Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies [Import]

Track Listings

1. 1-4 Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op.21

2. 5-8 Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op.36

3. 9- Coriolan-Overture

4. 1-4 Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major "Eroica",Op.55

5. 5-8 Symphony No. 8 In F Major, Op.93

6. 1-4 Symphony No. 4 In B-Flat Major, Op.60

7. 5-9 Symphony No. 6 In F Major " Pastorale", Op. 68

8. 1-4 Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67

9. 5-8 Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op.92

10. 1-5 Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op.125

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
5 CD Box set. Columbia Legends Series.

Tracks:

I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II: Andante Cantabile Con Moto
III: Menuetto & Trio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
IV: Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace
I: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
II: Andante Molto Mosso
III: Allegro - In Tempo D'allegro - Tempo I
IV: Allegro
V: Allegretto

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai
III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro Vivace
IV: Finale: Allegro Molto - Poco Andante - Presto
Gross Fuge

Tracks:

I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II: Larghetto
III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
IV: Allegro Molto
I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Andante Con Moto - Piu Mosso - Tempo I
III: Allegro -
IV: Allegro - Presto

Tracks:

I: Adagio - Allegro Vivace
II: Adagio
III: Menuetto: Allegro Vivace - Trio: Un Poco Meno Allegro
IV: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
I: Poco Sostenuto - Vivace
II: Allegretto
III: Presto - Assai Meno Presto
IV: Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

I: Allegro Vivace Con Brio
II: Allegretto Scherzando
III: Tempo Di Menuetto
IV: Allegro Vivace
Overture
Overture
Overture
Overture

Tracks:

I: Allegro Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso - Christa Ludwig
II: Molto Vivace - Presto - Christa Ludwig
III: Adagio Molto E Cantabile - Andante Moderato - Christa Ludwig
IV: Presto - Recitativo - Allegro Assai - Alla Marcia - Christa Ludwig
Overture - Christa Ludwig

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Largo
III: Rondo: Allegro Scherzando
I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Adagio
III: Rondo: Molto Allegro

Tracks:

I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Largo
III: Rondo: Allegro
I: Allegro Moderato
II: Andante Con Moto
III: Rondo: Vivace

Tracks:

Fantasia For Piano, Chorus And Orchestra
I: Allegro
II: Adagio Un Poco Mosso -
III: Rondo: Allegro

Amazon.com essential recording

Otto Klemperer's Beethoven is one of the towering achievements in the history of recordings. By today's standards, these performances are hopelessly old-fashioned: dark, heavy, and frequently very slow. But they are also the grandest, most unsentimental, most purposeful versions in the catalog. In addition, the relatively slow tempos (only in the fast movements--the slow ones are pretty swift) and forward wind balance permit more detail to be heard than in most original-instrument performances. At budget price and with the entire piano concerto cycle thrown in for good measure, this is greatness incarnate. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Great Performance.......2007-07-07

There are many different ways to perform Beethoven and each one is valid.
If you like it fast - go to Toscanini or Norrington. If you prefer slow, powerful and majestic, this is your set. Towards the end of his distinguished career, the great Otto Klemperer set down his final views of the performance of these symphonnies. The set is a coherent whole and will give great pleasure for ever. The challenging mix of the young Barenboim and the aged Klemperer worked surprisingly well and thus the concertos may also be recommended. There are odd additional items which add to the pleasure. Finally do not forget to purchase his memorable set of 'Fidelio' to complete your traversal of a great conductor giving great performances of a composer that he loved. Finally the price is ridiculously low and provides quality and quantity at a great price. Thus you should be able to buy the opera set from the savings made!

Great Analog Beethoven Cycle.......2007-05-07

This Klemperer cycle is just one of a dozen or so GREAT analog Beethoven symphony cycles that were recorded during Analog's golden age starting about 1958. These cycles are easily a match for digital and they should still be around for another 1,000 years, if the Lord tarries. These sets include: Karajan (twice, early 60s and late 70s) Bohm, Krips, Jochum, Bruno Walter, Leinsdorf, Rene Leibowitz, Szell, Ormandy, Bernstein, Steinberg, and Solti. This morning I listened to the Klemperer recordings of Beethoven's symphonies 5, 6, & 7. Very enjoyable, I got my Beethoven RDA fix.

Of all these Analog sets, I most enjoy the Leibowitz Spring 1961 cycle with the Royal Philharmonic. I have this cycle on an audiophile early 90s European import Edition Phoenix label special pressing "on extra virgin vinyl." These are by far the best analog symphonic lps I have ever heard from a recording standpoint. BY FAR! And they will rock your house.

You can almost justify Karajan's 4 recorded Beethoven cycles and one video based upon improvements in recording technology. Thru Rhapsody, I have listened to his mid 50s cycle and the orchestra sounds great, but the recording quality is sub par compared to Analog's golden age. So the rational for 4 cycles would be, (1) recent great improvements in recording technology (early 60s), (2) it has been 15 years and he has grown as an artist (late 70s), (3) we now have digital! Let's do one of the first Beethoven digital cycles (80s).

Klemperer is a no-brainer. I do not have to think twice about plopping one of his lps onto my turntable or hitting the play button at Rhapsody. When the music starts, the listening pleasure begins. Don't miss his Bruckner symphony recordings!

An essential collection.......2007-04-25

How best to describe Otto Klemperer's perspective on Beethoven's symphonies: grand, heroic, intense, insightful, stubborn, obstinate, detailed, dramatic, monumental, granitic, deeply emotional, never sentimental. This boxed set of the complete symphonies and concerti embodies all of these elements as stands as one of the great achievements of recorded music.

These performances were recorded with the Philharmonia Orchestra at its peak, in the sumptuous acoustics of Kingsway Hall in London and in fine and detailed sound, and mostly in the mid-1950's during one of the brief charmed periods of Klemperer's life. EMI's impresario Walter Legge had made him permanent conductor of the Philharmonia, and when Klemperer embarked on this project in his 70's, he was in relatively good mental and physical health (Klemperer could show symptoms of manic depression and survived many health crises - brain tumor, broken bones, paralysis - which would have stopped most people).

By this time Klemperer had slowed the tempi of the fast movements of the Beethoven symphonies (listen to his early 1950's recordings of the 5th and 6th on Vox to hear by how much). This tendency is more pronounced in these studio recordings than in the live performances which were recorded during that era. The slowness is mostly saved by Klemperer's use of "sprung" rhythms, which keep the slow tempi from feeling laggardly.

Klemperer's earliest recordings in this series - symphonies 3, 5 and 7 - predate stereo and were recorded in excellent monaural sound. He rerecorded all three of these symphonies in stereo, but those recordings were made after he burned himself by falling asleep while smoking in bed. All three performances feature slower tempi than the earlier ones (whether this was the conductor's preference or the result of physical incapacity is open to conjecture). In particular, the rerecorded 7th suffered from lax phrasing, inattentiveness and perverse tempi. That is NOT the version contained in this set: fortunately, EMI had simultaneously recorded the earlier version of the 7th in "experimental" stereo, and it is that earlier version which is released here (and in remarkably good stereo). The versions of the 3rd and 5th are the rerecorded stereo ones.

You will find no finer studio versions of the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th or 8th. All are insightful, beautifully detailed and powerful. The 2nd clearly looks forward to the 3rd and not back toward Hayden, the 4th is boisterous and vital, the 6th bucolic and sumptuous (not a quality normally associated with Klemperer), the 7th gains in drama what it loses in swiftness and lightness, and in the 8th in particular we see the conductor's empathy to Beethoven's sense of humor. Klemperer had a deep affinity for the "Eroica", and the rerecorded version here, while slower than the 1955 recording, was dubbed by "High Fidelity"'s Harris Goldsmith (no Klemperer fan, he) as "the best Eroica going slow" and is a monumental masterpiece (the second movement is shattering). The 1st, while leisurely, is a lovingly crafted.

That leaves the 5th and 9th. There is no doubt in my mind that the earlier, mono 5th is superior to the remake in this set. We lose that sense of an inevitable onslaught, especially in the outer movements. And the 9th, while similar in conception to the live versions recorded around the same time (on Testament with the Philharmonia and on Music&Arts with the Concertgebouw), suffers from diffuse sound and occasional lack of focus. I emphasize that these recordings of both symphonies are still head and shoulders above most of the competition; we're talking about different levels of greatness here.

