is sensational, the best I've heard. The 9th is also among the best. The 5th, though, is not in the same class. Another reviewer has commented on the tempo of the first movement, which I agree is too fast; unfortunately, so is much of the rest of the piece. (Bernstein's 1990 recording with the Vienna Philharmonic is much better.) Still, no one could fault the LSO's playing, or the sound. Worth the money for the Eroica and the 9th alone.

smoothed out edges.......2007-03-03

Unlike some other recordings of Beethoven's work, this compilation permeates the composer's will and presents a series of golden renditions. The assembly of London musicians is in top form (which is usual for them) and they seem motivated to convey all nuances throughout. For those who long to use these compositions for peace of mind, feel assured that that peace will indeed come.

Solid live performances, great sound, but a little identity crisis?.......2007-02-27

[This review refers to non-Hydrid SACD versions of these performances]

When I first listened through this cycle I was impressed and rated it 5-stars. I remain impressed, but something about these performances bothers me, a sort of unevenness that is overcome on first listen by the excitement. So I am re-reviewing with a 4-star rating.

I do not think, as some have suggested, that these are per se "historically informed performances" (what performance isn't historically informed, after all?). I would describe them as having (on balance) an updated traditional approach which benefits from generally well-balanced orchestral forces, brisk tempi, modest levels of conductor-induced drama and nuance, and remarkable sound quality that lets all the facets of the music shine through (the tympani occasionally jump out a bit too far for my tastes, as if they're perched on the conductor's podium). However, Haitink's cadences in these live recordings seems a little uneven to me, distracting ever so slightly from the natural momentum.

I found myself thinking that the the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the 5th (at least in places) sound a bit like HIP performances, but the others (notably the 4th, which has a surprisingly big sound and broad, sweeping lines) sound like relatively brisk "big-band" treatments. Maybe that is simply Beethoven's music changing and not Haitink's interpretations, but I doubt it. I can't decide whether the legendary conductor is 1) pandering to HIP enthusiasts with a little extra speed here and there, 2) just can't decide how Beethoven in general ought to be played, or 3) is simply giving each symphony it's own identity (as he sees it). Those who love Haitink will presume the latter, and they might be right.

The Zinman cycle with Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich is currently my favorite -- I love the lean, wiry energy and brisk but controlled tempi Zinman delivers on modern instruments with a small orchestra -- and at this point I find myself judging everything against it. I am also very fond of the late Gunter Wand's forthright readings with the NDR. At present, despite my newfound reservations, this Haitink cycle would probably be my third choice, a step or two ahead of Harnoncourt/COE. I also think this cycle would work out well for anyone who finds merit in both HIP and traditional approaches and just can't decide. This is a big orchestra sound energetically delivered with small orchestra transparency.

If you don't need SACD, this collection can be purchased as a set from a leading download site for less than a single SACD disc. Getting sleepy?

This latest Beethoven Symphonies cycle is not that great .......2007-02-13

I already have 2 sets of Beethoven symphonies cycle, Karajan, released 12/6/2005, and Gardiner, released September 20, 1994, and many other individuals. Then I pruchased this set because of reviews in Amazon here and nomination of Grammy 2007. After listening to some of them(No,3,5,9), I would say they are not that fantastic. The No.5 sounds strange in paticular comparing others. It seemed played in different pace from others. Then the overall recording quality is rather poor. "SACD" in here is somewhat misleading. The live recording is more challanging than in studio. But SFS still could achieve well balanced and refined recording in live. Its Mahler NO.7 won Grammy classical award this year. However, I dont know it was recorded in live or studio.

I like Beethoven No.9 very much, not this one though. Try Osmo Vanska, released 10/24/2006. Its excellent performance and SACD recording even surpasses the Karajan.

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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Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 8
Beethoven: Symphony No. 2, Symphony No. 5
Sym 9: Choral / Fidelio Ovtr - Essential Classics
Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 35, 40, 41
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.

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!

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2
Average customer rating:

An outstanding Second Sym. from Karajan's last cycle

Karajan's final Beethoven Symphony recordings were among my first CDs

Very Solid Beethoven

It all begins here, you know...

