Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 "Eroica" & 6 "Pastorale"

On this CD:

1. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ("Eroica"), Op. 55
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Libor Pesek

2. Symphony No. 6 in F major ("Pastoral") Op. 68 Allegro ma non troppo
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Slovakia Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Bystrik Rezucha

3. Symphony No. 6 in F major ("Pastoral") Op. 68 Andante molto mosso
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Slovakia Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Bystrik Rezucha

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.

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

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

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 (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Great Beethoven Bargain 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

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

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 Bargain Cycle.......2007-06-20

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 Beethoven's 9th Symphony. They are also very well recorded including excellent db master line levels.

My other Beethoven Bargain Cycle is by Joseph Krips and the London Symphony Orchestra. I got the original LPs for $2.98 at Half Priced Books and they had a fancy CD Box Set in a Tin Box for sale last Christmas for $10. The Krips set has been around and in production since circa 1960 and I would give it the edge over Kegal's.

If you shop around you may be able to find a top notch set for $30 or less. I got the Karajan Berlin Phil 9 symphony cycle from circa 1961 on CD for und $18 including s/h thru Ebay and the early 70s Karl Bohm/ Vienna Phil on CD thru Amazon Marketplace (come in 3 separate 2 fer CD albums) for a little over $20.

The reason I bring these options up is that I recently did a side by side listening taste test. I cued up Beethoven's 5th by Bohm, Karajan, Kegal, and Carlos Kleiber. Kegal sounds OK if you just listen to Kegal. If you hear Kegal with these other performances side by side, Kegal is not at all in their league. Bohm and Karajan are two of the all time classic Beethoven Symphony cycles and Kleiber's Beethoven 5th is regarded by many as the best ever recorded. Kegal is fine as a bargain option, but there are other options available.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Very entertaining
Mostly wonderful for the playing
My Desert Island Eroica
Conservative Eroica, Brilliant 8th
My favourite 3

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 8

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Symphonies Nos. 1 & 6
Beethoven: Symphony No. 2, Symphony No. 5
Sym 9: Choral / Fidelio Ovtr - Essential Classics
Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 35, 40, 41
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 "Pastorale"

ASIN: B00005YJSK
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Tracks:

Symphony No.3 In E Flat Major, Op.55 'Eroica': I. Allegro Con Brio
Symphony No.3 In E Flat Major, Op.55 'Eroica': II. Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai
Symphony No.3 In E Flat Major, Op.55 'Eroica': III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace; Trio
Symphony No.3 In E Flat Major, Op.55 'Eroica': IV. Finale: Allegro Molto; Poco Andante
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: I. Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: II. Allegretto Scherzando
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: III. Tempo Di Menuetto
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: IV. Allegro Vivace

Customer Reviews:

Very entertaining.......2007-03-06

I can't compare this 3rd Symphony to other classic recordings, as I have not heard them. However I can say that it is performed seemingly flawlessly. The french horns deserve some kind of medal for their part in the 4th movement!

Mostly wonderful for the playing.......2007-01-03

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

I expected Dzell's Eroica to be taut and swift, with rather thin recorded sound (he never got the best sonics from Epic Records), and absolute orchestral precision. All those things are here. One day Sony must get around to remastering Szell's Sixties Beethoven cycle. It's much more disciplined that Bruno Walter's with the Columbia Sym. but less stirring than Bernstein's with the NY Phil.

Now for a confession: I didn't listen to this account of the Eroica with much interest. Contrary to other reviewers, Szell's interpretation isn't sweeping, vehment, or (to my ears) powerful. It's correct and classical. If you preefer such an approach, which is about as faar from Furtwangler as one can get, this CD will please you. I kept missing dozens of opportunities for expression, dynamic contrast, and drama. The funeral march, for intance, is particularly dry-eyed and at points chirpy. The Eighth fares better from Szell's classicism, being a lighter, more 'feminine' work. But even here, amid all the precision, one wants some humor, a sense of high spirits that never emerges. My four stars is an average between five for execution and three for inspiration.