Are there superior Klemperer recordings of these symphonies? Yes; but all are live, and despite the relatively good reprocessed sound, they don't reveal the same level of detail that these studio recordings do. Klemperer was a very different conductor in front of an audience, and there is more vitality and drama in the live versions of the 3rd (Testament, with the Danish Symphony), 6th 7th and 8th (Music&Arts with the Concertgebouw) and the 9th (see above). Music&Arts' set of the complete symphonies, recorded live in Vienna in 1960, is long out of print and had cramped sound with poor detail - a supplement to this set, not a replacement.

As to the piano concerti: they are better than one might expect. Barenboim, although steeped in the Germanic performance tradition, is more naturally aligned with the Furtwangler and Edwin Fischer than with Klemperer. However, the two of them actually work together extremely well and this is a fine, insightful set.

Any complete cycle of Beethoven, symphonies or concerti, will have drawbacks. There will be unevenness in the performances, as there are here. But there are advantages to hearing one musician's perspective on the works, especially when (as here) the performer has depth of understanding, integrity of vision, and a structural understanding of the pieces.

The digital remastering is excellent and the sound barely shows its age. This may not be your only complete set of Beethoven's symphonies, but it should be one of them. And at a price this low, it's a bargain too.

The best value in classical music on CD at the moment..........2007-01-02

What is the best value in classical discs available today ? Who knows, but I defy anyone to beat the EMI compilation of Klemperer' recordings of the complete Beethoven Symphonies, Piano Concertos (with Barenboim), several overtures the Choral Fantasia etc etc. 9 discs for only $44 ( well that was the price I paid). You have got to be kidding... I only had two concerns with buying this. First on the age of the recordings, all more than 40 years old. No worry at all. This is a masterpiece of reconstruction. The sound quality indistinguishable from any modern recording. Secondly , the performances themselves. I had been warned that Klemperer notoriously chose rather slow tempi. Again I needn't have worried. I immediately went to the slow movements of the 2nd piano concerto and the fourth symphony, where many slow tempists have in the past come unstuck. The piano concerto was an absolute revelation. The combination of the youthful Barenboim and the Philharmonia's masterful playing time and gain had me on the edge of my seat. " Yes,go on, well...." Slow it may have been. Boring, never. The same applies in spades to the slow movement of the fourth. Right from the eerie opening, which is yes, very slow indeed, I knew this movement would be a revelation and I can honestly say I have never hear it better played. Follow this with a scherzo bounding in energy and thumping finale and you will never get a better performance of this, one of Beethoven's "lesser" symphonies. And I haven't even got round to the "biggies" yet! The box set looks unattractive and the portrait of Klemperer makes him appear a first class nerd. Pay absolutely no attention to this....

Wonderful Performances.......2006-04-07

I have admittedly not made it through the entire set as of yet, but feel sufficiently blown away by the First Symphony and the Eroica - particularly the second movement of the latter - to weigh in here. With respect to the tempo issue, I must - at least so far - argue in favor of Klemperer's decision to slow things down a bit. I think the effect is, as someone else has observed, a clearer and more visceral experience of Beethoven's composition. It brings out the feeling. The sound comes up a little short on the low end, but it isn't a major distraction. My only problem lies in EMI's inexplicable lack of any discussion of the performances. The notes are bland, dry descriptions of the pieces themselves, with some basic history thrown in. Given the fact that there are probably hundreds of different CDs of Beethoven's symphonies out there, all with similar explanatory notes, it is infuriating that nothing is said about these particular performances. This is in contrast with the EMI Bach set (with Yehudi Menuhin) in which there is a wonderful essay that discusses Menuhin's work in historical context.

Beethoven Collection: Symphonies Nos. 1-9, Complete Recording (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

Beethoven Collection
Amazing!
An excellent introduction to beethoven's symphonies.
Beethoven Collection
Top music!

Beethoven Collection: Symphonies Nos. 1-9, Complete Recording (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Delta
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

25 Mozart Favorites
25 Tchaikovsky Favorites
25 Vivaldi Favorites
25 Bach Favorites
25 Beethoven Favorites

ASIN: B000001VVY
Release Date: 1990-10-25

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.

Average customer rating:

GORGEOUS!
Wonderful intro To MEHDl ...
great
The Complete Wedding Album
Almost the compete wedding album

The Complete Wedding Album

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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

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

Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Classical Wedding
25 Wedding Favorites
Bride's Guide to Wedding Music
A Day to Remember - Instrumental Music for Your Wedding Day
The Knot Collection of Ceremony and Wedding Music Selected by the Knot's Carley Roney

ASIN: B000006ONZ
Release Date: 1998-04-28

Tracks:

Rigaudon - Empire Brass
Sinfonia - Michael Murray
Toccata - Michael Murray
Wedding March - Michael Murray
The Prince Of Denmark's March - Michael Murray
Trumpet Tune In D Major - Michael Murray
Te Deum - Michael Murray
Ave Maria - Michael Murray
Canon In D Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring - Yolanda Kondonassis
Prelude No. 1 In C Major - Yolanda Kondonassis
Entrance Of The Queen Of Sheba - Keith Clark
Air - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
Hornpipe - Orchestra Of St. Luke's
Rondeau - Empire Brass
Unchained Melody - Erich Kunzel
Through The Eyes Of Love - William Tritt
Love Theme From Romeo And Juliet - William Tritt
The Wedding Song (There Is Love - Danny Donnelly
Dodi Li - Shira Kammen

Tracks:

Rondeau - Michael Murray
Sheep May Safely Graze - Michael Murray
Ave Maria - Michael Murray
Gymnopedie No. 1 - Michael Chertock
Clair De Lune - Michael Chertock
Adagio Sostenuto - Michael Chertock
Largo - Angel Romero
Largo - Larry Cooperman
Largo - Keith Clark
Allegro - Boston Symphony Orchestra
Adagio In G Minor For Strings - Keith Clark
Fantasia On 'Greensleeves' - Leonard Slatkin
Adagio For Strings - Erich Kunzel
'Treulich Gefuart,' Bridal Chorus - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra And Chorus
Wedding March - Atlanta Symphony Orchestra

Customer Reviews:

GORGEOUS!.......2007-06-13

I wish this CD had been around when I was planning my wedding as it would have been great for helping the bride to select music! Still, it's wonderful to listen to now.

Wonderful intro To MEHDl ..........2006-06-08

I've always enjoyed Great Wedding music and this album is no exception, but while reading some of the customer recommendations posted on this site I discovered a group by the name of MEHDl (pronounced medie). After an online search I found their site (S00THINGMUSIC,C0M) and listened to the samples...
I was instantly blown away by the quality of this music and so I gave it a try and now that I have listened to these CDs several times I really must say that although I'm still a Tomaso Albinoni fan of, I find MEHDl to be a great addition to this CD. I had them both in my multi-disc CD player during the wedding and love the way they compliment each other. I highly recommend that you give this artist a try or atleast just go listen to the samples, I have a feeling you'll be glad you did.

great.......2006-02-19

Highly recommended. Even has suggestions for pre-ceremony, processional, ceremony, and recessional inside. 2 different versions of Midsummer Night's Dream march included - one with trumpet and organ and one with a full orchestra. Lots of great selections, well recorded.

The Complete Wedding Album.......2005-08-05

This album has a lot of great wedding music. It had all of the songs I was looking for. There also is great background music for the ceremony. Glad I purchased it

Almost the compete wedding album.......2004-05-07

I used this cd to help me plan which songs I wanted to use for each part of the wedding. This cd helps you suggest the placement for the prelude, processional, ceremony and recessional. The cd mainly has classical songs, but it does have a few of "today's" songs. There could have been a few more songs they could have added. But overall, its a good cd.

Average customer rating:

Great Volume I of the complete Beethoven Symphonies
6 GREAT BEETHOVEN SYMPHONIES in 1 SET

Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies

Manufacturer: © 1989/1994 Musical Heritage Society
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
ASIN: B0007KVNAE

Product Description

This is Volume 1 of the complete symphonies.

Customer Reviews:

Great Volume I of the complete Beethoven Symphonies.......2006-12-18

I didn't really know anything that Walter Weller conducted until I bought this used at Wherehouse Music about 7 years ago, but he seemed to be the real deal after I heard this first volume of the complete Beethoven Symphonies. I was never able to fully love the Eroica Symphony until I heard this particular version. The 5th Symphony is probably in the top 20% of all of the versions out there. It is paced just about right at about 33 minutes. Symphonies 1, 2, 4, and 7 are among the finest versions out there right now also. This is currently selling used on Amazon for close to $0.05 plus shipping and handling so do yourself a favor and give this Vol. I a try. You can't go wrong at that low of a price. Enjoy!!!