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Beethoven: Symphonie No. 9

ASIN: B000001GJM
Release Date: 1993-11-09

Tracks:

Symphonie Nr. 1 C-dur Op.21: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphonie Nr. 1 C-dur Op.21: Andante cantabile con moto
Symphonie Nr. 1 C-dur Op.21: Menuetto. Allegro molto e vivace
Symphonie Nr. 1 C-dur Op.21: Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace
Symphonie Nr. 2 D-dur Op.36: Adagio - Allegro con brio
Symphonie Nr. 2 D-dur Op.36: Larghetto
Symphonie Nr. 2 D-dur Op.36: Scherzo. Allegro
Symphonie Nr. 2 D-dur Op.36: Allegro molto

Customer Reviews:

An outstanding Second Sym. from Karajan's last cycle.......2006-07-15

Karajan was old-fashioned enough to see little difference between early and late Beethoven style. He wasn't inlined to treat Sym. #1 and 2 as holdovers from the age of Haydn; they speak in Beethoven's mature voice. To some extent this approach is too dated. The First in particular seems a bit lumbering under Karajan, and the Berlin Phil. feel constrained, holding back their power while still remaining at full force. (Abbado would drastically scale back the number of musicians in his cycle from Berlin.) The result is a proficient but rather joyless reading.

The Second is another story. There's enough real Beethoven here for Karajan to allow his musicians to expand. This Second is large-scale and heroic. Again, not the true historical story but true to German tradition. In many other symphonies Karajan modernizes tradition by being faster and leaner; here he doesn't. Expect moderate tempos and a ful orchestral sonority. Thanks to Karajan's talents, his reading is convincing. In fact, unless you demand period style, this is one of the best Seconds to be had, and the improved sonics of the Karajan Gold edition surpass the earlier sound DG produed for Karajan's two ealier versions form the Sixties and seventies.

Karajan's final Beethoven Symphony recordings were among my first CDs.......2005-10-09

This disc has nostalgia value, as it was one of the first CDs I owned in 1986, the beginning of my CD experience. I expected much of Karajan's final Beethoven recordings but was disappointed. The sound is not as natural and there is not enough treble in the highest registers as the earlier DG Beethoven Symphony recordings made in 1961-2 and 1975-77, but what concerns me most are the tempos. Some of the Allegro movements are too slow: sluggish, and in the words of one critic around the time this was released,"like Klemperer on a bad day." Apt, I'm afraid.

I don't mean to be too hard on Karajan (1908-1989) who was without a doubt one of the great conductors of the 20th century, and made a huge number of recordings from 1947 until his death in 1989, mostly for DG, Decca, and EMI. But these recordings are disappointing, and there are so many to choose from for these works.

Still, if you are a Karajan fan, go for them. I found Symphony 2 to be better played here than Symphony 1, but that may be only my perception. For both Symphonies, I like recordings by Bruno Walter (Sony), Karl Bohm (DG), or Karajan's earlier Berlin recordings (1961, 1975 - both DG, but analog sound) better than these.

Very Solid Beethoven.......2005-03-25

The Beethoven symphony cycle is tremendous. Lost in the greater known works (i.e., Symphonies 3, 5, 6, 9) are the other gems such as 1 and 2. Karajan and the BPO do an admirable job of calling attention to these "lesser" works.

Symphony No. 1, when first performed in 1800, received apt contemporary praise as a "magnificent artistic creation" despite some concern that the performance was too dominated by the wind instruments. Certainly not the case in this current rendition, as Karajan and Berlin delivers on another contemporary observation that "the masterpiece which does equal honour to Beethoven's powers of invention and to his musical expertise." The performance is Beethoven's but will remind some of Mozart and Hayden, whom Beethoven studied and complimented through much of his early work. Symphony No. 2 is played with equal aplumb, full of vitality and energy.

Part of Deutsche Grammophone's 20-CD "Karajan Gold" series, the sound in this CD is excellent as are the liner notes. Hard to imagine a better recording of Beethoven's first two symphonic efforts.

It all begins here, you know..........2004-03-30

Beethoven's symphonies are beyond doubt some of the greatest works of music produced by the western world. Their popularity has not waned since the time of their composition, and there doesn't seem to be an end to their appeal.