My Desert Island Eroica.......2006-02-04

While a nice little symphony, you don't typically hear heated debates about what the best version of the 8th is. However, if you flip through the relevant pages of this website, you will see reviews where people line up in favor of their favorite version of the magnificent 3rd, known as the "Eroica" symphony. I have heard many wonderful versions of Eroica, but this is my desert island Eroica. The wonderful range of colors, the precision of the orchestra, the control and vision of the conductor transform Eroica from a symphony into an experience. Don't believe me? Listen to the first movement about 6 minutes into the track. The staccato chords getting progressively quieter has never been played more precisely and perfectly than on this CD. It sounds like the distant echo of a war call. That's just one example of the beauty of this performance. And even if you already own 10 other versions of Eroica, the disc is so cheap that there is no reason not to own this one. I wholeheartedly recommend this CD to anyone who loves Beethoven.

Conservative Eroica, Brilliant 8th.......2006-02-01

There are many ways to play the Eroica. Some conductors like Bernstein and Rattle play it very fast with lots of excitement. Others like it slower, emphasizing its lyrical beauty (Walter and Klemperer). Szell takes a more conservative approach. It is not really fast or slow. The tempo is just right but I find it just a tad on the dull side. The 8th, on the other hand, is just perfect. And in the scherzo, Szell has the trumpets play with tremendous brilliance. Most conductors want the trumpets to blend in with the rest of the orchestra. Not Szell, he allows them to really dominate and I personally love the effect. Good conductors play the music as written, great conductors add little touches to give the music character. Szell was truly a great conductor.

My favourite 3.......2005-10-27

A tough and relatively fast 3. I agree comparable with Toscanini with sound infinitely better. Tempi crucial in this work and should be brisk. Even in the second movement the momentum must not be lost (c.f. Klemperer's two plodding but perversely popular EMI versions). Sound obviously not up to modern standards but still good and not impairing the enjoyment at all. Finale is extremely exciting. First movement also brisk ( thankfully). Well played as a whole. Overall just about ideal. I think this is a 1950,s recording (please forgive me if this is inaccurate). If so I have also 50's recordings from Kleiber (Decca) Furtwangler (EMI) Toscanini (RCA) and Klemperer (EMI mono and stereo) and I rate Szell just above the Kleiber overall though could recommend either. Interpretatively Toscanini is on a par with Szell but the sound is tragically quite poor with intrusive and very rude coughing at crucial moments. Furtwangler is not bad and both Klemperers are well played with decent sound but tempi so slow as to remove much excitement. Still that is entirely typical of the most overrated conductor of Beethoven of which I am aware and I would not recommend either of his versions.I suppose Szell could also be compared to modern version from Zinman (Arte Nova) but I prefer Szell.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 9; Overtures

Average customer rating:

A Matter of Taste
La mejor Eroica de todas!
Very fine, but could have been so much better
The "Eroica" gets 5 stars; The Ninth, 3...maybe
What's all the hype about?

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 9; Overtures

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1, 2, 4, 5
Beethoven: Symphony Nos. 6, 7 & 8/2 Overtures
Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Mozart: Symphonies Nos. 35-41
Beethoven: Symphony No.9 'choral', 'egmont' Overture

ASIN: B000001GHL
Release Date: 1995-04-11

Tracks:

Symphonie no. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Heroique', op. 55: Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphonie no. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Heroique', op. 55: Marcia funebre : Adagio assai - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphonie no. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Heroique', op. 55: Scherzo : Allegro vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphonie no. 3 en Mi bemol Majeur 'Heroique', op. 55: Finale : Allegro molto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Ouvertures: Ouverture du drame de J.W.v.Goethe 'Egmont', op. 81 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Ouvertures: Ouverture de la Tragedie II. de J.v.Colin 'Coriolan' op. 62 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Ouvertures: Ouverture du ballet 'Les Crures de Prom, op. 43 - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Symphonie no. 9 en Re mineur, op. 125: Allegro Ma Non Troppo Un Poco Maestoso - L.V. Beethoven
Symphonie no. 9 en Re mineur, op. 125: Molto Vivace - L.V. Beethoven
Symphonie no. 9 en Re mineur, op. 125: Adagio Molto E Cantabile - L.V. Beethoven
Symphonie no. 9 en Re mineur, op. 125: Presto - L.V. Beethoven
Symphonie no. 9 en Re mineur, op. 125: Presto -`O Freunde nicht diese Tone' - L.V. Beethoven

Amazon.com essential recording

This is one of the greatest recordings of the famous Ninth Symphony. It has long been overshadowed by Karajan's three recordings for the same label, as well as Bernstein's version with the same orchestra. But put them all on your CD player and compare, and this is the one you'll be coming back to. Böhm was the least glamorous of conductors, but he approaches the Ninth with messianic zeal and a fanatical gleam in his eye. The opening movement is a cataclysm, the sublime slow movement never loses its contemplative flow, and everyone involved simply sings and plays the pants off of the finale. If the final minute or two doesn't pull you right out of your seat, nothing will. Grab it while you can at this "twofer" price. It's a steal. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

A Matter of Taste.......2006-09-16

These are beautifully played but tame performances. Bohm, like Haitink, is a conductor who can somehow get away with this.