6 GREAT BEETHOVEN SYMPHONIES in 1 SET.......2005-11-09

This 3-CD set is a very reasonably priced way to get 6 must-have symphonies by Beethoven. The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Walter Weller also recorded the unabridged Beethoven symphonies including an augmented version of the unfinished 10th Symphony {"Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-10 [BOX SET]"}.

Weller and the Birmingham Symphony very ably interpret Beethoven's symphonies with a romantic leaning which effectively portrays the strong emotion we imagine was intended by Beethoven. This set as well as the complete Beethoven Symphonic collection by Weller are both excellent choices and very good values. If you wish to sample these first, this is a very popular holding by public libraries so you may be able to borrow them first.

This 3 disk set includes the following;

DISK 1: SYMPHONY 1 in C Major, Opus 21 - 24:41
SYMPHONY 3 in E-flat Major, Opus 55 - 51:41

DISK 2: SYMPHONY 2 in D Major, Opus 36 - 34:54
SYMPHONY 5 in C Minor, Opus 67 - 33:15

DISK 3: SYMPHONY 4 in B-flat Major, Opus 60 - 34:19
SYMPHONY 7 in A Major, Opus 92 - 37:01

I noticed that at this time, this set starts at under $1 plus S&H. It would make a wonderful gift for any lover of great music.

Average customer rating:

Among the Very Best Ever!
Absolutely brilliant
it would be excellent set, but ....
Excellent set...with some slight drawbacks
Simply Amazing!!

Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas (Box Set)
Beethoven: Complete Symphonies; Sir Simon Rattle/Vienna Philharmonic
Mozart: The Symphonies
Dvorák: The Symphonies
Dvorak: 3 Great Symphonies

ASIN: B000003CVQ
Release Date: 1989-11-14

Tracks:

I. Adagio Molto/Allegro Con Brio
II. Andante Cantabile Con Moto
III. Menuetto/Allegro Molto E Vivace
IV. Adagio/Allegro Molto E Vivace
I. Adagio Molto/Allegro Con Brio
II. Larghetto
III. Scherzo: Allegro
IV. Allegro Molto
Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72

Tracks:

I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Marcia Funebre/Adagio Assai
III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
IV. Finale: Allegro Molto
I. Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
II. Allegro Scherzando
III. Tempo Di Menuetto
IV. Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

I. Adagio/Allegro Vivace
II. Adagio
III. Allegro Vivace; Un Poco Meno Allegro
IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Andante Con Moto
III. Allegro
IV. Allegro

Tracks:

I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Awakening Of Happy Feelings Upon Reaching The Countryside)
II. Andante Molto Moto (Scene At The Brook)
III. Allegro (Cheerful Gathering Of Country Folk)
IV. Allegro (Thunderstorm)
V. Allegretto (Shepherd's Song: Happy, Grateful Feelings After The Storm)
I. Poco Sostenuto/Vivace
II. Allegretto
III. Presto/Assai Meno Presto
IV. Allegro Con Brio

Tracks:

I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso - Robert Lloyd
II. Molto Vivace/Presto - Robert Lloyd
III. Adagio Molto E Cantabile - Robert Lloyd
IV. Presto - Robert Lloyd

Customer Reviews:

Among the Very Best Ever!.......2007-06-28

This Beethoven set, symphony by symphony, is simply one of the very best ever recorded. Christoph von Dohnanyi gives a powerful and translucent performances throughout this entire cycle. I agree very much with another reviewer that Dohnanyi's strength is in what seems to be his unwillingness to engage in "musical editorial" upon Beethoven. But perhaps in that regard Dohnanyi has so very much more to say about Beethoven than many other conductors. The music is vibrant, punctuated, lyrical, epic in scope and dynamically beautiful. As for the recorded sound, it is slightly unimpressive at lower volumes (perhaps because of Telarcs desire to avoid overprocessing the recorded sound, and thus preserving the musics natural dynamics). However if you love masterfully played Beethoven, you will want to turn this set up loud. And when you do, the sound, by nature of the performances, is thrilling and very natural sounding. This set was recorded in the mid to late 1980's at the height of the Cleveland Orchestras recording legacy. They are precise and powerful in execution of each symphony. There is not a weak moment in this set anywhere to be found. The cost is a little more than some (less than some newer sets) but worth every last penny!

Absolutely brilliant.......2003-07-03

I think another reviewer put it best: This is the only Beethoven symphony cycle in which I can listen and just hear Beethoven. All the other Beethoven conductors I've heard have, to varying degrees, let their egos get in the way of the music, to the point where I'm not sure how much of what I'm hearing is really Beethoven and how much is (insert conductor's name here). Dohnanyi, on the other hand, is a superb interpreter of what Beethoven intended his music to sound like, mainly because he keeps things direct and honest: there are no weird tempo variations, no out-of-place dynamic changes... no "ba-ba-baaaa-BUMMMMMMMMMMM"s for him, as someone else mentioned. He's just conducting what's on the page, and doing it extraordinarily well. The Cleveland Orchestra backs him up with a precision I haven't heard anywhere else. I use the phrase "tightly controlled" power a lot to refer to this particular orchestra: they don't try to blast a continuous wave of sound at you; rather, they snap it out in bursts. In addition, the orchestra plays with a polish, precision, and almost perfect balance for which I haven't found a match. The result is a Beethoven symphony cycle that's both powerful *and* precise, something I haven't found anywhere else: all other conductors err too far toward one side or the other. I do have to demote this cycle slightly for Telarc's sound, which--although very well done--does allow the brass to overshadow the other instrument groups slightly, most noticeably in the "Eroica." Fortunately, Dohnanyi is keenly aware of what every instrument family is doing and when each should be prominent, so the orchestral balance in each of these symphonies is well maintained anyway. I just can't say enough good things about this symphony cycle: listen to the whipcrack of a last note at the end of the first movement of the Fifth, for example, or the awesome, majestic second movement of that same symphony. Listen to the regal power of the entire "Eroica" as recorded here. Check out how jubilant the Fourth symphony (normally something of a throwaway) sounds under Dohnanyi's baton. Listen to the unusually boisterous peasants' dance in the Sixth. Note how hypnotic and woeful the slow movement of the Seventh becomes, or the lush, tender slow movement of the Ninth, or how awe-inspiring the Ninth's finale is, with its chorus just exploding out of the speakers. I could extend this list on and on, but I'm just babbling now. The point is, this sadly-underrated Beethoven symphony cycle is my cycle of choice. I won't go back to other interpretations now, and I bet if you try these interpretations out, you won't return either.

it would be excellent set, but ...........2002-10-14

the sound quality is very poor, so overbassed, muffled sound like this can be rarely heard....

Excellent set...with some slight drawbacks.......2002-08-09

This set of the nine symphonies are brilliant, and superlatively recorded. However, there are some orchestrative aspects that I don't really agree with, especially in the ninth symphony. However, to be fair, I must say that the tempo is suberbly gauged, textural boundaries and cadence points are much more clearly defined than any other version I've heard. The sheer immense grandeur of the work comes out very well. The solo quartet is admirable, although the vocal balance was better achieved in the Karajan 1963 version.
Dohnanyi's version of the fifth symphony is the finest that is currently available, with all the awesome power and stygian darkness, interspersed with flickering flames. The sixth symphony is beautifully executed, with a pearly, light and superbly clear texture. The seventh and eighth are..pretty good. The Karajan version does these two better.
Overall, the brilliant recording and beautiful execution make this set worthwile, but I would personally recommend buying it in conjunction with one or two others, specifically the Karajan 1963 version, so that you get a complete and impartial picture of these most monumental works.

Simply Amazing!!.......2002-04-08

Of all those complete sets of Beethoven symphonies out there, this is by far the one to get. It is not that well known (it tends to be over-shadowd by recordings by Karajan and all those other guys), but it deserves more credit than any other set out there. This is the only Beethoven symphony set in which I can listen to it and simply hear Beethoven. There's no weird interpretations, it's simply Beethoven. The Cleveland Orchestra is one of the best orchestras in the world, and they prove that in this set. The woodwinds are especially superb. None of the music seems to drag or to be too fast - it's just right (I'm a big fan of fast tempi - but you just can't complain in this set). The Orchestra is very crisp and tight at all times, which is rare in most Beethoven cycles. After every symphony is done, you always feel like your ears have been greatly rewarded. The sound quality is fine - I don't know what some of the others are complaining about. I can hear every section (including the low strings) with no problem. This set is a great treat for your listening pleasure. This set is without a doubt the best one on the market right now!

Average customer rating:

Beethoven, Muti, And Philadelphia
Nice.
I'm happy with choosing this set
Disappointing Beethoven from a conductor I usually like
Incomparable! Bring on 10 stars!