The first and second symphonies (along with the 8th) are probably the least well-known and popular amongst those Beethoven composed. Nonetheless, they're great in their own right. It's almost unfair to compare anything to Beethoven's 5th, 6th or 9th symphonies, and that goes for the 1st and the 2nd symphonies as well. Sure, there are no immediately recognizable tunes here for the neophyte listener, such as in the 5th sympony which is immediately recognizable to people of almost any age. There may also be no standout melodies that stick in the mind indelibly when the music stops. Still, the first symphony is quite an acheivement despite its lower status amongst the nine.

In reading about the 1st symphony, one finds that it is considered to be in the more classic style akin to Hadyn or Mozart - two symphonic forms that were at first thought to be unsurpassable. Due to this, Beethoven had some work to do before scribbling up his 1st symphony. There were big shoes to fill in the symphonic tradition (much the same problem that Beethoven's "successor" Brahms had when contemplating his own first symphony). In almost complete defiance of the intimidating tradition that lay before Beethoven, he managed to compose an excellent classic symphony as well as expand on that very same form. Critics at the time (around 1800) were astounded, and hailed the end of the classical period. The praise was well founded, the symphony is a strong one. The first movement contains powerful creshendoes that culminate in a good Beethoven pounding. The piece is filled with provocative and interesting phrases throughout (including the Don Giovanni-esque opening to the 4th movement). Anyone would want their first symphony to be this good.

The second symphony is intriguing not only because the music is spectacular, but because it was written in 1801-1802 when Beethoven's deafness began to - probably horrifyingly - set in. There is no sign of this in the piece itself which has the same umph felt and heard in the first symphony. It is probably fair to say that Beethoven developed a little more past the classic tradition in this work, but cautiously. The first movement has many soon to be familiar Beethoven stylings. The second movement is more methodical and mellow than anything in the first symphony; it begins with thick juicy strings, and remains mostly contemplative throughout until the strings burst forth suddenly, then just as suddenly dip back to a meditative state. The fourth movement begins with roller coaster strings, and remains mostly uptempo and powerful throughout.

The recordings are wonderful; Karajan has a way with Beethoven, and symphonic recordings in general. This one is no exception. The CD is only a little over an hour, but it makes for a very full one. For Beethoven, it only gets better and better from here (which is almost unimaginable - the 3rd symphony somehow expanded on his first two and is now one of Beethoven's most famous works, and all of this with impending deafness!). Beethoven changed the symphony forever, and this CD contains the seminal pieces for that innovation.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9
Average customer rating:

Powerful and filled with vitality

Beautiful Beethoven's 9 Symphony Set

As good as the other one.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9
Beethoven , Bpo , and Cluytens
Manufacturer: EMI Int'l
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies

ASIN: B000FOTHC8
Release Date: 2006-09-07

Tracks:

Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21
Symphony No.3 In E Flat Major, Op.55 'Heroic'
Promethe, Op.43
Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36
Symphony No.4 In B Flat Major, Op.60
Egmont Overture
Symphony No.5 In C Minor, Op.67
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92
Fidelio, Op.72b
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 'Pastorale'
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.92
Symphony No.9 In E Minor, Op.125 'Chorale'

Customer Reviews:

Powerful and filled with vitality.......2007-06-14

This recording is both technically and artistically WONDERFUL. Beethovian power is pounding out in the room, and everything in your mind may be changed to just want to eternally listen to these wonderful recordings. I was stunned, and I realized why I became a dedicated fan to classical music after I first heard the Cluytens recording of the 5th and 8th symphony when I was a boy. This is THE music, THE life in the music. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED. - And the price is simply so low, you won't believe, that it is possible to get such marvelous music to that price!!!

Beautiful Beethoven's 9 Symphony Set.......2007-05-17

When I was graowing up, I must have been a tone-deaf, because whenever I sang, people around me would start loughing. Because of that, I respect people who can transform musical notes into beautiful sound. And, I am amazed if, on top of that beautiful sound, the people touch my soul/spirit deeply. For Beethoven's 9 Symphonies, my faverites have been a set by Karl Boehm and Wiener Philharmoniker. Now, I prefer this set by Andre Cluytens and Berlin Philharmoniker, by a slight margin.
In bpth sets, conductor and orchestra brings out the sound of every instrument cleraly, even in coda. People seem to talk about Beethoven's "rhythmic" music, but here, I hear beatiful melodies as well. Music flows as natural as a powerful river, and sometimes you realized you are mesmerized listening into the music.