If you want stormy weather look elsewhere.

La mejor Eroica de todas!.......2006-03-28

he conocido numerosísimas versiones de la Eroica, todas destacadas: Karajan-Berlín/1962 (y también las posteriores), Klemperer-Philharmonia(1954), Szell-Cleveland, Wand-NDR, Wynn Morris-Londres, Schuricht-Paris, etc., pero la versión de Böhm-Viena que tuve hace treinta años en vinilo, más tarde en cassette y hoy en CD ha gozado siempre de mi preferencia. ¿Razones?, vamos viendo:
1er. movto: los vigorosos acordes iniciales, enérgicos sin ser violentos como un Szell-Cleveland o Wand-NDR, nos anticipan una concepción majestuosa, sin embargo en la sección de transición siguiente el director se muestra más bien tímido o cauteloso, pero después de ese breve pasaje, la potencia de los acordes iniciales regresa paulatinamente para no decaer más hasta concluir el movto. el cual es en su conjunto un torbellino de pasión, la coda final es estremecedora, a mí me causa una impresión similar al crescendo del finale del 1er movto. de la 7a de Bruckner en la versión de Schrowazewsky-Saarbrücken (ARTE NOVA), el pasaje de las trompetas destacadísimo sin nublar el ondular de las cuerdas al fondo, los timbales en su justa medida: destacados, sin un protagonismo exagerado. La conclusión, apoteósica;
2° movto: los tonos grises emergen con moderación desde las sombras y van aumentando en color e intensidad, la emoción crece paulatinamente nó en terminos dramáticos como en Klemperer-Philarmonia/1954, sino en términos épicos o eroicos, no se ejecuta propiamente una marcha fúnebre sino un himno, más que a un drama asistimos a una epopeya épica, prima por sobre la dramaticidad, la solemnidad. Para concluir, desde las sombras emergen esta vez los cornos en perfecto contraste con las maderas y cuerdas graves, cerrando el movto. con una bofetada que nos devuelve la respiración;
3er movto: los violines irrumpen graciosa y elegantemente, sin marcar un acusado contraste con el movimiento precedente como en Karajan-Berlín/62, en que de un funeral se ingresa en una bacanal desenfrenada!, Böhm prefiere abordar este pasaje con moderación reservando las fuerzas para el finale, los cornos nuevamente magníficos en la sección central, tras una recapitulación tanto del tema principal como del trio, el movto se cierra con una rápida conclusión;
4° movto: casi sin pausa emerge poderosa la introducción del movto., y las cuerdas en pizzicato presentan el tema principal, que es el mismo del Prometeo y del Septimino, tras lo cual dos acordes vigorosos dan inicio a las variaciones que como un torbellino se suceden unas a otras, recorriendo las distintas secciones de la orquesta, dejando de manifiesto la maestría del compositor en el manejo de los recursos orquestales, para concluir el movto. con los acordes iniciales que se vuelven marciales recordándonos que estamos en presencia de una "epopeya", para concluir la obra con un frenético final.
La vesión que yo tengo es una antigua edición de una colección de precio medio "resonance", pero tengo entendido que es posible encontrar no sólo la Eroica, sino todas las sinfonías con Böhm-Viena en "Eloquence" y además con el sonido mejorado(¡como para comprarlas todas!) La mejor versión de esta obra que he escuchado. Ofrezco las excusas del caso, porque la 9a contenida en este CD doble no la conozco, pero dificilmente podría superar a mi versión preferida que es la de Eliahu Inbal-Sinf. de Viena en DENON (conc. de Año Nuevo 1991, live recording). De todos modos igualmente 5 estrellas para esta grabación por la Eroica! Atte Oscar Olavarria, Santiago, Chile