Beethoven: Complete Symphonies

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Beethoven: Complete Piano Sonatas / Daniel Barenboim
Brahms: Complete Symphonies
Complete Symphonies (Box)
Beethoven: Complete symphonies
Symphonie Fantastique

ASIN: B00000C2KJ
Release Date: 1998-11-03

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 - Presto
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 & Trio: Allegro molto e vivace
Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op.21: IV. Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op 36: 1. Adagio molto-Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op 36: II. Larghetto
Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op 36: III. Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
Symphony No. 2 In D Minor, Op 36: IV. Allegro molto
Symphony No.4 In B Flat Major, Op 60: I. Adagio - Allegro vivace
Symphony No.4 In B Flat Major, Op 60: II. Adagio
Symphony No.4 In B Flat Major, Op 60: III. Menuetto: Allegro vivace - Trio: Un poco meno allegro
Symphony No.4 In B Flat Major, Op 60: IV. Allegro ma non troppo

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 & Trio: Allegro vivace
Symphony No.3 In E Flat Major, Op.55 'Eroica': IV. Finale: Allegro molto - Poco andante - Presto
Overture: Fidelio, Op.72b
Overture: Die Weihe des Hauses, Op.124

Tracks:

Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 'Pastoral': I. Allegro ma non troppo - Beethoven
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 'Pastoral': II. Andant molto mosso - Scene By The Brook - Beethoven
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 'Pastoral': III. Allegro - Merry Gathering Of The Country Folk - Beethoven
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 'Pastoral': IV. Allegro - Storm And Tempest - Beethoven
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68 'Pastoral': V. Allegretto - Shepherds' Song. Happy And Thakful Feelings After The Storm - Beethoven
Overture: Leonore NO.3, Op.72a - Beethoven

Tracks:

Symphony No.7, A Major, Op.92: I. Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphony No.7, A Major, Op.92: II. Allegretto
Symphony No.7, A Major, Op.92: III. Presto - Assai meno presto
Symphony No.7, A Major, Op.92: IV. Allegro con brio
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

Tracks:

Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 - I Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 - __ Molto vivace - Presto - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 - III Adagio molto e Adagio molto e cantabile -- Andante moderato - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 - Presto - L.V. Beethoven

Customer Reviews:

Beethoven, Muti, And Philadelphia.......2005-12-03

The nine symphonies of Beethoven are not only a high watermark in the classical music genre, but indeed a high watermark for all of music and humanity in general. They are remarkable also for the sheer fact that Beethoven was often in poor health when he composed them, and struggling with deafness as well. From the first two symphonies, both in the Haydn/Mozart sphere, to the ground-breaking "Eroica" and moving up to the immense universes of the Ninth, Beethoven helped set the stage not only for the music of the 19th century, but also even the 20th as well.

Not surprisingly, there have been dozens upon dozens of box sets devoted to Beethoven's symphonies over the decades. But this one by the Philadelphia Orchestra under Riccardo Muti stands tall with other Beethoven sets for the way this great orchestra navigates its way through these works under the direction of a great conductor who had the unenviable task of carving out a niche for himself in Philadelphia, where the reputations of Leopold Stokowski and Eugene Ormandy still loom large.

The box set consists of:

CD-1: SYMPHONIES NOS. 5 & 1

CD-2: SYMPHONIES NOS. 2 & 4

CD-3: SYMPHONY NO. 3 (EROICA); OVERTURE TO "FIDELIO"; CONSECREATION OF THE HOUSE OVERTURE

CD-4: SYMPHONY NO. 6 (PASTORAL); LEONORA OVERTURE NO. 3

CD-5: SYMPHONIES NOS. 7 & 8

CD-6: SYMPHONY NO. 9 (CHORAL); CHERYL STUDER (soprano); DELORES ZIEGLER (mezzo-soprano); PETER SEIFFERT (tenor); JAMES MORRIS (bass); WESTMINSTER CHOIR (Joseph Flummerfelt, chorus director)

Recorded between 1985 and 1988, this box set may not enjoy the same amount of praise richly and deservedly placed on those by Solti, Karajan, Bernstein, or Szell, but the performances contained in them are very true to the composer's intentions without sacrificing spirit or orchestral texture. The 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 8th symphonies are very Classical in their performances, while nos. 3, 5, 6, & 7 are sterling examples of balancing classical structure with Romanticism. The addition of three overtures, two of them from the composer's one and only opera "Fidelio", is also welcome. And then there's the Ninth Symphony, with its immense power and the triumphal "Ode To Joy" finale, superbly pulled off by Muti and the orchestra with a distinguished quartet of vocal soloists and the Westminster Choir.

Every self-respecting music aficionado should have a Beethoven symphonic box set in their collection, and this one is a fine addition to the many great such box sets out there.

Nice........2005-11-03

It's true what most reviewers are saying about the more subtle interpretation, but I kind of like it that way. I have this box (which does have a 6 CD jewelbox-by the way) and the Solti version. While Sir Georg is my usual default, I find this one making it's way to the player more often.

I'm happy with choosing this set.......2005-02-04

I wanted to get a great recording of the Beethoven Symphonies and scoured the Internet looking for quality recordings. It came down to this set and Karajan's set, and this won due to price.

I'm aware of Karajan's set, and I'm not going to say anything bad about it. It's loud and boisterous, but just ask yourself this--would Beethoven have liked it? Of course.

Muti's interpretation is more subtle and less bombastic. If it were a flavor, it would be vanilla. But what's wrong with vanilla? Sure, the Philadelphia Orchestra is not as prestigious as Berlin or Vienna. And yes, they are playing on modern instruments, not period instruments.

But here's what you get, and here's why I think this is the best value set out there. You get all nine symphonies, plus three overtures: Fidelio, Leonore No. 3, and the Consecration of the House. The Ninth features opera star James Morris as one of the soloists and the Westminster College Choir. It's a digital recording (1986). Oh yes, and it's thirty dollars cheaper.

I actually prefer the more "classical" approach to the symphonies that Muti provides (don't worry, the Ninth is still purely Romantic). I'm sure one can find better recordings piecemeal (or perhaps collectively), but the fact remains that these recordings are very good and cannot be dismissed.

FYI-- The CDs are not in a jewel case but a cardboard box with stiff paper sleeves for each of the 6 CDs. Liner notes are good but not great.

Disappointing Beethoven from a conductor I usually like.......2003-09-02

I'm afraid I agree with the fellow who found the sound of these recordings dim--details in the strings and woodwinds remain unclear even after hours of fiddling with an equalizer. I agree that Karajan's and Toscanini's Beethoven are the pits, and I'd rather listen to Muti's Beethoven given the choice. There is no denying the beauty of the playing. Still, Muti is too much of a romantic for Beethoven--those subtle changes of tempo that are so effective and necessary in Tchaikovsky (Muti's is among the best) in Beethoven become fussy, distracting and effeminate, weakening forward momentum. I wish I liked this set--the price is certainly right--but...

Incomparable! Bring on 10 stars!.......2002-12-18

I have had this set for a month or two now and have wanted to write a review, but I have been overwhelmed by the idea of critiquing every symphony because each recording is so outstanding in its own right that I wanted to say something about each one. I realize that a few words about some of the recordings say volumes about the whole set.

First of all, one of the reviews suggested that this set was more classical in interpretation than the 'bombastic romantic' interpretations by Solti, von Karajan or Furtwangler and even Bruno Walter. Toscanini was a speed [fan] although tender moments do pop out. Another brought out his experience with all of the sets of his Beethoven recordings and tried to compare them.

I say that this set is incomparable because there is no set out there to compare it with, because the set has its bombastic moments and tender, classical moments, if you will. For instance, the larghetto movement of the second symphony, which is a struggle between major and minor melodies in only the way Beethoven could weave them. After the recapitulation of the two themes and toward the end of the movement there is an ascending melody lower strings answered in a descending theme by the violins that is so wonderfully and romantically played, the strings soar so beautifully (Muti has a way with Maestoso, such as a passage in the first movement of Tchaikovsky's sixth in a descending scale by the orchestra ) the majesty is astounding. That is not 'classical'! His recordings of the 2nd and 4th are like no others. Maestro Muti also brings out melodies that I have never heard in any other Beethoven redordings. The fifth is a marvel of invention, I know every single note of this symphony by heart and the Maestro brings out things I haven't heard before. The adagio and the finale of the seventh are so wonderful. The second and third movements are a marvel in the 9th also.l also think that the eigth is a marvel. I have heard at least 100 performances of it and non other compare. The third is also a wonder. And to have the overtures. What a wonderful bonus. I almost forgot to mention the 'Pastoral'. I had been waiting for years and years to listen a recording that matched Bruno Walter's old recording of it. The reason is the majesty of the last movement. All the recordings that I owned or listened to did not come close (maybe Ormandy did), but this one did and I am so greatful. I usually graded a Beethoven set by the sensitivity of the sixth. (I used to have several sets of Beethoven but all was lost in a fire several years ago).

I cannot end without saying something about the Philadelphia Orchestra's playing. I have said before that Maestro Muti brought a refinement to the orchestra that, I think, adds to their virtuosity. They play so powerfully as well as beautifully. The strings in the second and eigth symphonies as well as the sixth and seventh. The brass powerful yet sensitive. I guess that I could go on and on. I am an unashamed PHO lover and devotee and have been most of my life. I wish the Maestro hadn't left because Sawallisch has brought back the power without the refinement, like he is playing a piano, not a great orchestra. It is just too bad that Maestroes Muti and Ormandy didn't have the new hall to play and record in. I understand that there are also new recordings with the PHO on Deutche Gramaphon. I can hardly wait to hear them. BPO, CSO, CCO Amsterdam, VPO, yes they are great orchestras but PHO you are in your own class and always have been.

Beethoven: Complete Symphonies (Box Set)
Average customer rating:

Depressingly competent and utterly passionless

Very Good Beethoven Symphony Cycle from Herbert Blomstedt and the Dresden Staatskapelle

Warmth and clarity

hardly the best interpretation of Beethoven

A must have set of interesting Beethoven at a fine price

Beethoven: Complete Symphonies (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Beethoven: Complete symphonies

Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies

Schubert: Symphonies (Complete) [Box Set]

Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem op.45 Lehmann, Stader, Wiener

Beethoven: Complete Overtures

ASIN: B0002YCW2I
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Customer Reviews:

Depressingly competent and utterly passionless.......2007-05-11

Blomstedt and the Dresden orchestra play Beethoven the way you might iron your shirt for work: You want it to turn out well, but you're hardly going to put your heart and soul into it. The performances are modern big-band style, but with tempos and orchestral clarity informed by period performances. Unfortunately this means these performances lack the big romantic sound and expressiveness of the "traditional" approach, but they also lack the visceral "authentic" sounds and energy of the best "historically-informed" recordings. They sit squarely in the middle (and I do mean square) without committing to either approach, and without sounding committed. "Depressingly competent and utterly passionless" was my verdict on hearing these performances, although I'll confess I couldn't listen to much of this set at one time. I had to hurry to the stereo and clean out my ears with Karajan's 1963 set, which, with its occasionally debatable interpretation, is still nevertheless unquestionably committed. The Berlin players really mean it and feel it, and they're giving their all, unlike the Dresden players, who are expert but without inspiration.

The great advantage of this set is that it is cheap, well played, with uncontroversial tempos and balance. If that's all you want, then fine. If you think Beethoven should be conducted with passion and played with energy and commitment, look elsewhere.

Very Good Beethoven Symphony Cycle from Herbert Blomstedt and the Dresden Staatskapelle.......2006-09-25

Among the world's great conductors, Herbert Blomstedt has been underrated, if not overlooked, too often, inspite of holding music directorships at some of the world's best orchestras (e. g. San Francisco Symphony and Leipzig Gewandhaus. More than any other conductor, including Michael Tilson Thomas, the current music director, Blomstedt may be the one most responsible for the San Francisco Symphony's recently earned reputation for being one of North America's finest. Indeed, I greatly treasure my San Francisco Symphony recordings of him conducting Mendelssohn, Schubert and Sibelius symphonies.). He is also a former student of Leonard Bernstein's at Tanglewood, who has gone on to direct not only the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, but a premier European orchestra like the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (In the past two years I heard a memorable concert at Carnegie Hall which he conducted, taking this venerable orchestra on its latest North American tour.). Blomstedt was fortunate to assume directorship of the Dresden Staatskapelle when the orchestra still retained its burnished - if provincial (in stark contrast to the cosmopolitan Berliner Philharmoniker under Karajan's firm direction) - yet still refined, Central European sound. This Beethoven symphony cycle dating from this period stands as a splendid musical testament to the excellent partnership established between Blomstedt and this - the world's oldest - symphony orchestra.

I have been quite fond of this Beethoven symphony cycle for Blomstedt's straightforward interpretations and the lush, warm playing from the Dresden Staatskapelle. For these reasons, it should deserve greater recognition from classical music fans who are familiar with contemporary (circa 1970s) Beethoven symphony cycles conducted by the likes of Bernstein, Bohm, Solti, and especially, Karajan. My own personal favorites include a vibrant 4th symphony and a superb 5th symphony that isn't too far removed from Carlos Kleiber's justly celebrated account on Deutsche Grammophon with the Wiener Philharmoniker; Blomstedt's conducting of the other symphonies is fine too, with a well-played interpretation of the popular 6th "Pastorale" Symphony. But is this fine Beethoven symphony cycle truly among the best?

We are now witnessing a recent glut of Beethoven symphony cycles, with recently completed ones from the Wiener Philharmoniker (Rattle's Philips recordings), Berliner Philharmoniker (Abbado's most recent, critically acclaimed, Deutsche Grammophon recordings), Tonhalle Orchestra (Zinman's cheap Arte Nova recordings which were the first to use the Barenreiter Edition of these symphonies.), Berliner Staatskapelle (Barenboim's somewhat traditional Teldec recordings with the Barenreiter Edition), London Symphony Orchestra (Judging from what I've heard so far, this is definitely Bernard Haitink's most interesting cycle, recorded live during concert performances in November, 2005 for LSO Live recordings.), and more to follow. I'll let you, the consumer, decide whether you prefer a more traditional approach to Beethoven's symphonies (which this cycle does quite well, even if its recording quality isn't as high as that from Deutsche Grammophon, EMI or Philips during the late 1970s), or the new, lighter-textured, and noticeably faster, Barenreiter Edition versions from the likes of Rattle, Zinman, Haitink and Abbado (Of these, if price is no object, then Abbado's is still the best; but there are cheaper, almost equally compelling, versions from both Haitink and Zinman.). If you can afford both the time and budget to get both the "old" and "new" Beethoven symphony cycles, then Blomstedt's Dresden Staatskapelle recordings are worth getting, and may prove more rewarding, than more expensive Beethoven symphony cycles from the likes of Karajan and Solti.

Warmth and clarity.......2005-10-19

Here is an instance where a little known set turns out to better than most of the big-name ones. The Karajan, Szell, Barenboim, Bohm, Toscanini, Bernstein, and Furtwangler sets get more attention, but this set by Blomstedt is superior to most of them, and equal to the best (Szell). I totally have to disagree with the previous reviewer. This set doesn't contain one dud. Every performance is excellent, with very musical, straightforward, subtle interpretations. The winds, especially, shine throughout the whole set, but especially in the 4th, 6th, and 9th.

His 4th may be the best performance of the symphony i ever heard. The pellucid wind playing help the performance to be very lyrical. The 5th may be the weakest performance in the set, but only because of the reserved interpretation of the first movement. After that, the performance picks up. The 7th is also one of the best performances i've ever heard. Blomstedt paces the whole thing perfectly, and he keeps the rhythmic momentum high throughout. Through the whole set, the orchestra is more reserved than bombastic, but when they have to play loud, they play very loud. This makes all the performances powerful, and subtle, at the same time. Blomstedt shows great balance in his interpretations.

As much praise should go to the recordings themselves, which are all very clear and sharp. The sound quality brings out even more the great playing.

hardly the best interpretation of Beethoven.......2005-09-26

Unlike at least two other reviewers listed, I was far from impressed with both the interpretation of the conductor or the musical and technical skill of the orchestra. For me, the acid test of an orchestra and it's conductor when playing all 9 symphonies, is the mastering of symphonies no'.s 6 (The Pastoral) and the famous 9th (the Choral).

The conductor failed abysmally when it came to the Pastoral; the interpreation is not anywhere near as evocative as the Karajan with the BPO recordings of which I have on both vinyl and CD; the listener is not left with any real sensation of being actually in the country when listening to this symphony; the orchestra fumbles around, and where it should play lightly and with a sense of relaxation, instead, it sounds laboured and cumbersome; contrived.

The mighty 9th is an absolute disaster here! One almost has a sense that technically, the notes are actually beyond the capability of the musicians; the solo voices are weak and without any solid foundation , and the vocal chorus......let it be left again, to Karajan with the BPO & the Wiener Singvereien and their masterful vocal soloists who follow firmly in the steps of probably the greatest recorded interpretation of these works ever; and that is Klemperer, again with the BPO.