As good as the other one........2007-02-15

There is an earlier release of the Cluytens' complete Beethoven symphonies, which is available on Amazon for about four times the price of this one, and which I also reviewed from a somewhat monetary perspective. Decide for yourself which one to pick, but be assured that it is the same recording.

Average customer rating:

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

Idiot's Guide to Classical Music

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003FPT
Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1-9 Transcribed by Liszt [Box Set]

Average customer rating:

Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1-9 Transcribed by Liszt [Box Set]

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000IY062K
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

Adagio Molto-Allegro Con Brio
Larghetto
Scherzo: Allegro
Allegro Molto
Allegro Con Brio
Andante Con Moto
Scherzo
Allegro

Tracks:

Adagio Molto-Allegro Con Brio
Andante Cantabile Con Moto
Meneutto: Allegro Molto E Vivace
Adagio-Allegro Molto Vivace
Allegro Con Brio
Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai
Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
Finale: Allegro Molto

Tracks:

Allegro, Ma Non Troppo (Cheerful Feelings Arriving In The Countryside)
Andante Molto Moto (Scene By The Brook)
Allegro (Happy Gathering Of Villagers)
Allegro (Thunder-storm)
Allegretto (Shepherd's Song: Feeling Of Thankfulness After The Storm)
Adagio-Allegro Vivace
Adagio
Allegro Vivace-Trio Un Poco Meno Allegro-Tempo I-Un Poco Meno Allegro-Tempo I
Allegro, Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

Allegro, Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso
Molto Vivace
Adagio Molto E Cantabile-Andante Moderato
Presto-Recitative-Allegro Assai
Allegro Assai Vivace, Alla Marcia

Tracks:

Poco Sostenuto-Vivace
Allegretto
Scherzo
Allegro Con Brio
Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
Allegretto Scherzando
Tempo Di Menuetto
Allegro Vivace

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Splendid, Swift Performances of Beethoven Symphonies 5 & 1 From Haitink, London Symphony Orchestra

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5

Manufacturer: Lso Live UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000I5YVJI
Release Date: 2006-11-14

Tracks:

Allegro Con Brio
Andante Con Moto
Allegro
Allegro
Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
Andante Cantabile Con Moto
Menuetto & Trio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Splendid, Swift Performances of Beethoven Symphonies 5 & 1 From Haitink, London Symphony Orchestra.......2007-05-04

This splendid CD contains two of the most memorable performances I have heard of either symphony - live or recorded - which were recorded by the LSO Live recording team during concerts held in late April 2006 at London's Barbican concert hall. They are also two of the swiftest interpretations I've heard of either symphony, but in a coupling I regard as quite unusual, since this CD opens with the titanic 5th symphony. Haitink's latest interpretation of the 5th Symphony is two minutes faster than Abbado's memorable Deutsche Grammophon recording with the Berliner Philharmoniker, and yet this isn't a rushed performance at all, but an intense, richly textured one replete with ample excellent playing from the strings, winds, brass and tympani (Purists may decry the fact that the well known opening notes of the 1st movement sound less like a ponderous declaration of an impending fate, and more like a brisk staccato announcement, but this, I believe, is an approach which Beethoven himself favored, and one presumably indicated by the late Jonathan Del Mar in his Barenreiter Edition score of this symphony.). Regardless, it is an outstanding recording not only for the superb playing by the London Symphony Orchestra, but it sounds like the best-balanced recording I've heard yet of this popular symphony. In Haitink's capable hands, Beethoven's 1st Symphony sounds less like a work firmly entrenched in the Classical milieu so firmly established by Beethoven's artistic mentors Haydn, and especially, Mozart, and more like one which carries the embryonic seeds of musical motifs which would find their full flowering in Beethoven's later symphonies, most notably the 3rd and 5th symphonies. Haitink's interpretation is among the swiftest I can think of, and one worthy of comparison to Abbado's (his Berliner Philharmoniker cycle) and Harnoncourt's revelatory accounts. There is ample warm, vibrant playing from all of the London Symphony Orchestra's sections, in a recording taken from live performances that is sonically better balanced than virtually any I have heard previously of this symphony. I strongly encourage those of you unfamiliar with Haitink's great Beethoven symphony cyle with the London Symphony to think of purchasing this CD and the rest of this set, preferably in its 6 disk hybrid SACD incarnation for optimal sound quality; regardless you'll be amazed with these excellent performances and the elegant sound quality of these recordings.

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