Very fine, but could have been so much better.......2005-10-09

The set presents Bohm at his best, but inadvertently illustrates what I always find so frustrating about his musicmaking. Elisabeth Furtwangler, the widow of the great conductor, once said in reference to him, "in the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king". Bohm is always very sensible in tempo, articulation, balance, etc., and in these performances is passionate, occasionaly inspired, but alas, the music doesn't have the breath of life. One never has the sense of the music evolving on it's own, and of being immersed in that flow, but rather of being detached from it, as if reluctant to surrender oneself to it. In this day and age, it is remarkably rare to have a recording very good, as this is, and one feels thankful for it, but that is only a sign of how far classical music has fallen that we are satisfied with this standard, rather than with a cosmic experience such as Furtwangler often provided. Comparing the recordings certainly does Bohm no favors. Bohm's Eroica is a thrill ride, nothing less and really nothing more, whereas Furtwangler's Eroica (especially the outstanding Berlin Eroica from December 8, 1952) is a deeply moving experience; as one example, the funeral march is rendered strictly and inflexibly by Bohm, whereas Furtwangler fills the piece with an indescribable sense of resignation. The Ninth is an even more strking example. The entire piece emerges from an incredible, otherwordly atmosphere that completely defies description, but Bohm turns a blind eye toward the spiritual significance that the form of the symphony has. Even Furtwangler's worst Ninths (because of poor execution, recording, or because of a somewhat less inspired performance than it could be) tower above the competition, but the great performances that are playing through my mind right now are the wartime Berlin (extremely dramatic), the '51 Bayreuth (great joy), and especially the ethereal Lucerne Ninth. The overtures which fill out the first disc are unquestionably well done, but again, Bohm goes halfway to a remarkable experience.

The "Eroica" gets 5 stars; The Ninth, 3...maybe.......2004-01-08

In Karl Bohm's view of the Ninth, the only thing that stands out in my mind are the closing chords. There are some attractive moments but, for the most part, throughout virtually the entire symphony the "wrist" is rather limp and its pulse rather weak. Even in the final movement, the chorus and orchestra just seem to amble along to the very end. The vital forces that should resound in this work have taken a holiday. I find it difficult to wax eloquent about this mostly uneventful event.... But the Third or "Eroica" is a horse of a different color as far as I am concerned. Bohm gives it one of the finest performances I have encountered. The kinds of musical details he brings out and the way he expresses them make for very satisfying listening. This is especially true of his rendering of the first and fourth movements. But it is in the funeral march where he really scores. While Bruno Walter is particularly effective at conveying the solemnity of the occasion, Bohm digs even deeper, and delivers an even more thoroughly felt combination of seriousness, sadness, tragedy and nobility. To cite another comparison, while Karajan in his 1962 "Eroica" is dramatic here, he is unable to break through to a more profound level of emotional expression. In closing, this Bohm/Eroica deserves to be on the short list of excellent Beethoven Thirds.

What's all the hype about?.......2003-11-28

This is one of the most dissapointing Ninths I have ever heard. Bohm conducts Beethoven as Mozart, controlled and at moderate/slow/incredibly slow tempi. To begin with, these tempi are far off from Beethoven's specifications, regardless of whether or not Beethoven's metronome was off or if he set the tempi too high for whatever reason. Karajan's tempi versus Gardiner's "correct" tempi are convincing, but to slow it down as much as Bohm does is clearly not in Beethoven's intention--Bohm is not within the ballpark. And if Bohm wishes to slow down the tempi so much, he should at least add more emotional intensity. The truth is, Beethoven's symphonies are more emotionally intense at quick tempi and good dynamics. Though the first movement of Furtwangler's 42 or 54 performances are also slow, Furtwangler's first movement plays with terror whereas Bohm's plays with grace. Grace was not the intention of the first movement--that's for sure. The second movement is also too slow, though it does for a second add more mystery to it, but just for a second, then I get bored. I think Furtwangler got it right when he detected both mystery and ferocity in this movement, thus his scherzo starts slow but has rapid changes in dynamics. Bohm's is just boring. Now, Bohm's slow movement isn't bad, as I do believe it is best when played slowly. Slow tempi should be used when they accurately convey the emotion that Beethoven probably was trying to communicate, so the slow movement isn't bad. The fourth movement: in the strings interlude after the turkish march/tenor solo-- how weak is this! Many have interpreted this as being a "war" of some sort (preceded by a call to war by the tenor and followed by victory), but this surely is a weak war! Furtwangler, once more, in his fast mind-blowing tempo choice, conveys the struggle accurately. But Bohm seems to want clarity above anything. The fourth movement, because of the chorus and soloists, however, is not bad. It does play warmly, and that is perhaps why so many love this recording: they only care about one movement! That, or, they are too used to listening to Bohm's recordings of Mozart and need to experience the mind of Beethoven--a possibly bipolar, anything but controlled, madman of fury!