The BPO actually has in depth the additional musicians required for an unusual scoring that was written by Beethoven for the 9th, so they integrate seamlessly into the normal instrunentation of the orchestra; here, one can almost feel that the additional musicians that were required to enable this performance on cd were not in fact members of the orchestra on a daily basis, but merely called in to supplement and ensure that the numerical requirements were met.

My mother once said,"you get what you pay for". That certainly applies to this collection! This is, by comparison,an inexpensive set of all the 9 symphonies. Unfortunately, upon listening, it sounds like an inexpensive one too!

For the COMPLETE set, get Karajan and the BPO on Deutsche Gramaphon. NOTHING else since the master, Klemperer, has been recorded that truly gives these musical masterpieces the attention to detail and musical expression and skill that they deserve, and to my ear, Karajan and the BPO are STILL the standard by which others are to be measured, some 30+ years after they recorded all 9 symphonies on vinyl, for Deutsche Gramaphon

A must have set of interesting Beethoven at a fine price.......2005-09-22

First a few preliminaries. The Dresden Staatskapelle has been a leading orchestra for a very long time. Blomstedt is an interesting conductor, he is very versatile and seems to go where his intuition and intelligence lead him. I treasure his Hindemith Mathis der Mahler recording with the San Franciso orchestra, and he has also recorded some interesting Mendelsohn in my opinion. Theo Adam and Peter Schrier are deservedly well known. All the singers are generally first rate.

In evaluating sets of symphonies one has to really look at the overall aspects, or why not just buy individual works? The Beethoven symphonies are probably the single most influential set of symphonies ever written, so they do not lack great performances.

The technical quality and artistic temperment of the Dresden orchestra at the time of this recording is noteworthy. All the sections are on top of their games and shine in different places, as well as complementing each other very well. This is a disciplined orchestra with a fine distinctive sound.

I will not review the set symphony by symphony. I will say that I especially liked the earlier ones 1-6, and 7. These performances are among the best recorded. Other performances may individually outshine those found here, but at a great price this is a very fine and highly recommendable set.

If there are any disappointments, I would say that the 9th here is quite good, but it would not make my list of top 9ths ever recorded. Not that it is bad, and besides, if you are really serious about your Beethoven, you will buy other sets or recordings over time. The earlier sets by von Karajan, that of Szell and perhaps something by Furtwangler come immediately to mind.

Part of the fun with recordings is that they really allow exploration of the compositional and orchestral sound spaces. So, if you are interested in this kind of approach, do yourself a favor and pick up this set. A great set of symphonies, good vocalists, an interesting and sometimes underrated conductor with one of the world's hisorically great orchestras. Not a bad deal.

Beethoven: Complete Symphonies; Sir Simon Rattle/Vienna Philharmonic

Average customer rating:

majestic 6th
American and Britain: A Special (Inverse) Relationship?
Bad!
Look elsewhere
Simon Rattle's Beethoven, Somewhat Sloppy Playing, Weird Interpretations, Below Average Sound Quality

Beethoven: Complete Symphonies; Sir Simon Rattle/Vienna Philharmonic
Thomas Hampson , Birgit Remmert , Sir Simon Rattle , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Beethoven: The 5 Piano Concertos
The Nine Symphonies
Dvorák: The Nine Symphonies
Mahler - Symphony 10 / Berliner Philharmoniker · Rattle
Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies

ASIN: B000084T5W
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Tracks:

I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II: Andante Cantabile Con Moto
III: Menuetto & Trio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
IV: Adagio - Allegro Molto E Vivace
I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai
III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro Vivace
IV: Finale: Allegro Molto - Poco Andante - Presto

Tracks:

I: Adagio Molto - Allegro Con Brio
II: Larghetto
III: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
IV: Allegro Molto
I: Allegro Con Brio
II: Andante Con Moto
III: Allegro
IV: Allegro - Presto

Tracks:

I: Adagio - Allegro Vivace
II: Adagio
III: Menuetto: Allegro Vivace. Trio: Un Poco Meno Allegro
IV: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
I: Allegro Ma Non Troppo (Awakening Of Happy Feelings On Arriving In The Country)
II: Andante Molto Mosso (By The Brook)
III: Allegro - Sempre Piu Stretto - In Tempo D'Allegro - Tempo I - Presto (Merry Gathering Of The Country Folk)
IV: Allegro (Thunder And Storm)
V: Allegretto (Shepherds' Song. Beneficient Feelings With Thanks To The Godhead After The Storm)

Tracks:

I: Poco Sostenuto - Vivace
II: Allegretto
III: Presto - Assai Meno Presto
IV: Allegro Con Brio
I: Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
II: Allegretto Scherzando
III: Tempo Di Menuetto
IV: Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

I: Allegro Non Troppo, Un Poco Maetoso - Barbara Bonney
II: Molto Vivace - Presto - Barbara Bonney
III: Adagio Molto E Cantabile - Andante Moderato - Tempo I - Andante Moderato - Adagio - Lo Stesso Tempo - Barbara Bonney
IV: Presto - Allegro Assai - Barbara Bonney
Presto - Recitativo - Allegro Assai - Allegro Assai Vivace (Alla Marcia) - Andante Maestoso - Adagio Ma Non Troppo Ma Divoto - Allegro Energico E Sempre Ben Marcato - Allegro Ma Non Tanto - Presto - Maestoso - Prestissimo - Barbara Bonney

Customer Reviews:

majestic 6th.......2007-06-12

Immediate caveat. I have heard only the 6th symphony from this set, and I heard it only on the car radio. But...far from being a "turkey" as one very capable reviewer called it, I would rate this as one of the greatest renditions of the 6th I have ever heard -- not only was the playing first rate, but the phrasing and somewhat measured treatment transformed my conception of the 6th from a second-rate (for Beethoven) collection of pretty melodies into a majestic statement about the human condition. So by all means take advantage of the many opportunities to hear samples for yourself before counting this set out of contention.

American and Britain: A Special (Inverse) Relationship?.......2006-07-24

I'm relatively newly initiated into the world of classical music. For the past twelve months, I've been working my way round the works that have been celebrated as masterpieces over the last four centuries or so. I rent CDs from my city library, listen to the radio, attend the occasional concert, read reviews of classic recordings on Amazon and elsewhere. I'm trying to educate myself; or, to put it more accurately, in the words of Fred Plotkin (whose books on opera and classical music I've consumed along the way, courtesy of Amazon): I'm "learning to love" this type of music. Or trying to.

Beethoven - no surprise - is proving one of the brightest of highlights.

I've listened to a number of Beethoven recordings which have received fine reviews on these and other pages. I've enjoyed some more than others; but, to be honest, I lack the musical vocabulary to articulate exactly why.

After listening to some of Karajan's Beethoven, some of Furtwängler's, some of Ashkenazy's, and more, I turned, just this morning, to Rattle's cycle.

My rating is based on just one initial hearing and I may come back to modify it. But, this is not the driving reason for my posting. My view is not significant at all; I have no deep experience, no substantive points of reference, no personal musical heritage. However, it is other thoughts made me post these comments.

I reviewed the reviews of these nine Rattle symphonies on the UK version of Amazon (co.uk) and I reviewed them on the global/US version (.com). The disparities were striking. There is a near complete polarisation. In essence: the Brits rave about this set; the American's consider it immensely disappointing.

As a newcomer I am left not knowing what to infer. Is it a simple case of national loyalty (in which the Brits rate it higher than they objective ought to because of Rattle's nationality, while the Americans lean in the opposite direction because of theirs)? Is it that US and British listeners enjoy different kinds of interpretations (e.g. are Americans perhaps more entertained by larger, more powerful, interpretations) and does this Rattle performance split the vote (note the complete difference of opinion between the two sides of the Atlantic regarding the Pastoral Symphony)? Or is it all so relative that one can never agree or disagree with anyone else's criticism (note the numerous disagreements about just about each of the nine symphonies - the "love it or hate it" positions)?

So: I give it a three. I think that's about right. It's ok: I've heard other versions that I prefer; I've heard other versions that I like less. And three is about the average review rating, once you take both the US and American views into account.

Another thought, to myself, to end with: do I (do others?) actually prefer the analysis, the discussion, the criticism, to the music? If so, is that really bad; really sad?

Bad!.......2006-06-08

What is going on? Where's all the depth of Beethoven? This is just as mediocre as Zinman's cycle, which also makes use of Del Mar.

Personally I like something between Bohm's meticulous intepretations and Karajan's free style. Rattle here is utterly unimpressive.

Look elsewhere.......2006-05-02

Of all the Beethoven cycles the Vienna Philharmonic has recorded this is surely the less well done and the less interesting. I still can?t understand why the Berlin Philharmonic elected this young and not terribly talented conductor. If you want all the symphonies in a cycle look for Harnoncourt, Blomstedt or Masur with the Gewandhaus orchestra. Leave this alone.

Simon Rattle's Beethoven, Somewhat Sloppy Playing, Weird Interpretations, Below Average Sound Quality.......2006-02-05

I really want to like Simon Rattle but many times either he or the EMI engineers make it impossible. I bought this Beethoven cycle of his two weeks ago, anticipating some interesting musical results, I popped in the 5th symphony ( a good first test ) to see if Rattle can hold his own. I didn't expect the best 5th ever, just enough for Rattle to hold up against his predecessors. As soon as I heard the first four notes, I said to myself, " Oh God, no! ". I kept listening and kept trying to remain optimistic, sadly my first impressions were all correct. First thing you'll realize, this set has sound that is quite lousy at best and absolutely detrimental to the music-making at worst. It's a sedate, opaque sound with little depth or projection and once in a while a big orchestral crash comes out of nowhere during the climaxes. As for the performances, they're not horrible. Yes the Vienna Philharmonic play in this quasi-period instrument manner for many of the symphonies and it simply is more a distraction than a sincere method of interpretation on Rattle's part.

The first two symphonies sound lifeless in this opaque sound even though Rattle finds warmth and beauty in the larghetto of number 2, the VPO seem stretched for power in the finale. Compare this to Karajan and hear the difference. Bernstein in his VPO cycle was much better than Rattle too.

The performance of the Eroica is actually good I have to admit, however Rattle's intrusive personal blemishes mar the performance. Just listen to some of the tuttis, Rattle always seems intent on emphasizing the details and not the main power of the argument. The coda in the last movement of the Eroica is curiously slow, I can't understand why. Simon's endless point making is particularly egregious in the other big finales, like the 5th symphony where the piccolo comes out of nowhere and starts screeching away over the muted orchestra and this is happening during the climax of the development section! It was very bizarre. Well, things get even crazier in the choral finale of the 9th when the chorus right at the end goes mute and the raging piccolo attacks again with brute force! The choral work right before the final prestissimo is fast but then the prestissimo itself is curiously slow, what's up with that? The male members of the chorus almost seem to be invited to shout instead of sing in several spots!

The Pastoral suffers the most from the violins playing in the vibrato-less period manner. This symphony must convey warmth to be successful. Rattle's reading is expansive but the restricted, dull sound suffocates the orchestra and the reading passes by like a funeral. It seems like Rattle understands the Pastoral but it can't be helped when recorded so poorly. The 7th symphony is also boring with a dull as hell finale. Compare this to Karajan and be amazed.

Rattle's Ninth, here the conception and execution is very much in the grand tradition. He brings in the full modern orchestra and plays his heart out. Intense first movement, a slightly slow scherzo but then a gorgeous, expansive adagio and a well sung finale barring a few bizzare touches that I mentioned above. This is a very good performance but once again the engineers at EMI are wholly at fault for their lackluster sound. Whenever I questioned whether there was something wrong with the sound or maybe I was going deaf, I simply popped in my Karajan or Bernstein versions and heard things much more clearly. A reviewer below mentioned that at times the recorded sound sounds like it is coming from an alarm clock radio and
sadly at times I have to agree. This set is in dire need of a remastering job. Hopefully those idiots at EMI come through and salvage this cycle because it's not that bad. Not great but not awful and it does offer some insights into how Rattle thinks. Just listen to the Eroica Funeral March, Rattle knows this music is grand and full of sorrow and plays it that way, not like the moronic period-instrument conductors who always set some hectic tempos for funerals!

Alas, a weird but interesting set marred by some poor engineering, too bad. Thankfully there is always Karajan to the rescue!

Average customer rating:

Excellent playing, mediocre interpretation
I have read alot about Sawallisch's Beethoven Symphonies

Beethoven: Complete symphonies
Beethoven , Wolfgang Sawallisch , and Royal Concertgebouw Orch
Manufacturer: Brilliant Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Brilliant Classics | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird (Complete Ballet, 1910) / Alexander Scriabin: Prometheus - The Poem of Fire - Valery Gergiev / Kirov Orchestra, St. Petersburg / Alexander Toradze
Bach J.S: Brandenburg Concertos
Ravel: Bolero; Debussy, Mussorgsky / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Children's Classics - Prokofiev: Peter & The Wolf/ Saint-Saens: Carnival of the Animals/ Britten: Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
Schubert: Symphonies (Complete) [Box Set]

ASIN: B000BUEGF4
Release Date: 2005-11-29

Customer Reviews:

Excellent playing, mediocre interpretation.......2007-04-10

This is undoubtedly a prime example of the Concertgebouw's stunning virtuosity and expressive depth--however, Sawallisch, as he is with the Philadelhpia Orchestra in the Dvorak late symphonies, is at times middle-of-the-road, and other times somewhat stifling.

Symphonies 1, 2, 4, and 8 are really quite well-done. These are clear, refreshing readings of the lesser-known Beethoven. The playing is supple, uncluttered, and Sawallisch interprets by not interpreting--much.

Rightly so, Symphonies 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 have much, shall we say, richer performance histories. Although Sawallisch provides quite decent readings of each of these symphonies, all of them are either quite middle-of-the road, or, in the case of 5 and 6, somewhat drab. Still, nothing can be blamed on the orchestra, who respond with their usual flexibility and pristine playing.

Overall, not a bad bargain set to own, but definitely not the one to point at when recommending a superior Beethoven.

I have read alot about Sawallisch's Beethoven Symphonies.......2006-09-14

I have read alot about conductor Wolfgang Sawallisch's Beethoven Symphony recordings (1991-93) with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, and have just ordered them for myself.

Sawallisch recorded all Nine symphonies over a 2 year period, for EMI in 1991-93, and then the recordings were reissued by Brilliant Classics in November, 2005. These were recorded in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Holland, one of the most perfect acoustic orchestra halls in the world. Sawallisch (born 1923) has considerable experience conducting Beethoven, so I expect great things from his cycle.

According to reviews in such journals as "American Record Guide," and "Penguin Guide to compact discs", Sawallisch's Beethoven is as follows:

Symphony 1 - excellent, with the best sound.
Symphony 2 - excellent interpretation, sound less vivid, but
pretty good.
Symphony 3 - sluggish I, II - IV are excellent. Big boned and
very massive interpretation.
Symphony 4 - good/ average. Nothing earth-shaking, or to make
it stand out.
Symphony 5 - not as good as many others.
Symphony 6 - quite good, with a blistering IV: "Thunderstorm"
Symphony 7 - tubby and sluggish.
Symphony 8 - too heavy-handed. A lighter touch would have been
nice.
Symphony 9 - very good, but rather ordinary. Don't expect Furt-
wangler, Bohm, Szell, or other great visions; Sawallisch lets
the music "play itself" and it's OK, but not as great as some
recordings. Smallish chorus, but very good work. I'm sure I'll like it.

Sound: best in Symphonies 1 and 9; less clear in Symphonies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8.

At $16.00 for 5 discs (shipping included), however, you can hardly go wrong. Sawallisch is a great conductor in the tradition of Karl Bohm (1894-1981) and his Beethoven will be the traditional, large orchestra German Beethoven, not the period instrument visions of Norrington, Bruggen, Gardiner, Goodman, and their ilk. And the Concertgebouw is one of the 5 best orchestras in the world, having recorded Beethoven's Symphonies with Eugen Jochum (Philips) and Bernard Haitink (Philips) before Sawallisch.

About the price, I can remember when first collecting CDs in 1986, ONE DISC was $16.00, plus 4% sales tax! And you get all 9 Beethoven Symphonies for a price lower than 1 or 2 Symphonies would cost on CD 20 years ago. It sounds like a bargain to me.

Why 4 stars? I'm being picky, but with the less than great recording job for some of the Symphonies, 4 stars is the highest mark I can give. But I'm going to give this a try.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2006: An addition to my earlier review. Having received the Sawallisch Beethoven cycle 48 hours ago, I have listened to Symphonies 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 and find them all excellent. Symphony 7 is too slow for my taste: especially the finale, which should be really fast and "rip roaring" for full effect. (I prefer Monteux/London Symphony for this, in their Decca recording, available in a 2 CD set).

I sampled parts of Symphony 9, and it is very good, if not for the ages. IV coheres very nicely. The singing of all 4 soloists and chorus is very good, and if there is a bit of imprecision in places, the overall effect is exciting and joyful. The woodwind playing in Allegro passages in IV is very good, and cleanly articulated.

I do not hear the blurring of sound some reviewers have mentioned. The Concertgebouw has glorious acoustics, and if the sound in Symphony 3 is a little rough at times, it is overall clear and very fine. But I found the sound decent if not demonstration class, and I have a very modest, non surround sound stereo system.

Also, there is applause after Symphony 8 and 9: these were performed live, in concert.

A great bargain: go for it, unless you MUST have Furtwangler, Bohm, Weingartner, or other legendary (and long since dead) conductors for Beethoven Symphonies.

Beethoven-Liszt: The Complete Symphonies

Average customer rating:

Flat readings of spectacular music
Comparison between this and other Liszt-Beethoven recordings
A spectacular undertaking
First Rate Musicianship
I give this CD 6 stars

Beethoven-Liszt: The Complete Symphonies

Manufacturer: Hyperion UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Imports | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Liszt: Beethoven & Hummel Septets and Other Transcriptions
Liszt at the Opera: Operatic Fantasies, Paraphrases, and Transcriptions, Vol. VI (Complete Music for Solo Piano, Vol. 54)
Liszt Transcriptions of Berlioz, Chopin, Saint-Saëns
Liszt: Hungarian Rhapsodies
Liszt: Grande Fantaisie de Bravoure sur la Clochette

ASIN: B000002ZT9
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Sym No. 1 in C, Op. 21, S464 No. 1: Adagio Molto-Allegro Con Brio
Sym No. 1 in C, Op. 21, S464 No. 1: Andante Cantabile Con Moto
Sym No. 1 in C, Op. 21, S464 No. 1: Menuetto: Allegro Molto E Vivace-Trio-Menuetto Da Capo
Sym No. 1 in C, Op. 21, S464 No. 1: Adagio-Allegro Molto E Vivace
Sym No. 3 in E flat-'Sinfonia Eroica', Op. 55, S464 No. 3: Allegro Con Brio
Sym No. 3 in E flat-'Sinfonia Eroica', Op. 55, S464 No. 3: Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai...
Sym No. 3 in E flat-'Sinfonia Eroica', Op. 55, S464 No. 3: Scherzo: Allegro Vivace-Trio (Scherzo)
Sym No. 3 in E flat-'Sinfonia Eroica', Op. 55, S464 No. 3: Finale: Allegro Molto-Poco Andante-Presto

Tracks:

Sym No. 2 in D, Op. 36, S464 No. 2: Adagio Molto-Allegro Con Brio
Sym No. 2 in D, Op. 36, S464 No. 2: Larghetto
Sym No. 2 in D, Op. 36, S464 No. 2: Scherzo: Allegro-Trio-Scherzo Da Capo
Sym No. 2 in D, Op. 36, S464 No. 2: Allegro Molto
Sym No. 4 in B flat, Op. 60, S464 No. 4: Adagio-Allegro Vivace
Sym No. 4 in B flat, Op. 60, S464 No. 4: Adagio
Sym No. 4 in B flat, Op. 60, S464 No. 4: Menuetto: Allegro Vivace-Trio: Un Poco Meno Allegro...
Sym No. 4 in B flat, Op. 60, S464 No. 4: Allegro Ma Non Troppo

Tracks:

Sym No. 5 in c, Op. 67 (Second Version), S464 No. 5: Allegro Con Brio
Sym No. 5 in c, Op. 67 (Second Version), S464 No. 5: Andante Con Moto (Piu Mosso-Tempo 1)
Sym No. 5 in c, Op. 67 (Second Version), S464 No. 5: Scherzo (Trio-Scherzo)
Sym No. 5 in c, Op. 67 (Second Version), S464 No. 5: Allegro-Tempo 1 (Scherzo)-Allegro-Presto
Sym No. 6 in F-'Sinfonie Pastorale', Op. 68 (Final Version), S464 No. 6: Erwachen Heiterer...
Sym No. 6 in F-'Sinfonie Pastorale', Op. 68 (Final Version), S464 No. 6: Szene Am Bach: Andante...
Sym No. 6 in F-'Sinfonie Pastorale', Op. 68 (Final Version), S464 No. 6: Lustiges Zusammensein...
Sym No. 6 in F-'Sinfonie Pastorale', Op. 68 (Final Version), S464 No. 6: Donner. Sturm: Allegro
Sym No. 6 in F-'Sinfonie Pastorale', Op. 68 (Final Version), S464 No. 6: Hirtengesang. Frohe...

Tracks:

Sym No. 7 in A, Op. 92 (Second Version), S464 No. 7: Poco Sostenuto-Vivace
Sym No. 7 in A, Op. 92 (Second Version), S464 No. 7: Allegretto
Sym No. 7 in A, Op. 92 (Second Version), S464 No. 7: Presto-Assai Meno Presto-Da Capo (Tutto)...
Sym No. 7 in A, Op. 92 (Second Version), S464 No. 7: Allegro Con Brio
Sym No. 8 in F, Op 93, S464 No. 8: Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
Sym No. 8 in F, Op 93, S464 No. 8: Allegretto Scherzando
Sym No. 8 in F, Op 93, S464 No. 8: Tempo Di Menuetto (Trio-Menuetto)
Sym No. 8 in F, Op 93, S464 No. 8: Allegro Vivace

Tracks:

Sym No. 9 in d, Op. 125, S464 No. 9: Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso
Sym No. 9 in d, Op. 125, S464 No. 9: Molto Vivace-Presto-Da Capo Tutto-Coda-Presto
Sym No. 9 in d, Op. 125, S464 No. 9: Adagio Molto E Cantabile-Andante Moderato-Tempo 1...
Sym No. 9 in d, Op. 125, S464 No. 9: Presto-Allegro Ma Non Troppo-Vivace-Tempo 1...

Customer Reviews:

Flat readings of spectacular music.......2003-12-24

Who would not want to hear a pianist struggle through the transcribed score of a Beethoven symphony? Unfortunately, pianist Leslie Howard makes a mere run-through of these symphonic scores. He has stellar technique, but interpretively speaking, he's just not very interesting. Just compare his 5th with Glenn Gould's--Howard plays the final about twice as fast, but with less than half of Gould's involvement. There are other alternatives--Katsaris, Scherbakov--but I haven to listen to them yet. But Howard is not recommended, unless you want just dry, safe run-throughs.

Comparison between this and other Liszt-Beethoven recordings.......2002-10-21

I've wanted this CD set for years and when I got it it was everything I had hoped for.

Leslie Howard, if you don't already know, recorded for Hyperion (among other things) the complete piano works of Liszt, which took 95 CDs worth of music to do. His technique is superhuman.

Being a big fan of Liszt, I own the scores to his piano arrangements of all the Beethoven symphonies. I have since been trying to find good recordings of them and this set is the best I've ever heard. Glenn Gould recorded the 5th and 6th symphonies on piano, but were generally too slow. They are great recordings but not quite what Liszt or Beethoven would have wanted. Cyprien Katsaris has a CD set with all 9 symphonies on piano, but he does not adhere to Liszt's original text. Katsaris changed many parts to better suit his own vision of how it should sound, and I don't think many of his own additions are necessary or good sounding. Naxos has released 4 of the Liszt versions of Beethoven symphonies, but due to how they were recorded many nuances do not come out very well. Also, they are not all played by the same person.
In Howard's set, however, he plays Liszt note-for-note and each one comes out sounding great. He plays with incredible speed which is needed to approach Beethoven's original tempi. Every symphony on here is the best I've ever heard it done on piano, except possibly the first movement of the 5th symphony, which goes to Glenn Gould. I reccomend everyone who likes Beethoven or Liszt or piano music in general to buy these CDs.

A spectacular undertaking.......2001-09-25

What a piece of work this is. First Beethoven composes these 9 magnificent symphonies, then Liszt decides to transcribe all 9 from massed orche

1. 1-4 Symphony No. 1 In C Major, Op.21
2. 5-8 Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op.36
3. 9- Coriolan-Overture
4. 1-4 Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major "Eroica",Op.55
5. 5-8 Symphony No. 8 In F Major, Op.93
6. 1-4 Symphony No. 4 In B-Flat Major, Op.60
7. 5-9 Symphony No. 6 In F Major " Pastorale", Op. 68
8. 1-4 Symphony No. 5 In C Minor, Op. 67
9. 5-8 Symphony No. 7 In A Major, Op.92
10. 1-5 Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op.125