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

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Requiems | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Marches | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

1990s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Scott Joplin: Greatest Hits
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Classical Music
Classical Guitar, Vol. 2
Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music
Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits

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.

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

Average customer rating:

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

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

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

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

ASIN: B0000028NV
Release Date: 1992-10-13

Tracks:

Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: I. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: II. Andante con moto
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: III. Allegro
Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 6 In F Major, Op. 68: Awakening Of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival In The Country: Allegro ma non troppo

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In memoriam: 1932-1982.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4 [Hybrid SACD]

Average customer rating:

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4 [Hybrid SACD]

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5 & 6 [Hybrid SACD]
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8 [Hybrid SACD]
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 [Hybrid SACD]
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2 [Hybrid SACD]
Mozart: Piano & Violin Sonatas [Hybrid SACD]

ASIN: B00029CWZK
Release Date: 2004-08-10

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

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
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:

What??? That's right, I said THE Best
Excellent...period!
I wonder...

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven - The Symphonies / Augér, Robbin, Rolfe Johnson, Reinhart, AAM, Hogwood

ASIN: B0000037CN
Release Date: 1992-12-02

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in C Op.21: I. Adagio molto-Allegro con brio - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget
Sym No.1 in C Op.21: II. Andante cantabile con moto - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget
Sym No.1 in C Op.21: III. Menuetto: Allegro molto e vivace - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget
Sym No.1 in C Op.21: IV. Adagio-Allegro molto e vivace - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget
Sym No.2 in D Op.36: I. Adagio molto-Allegro con brio - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget
Sym No.2 in D Op.36: II. Larghetto - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget
Sym No.2 in D Op.36: III. Scherzo: Allegro - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget
Sym No.2 in D Op.36: IV. Allegro molto - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in E flat Op.55 Eroica: I. Allegro con brio - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.3 in E flat Op.55 Eroica: II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assai - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.3 in E flat Op.55 Eroica: III. Scherzo: Allegro vivace - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.3 in E flat Op.55 Eroica: IV. Finale: Allegro molto - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.4 in B flat Op.60: I. Adagio-Allegro vivace - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.4 in B flat Op.60: II. Adagio - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.4 in B flat Op.60: III. Allegro vivace - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.4 in B flat Op.60: IV. Allegro ma non troppo - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman

Tracks:

Sym No.5 in c Op.67: I. Allegro con brio - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget
Sym No.5 in c Op.67: II. Andante con moto - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget
Sym No.5 in c Op.67: III. Allegro- - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget
Sym No.5 in c Op.67: IV. Allegro - The Hanover Band/Monica Hugget
Sym No.6 in F Op.68 Pastoral: I. Cheerful feelings on arriving in the countryside... - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.6 in F Op.68 Pastoral: II. Scene by the Brook: Andante molto mosso - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.6 in F Op.68 Pastoral: III. Peasants' Merrymaking: Allegro- - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.6 in F Op.68 Pastoral: IV. Storm: Allegro- - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.6 in F Op.68 Pastoral: V. Shepherd's song-joyful thanksgiving after the storm: Allegretto - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman

Tracks:

Sym No.7 in A Op.92: I. Poco sostenuto-Vivace - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.7 in A Op.92: II. Allegretto - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.7 in A Op.92: III. Presto - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.7 in A Op.92: IV. Allegro con brio - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.8 in F Op.93: I. Allegro vivace e con brio - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.8 in F Op.93: II. Allegretto scherzando - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.8 in F Op.93: III. Tempo di menuetto - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman
Sym No.8 in F Op.93: IV. Allegro vivace - The Hanover Band/Roy Goodman

Tracks:

Sym No.9 in d Op.125 Choral: I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso - Eiddewen Harrhy/Jean Bailey/Andrew Murgatroyd/Michael George/Oslo Cathedral Chor/Terje Kvam...
Sym No.9 in d Op.125 Choral: II. Molto vivace - Eiddewen Harrhy/Jean Bailey/Andrew Murgatroyd/Michael George/Oslo Cathedral Chor/Terje Kvam...
Sym No.9 in d Op.125 Choral: III. Adagio molto e cantabile - Eiddewen Harrhy/Jean Bailey/Andrew Murgatroyd/Michael George/Oslo Cathedral Chor/Terje Kvam...
Sym No.9 in d Op.125 Choral: IV. Presto-Allegro assai - Eiddewen Harrhy/Jean Bailey/Andrew Murgatroyd/Michael George/Oslo Cathedral Chor/Terje Kvam...

Amazon.com

These performances are so terrible that it's hard to believe anyone took them seriously, even original-instrument enthusiasts. Not only are the balances between the various orchestral sections a mess, and the instruments themselves scrappy sounding beyond belief, they are recorded in a cavernous acoustic that hides what you ought to ear and emphasizes what you shouldn't. Utterly grotesque. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

What??? That's right, I said THE Best.......2006-09-26

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is THE best complete set of Beethoven Symphonies I've yet to hear, and I have heard quite a few, ranging from Karajan (OVERRATED) to Boehm to Furtwangler. The bottom line is that most performances of Beethoven, including most from the conductors listed above, are overwrought, overemotional, over-feminine, and above all FAR TOO SLOW!!! Goodman solves these problems and by doing so has managed to conduct the best overall set of Beethoven Symphonies ever recorded. There are a few exceptions to the consistent greatness of this set, including a horrible fifth and a sub-par 9th. The 5th was not conducted by Goodman, and it is nothing short of atrocious: Not even worth a listen. The 9th would be very good, if not for the amateurish voice performances. However, and listen closely to this, the 3rd AND 6th are BOTH the absolute best I've ever heard. This alone makes the set worth 10 times the price without blinking. Be prepared for your heart to soar on the 3rd and 6th, and never look at Beethoven the same again!

Excellent...period!.......2005-05-11

This Beethoven set features the Hanover Band playing on period instruments with less musicians than the average orchestra. These were recorded in a spacious, atmospheric acoustic approximating were Beethoven would have premiered them. The result is thoroughly enjoyable and still sound and feel great after repeated listening.

I also find them far preferable to Hogwood, Norington and Gardiner. Though the Bruggen set on the Phillips label are also pretty good as well. But these seem to have a magical quality about them that is hard to beat.

It's interesting to read about what are the "best" performances, as far as I can tell there are no weak spots to be found. One person wrote - the first was the only letdown - and yet, I found the first to be something quite special. I personally thought the 8th was the only slight drawback to the set, and yet someone else wrote it was their favorite. So who really knows?

This also makes a good second set if you already have a modern interpretation.

I wonder..........2001-11-05

why nobody has written any review for this Beethoven cycle, though lots of people are astonished by the new cycle of Abbado or Zinman.

Roy Goodman is a conductor cum violinist whose playing can be listened in the Mass of Beethoven. The important thing of his analysis is 'Purity". He does not allow any part of orchestra com in front. Balancing of sound is disappeared under the tight control of this conductor, though we acknoledge that the dynamic range of Nimbus recording is very wide and accurate.

Let's hurry up to collect this cycle. Generally, the odd number shall be listened, if you are real classic music mania. There are lots of famous conductors who conducted these really well, like 3 of Toscanini, 5&7 of Furtwangler, Erich Kleiber, Carlos Kleiber, 9 of Bohm and the immortal name of Karajan. But Gooman compensated the missing (overlooked) points of them. 'Remove Sympathy!' We already know about the misfortune of Beethoven, but we can assume that Beethoven had managed his life by music. Many people has told that 9 symphonies of Beethoven reflect his life. This means that odd numbers reflect his dark side, even number bright side. But we can not give them our 'charity', which would surely annoy Beethoven. Goodman's idea seems more full filled with this 'Lightness with Consideration'.

Even numbers are 'out of description'!. Especially No. 8 which follows the Great Dance of No. 7 is brightness itself!

Please listen. You may agree...

Music Review: