Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5-7; Overtures

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Joseph Keilberth was one of those solid German conductors who grew up in the opera house and who shuttled around central Europe turning in reliable performances of the standard repertoire. The approach is a known quantity: sensible tempos, strong bass lines, and good orchestral discipline. It may not sound inspiring, but every so often, as in this version of the Seventh, something would simply "click," with superlative results. All of these performances are sensitive and capable, but that Seventh is extraordinary and worth the (bargain) price of the set. --David Hurwitz

Tracks:

Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21
Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.36
Symphony No.4 In B-Flat Major, Op.60
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.68
Symphony No.9 In D Minor, Op.125
Concerto For Violin And Orchestra In D Major, Op.61

Customer Reviews:

Bernstein's First, Quite Possibly, Best, Beethoven Symphony Cycle.......2007-05-23

For those wondering why Leonard Bernstein was such an important, exciting conductor, there's no better introduction than these fine early stereo recordings he made with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. Critics have celebrated these as exciting, revelatory accounts, almost as memorable as those from George Szell and The Cleveland Orchestra and Herbert von Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker, which were recorded almost at the same time as Bernstein's. The only reason why I'd give higher recommendations to Szell's and Karajan's cycles lies primarily with the acoustical qualities of the recording studios (In Karajan's case the converted Berlin church where he made most of his 1960s and 1970s recordings with the Berliner Philharmoniker was sonically the best at that time.) and the overall quality of the musicianship of their respective ensembles, which I would have to rate slightly higher than the New York Philharmonic's. The two finest recordings from Bernstein's New York Philharmonic cycle are those with of the 3rd and 5th symphonies which remain two of the most dramatic recordings of these pieces that I've heard. Overall, I think this set deserves favorable comparisons with his mid 1970s Deutsche Grammophon cycle recorded with the Wiener Philharmoniker during live performances at Vienna's Musikverein; the only exceptional differences are the slightly warmer acoustics of the orchestra and concert hall in the 1970s cycle, and Bernstein's usage of slightly quicker tempi and smaller orchestral forces. If you're looking for an alternative traditional Beethoven symphony cycle, then you won't miss by acquiring this early Bernstein cycle.

Bernstein's early Beethoven makes an enticing bargain.......2007-02-20

I wonder if Leonard Bernstein was the first American conductor to record a complete Beethoven cycle? He must have been, and two of these performances--the Eroica and the Fifth Sym. -- were made famous as vehicles for LB's television talks in the Fities and Sixties. Millions of post-war kids learned from them and I'm one. In retrospect Bernstein's Beethoven wasn't as propulsive and exciting as memory made them. But these performances are full-boded, direct, and satisfying. Perhaps the authority of Karajan and the Berlin Phil. isn't present, but even so, Sony is offering the cycle as a tremendous bargain, all the more so if you buy it used at Amazon Marketplace. Several overtures are thrown in, along with Isaac Stern's excellent account of the Violin Concerto (conductor and soloist are in sympathy, as always, but this is one of their poorest sounding recordings, unfortunately).

LB used a big orchestra for his Beethoven, and the Columbia Records engineers caught them in a big, reverberant space. If you want to hear this music on a modest scale or with historical touches, lok elsewhere. After he decamped to Europe, Bernstein made a second Beethoven cycle with the Vienna Phil. that's leaner, faster, but somewhat lacking in the excitment of discovery that one heard the first time around.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5-7; Overtures

Average customer rating:

Truly Beethovenian, Truly Masterful

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 5-7; Overtures

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

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000000SA5
Release Date: 1997-10-28

Tracks:

Symphony No. 6, op. 68 'Pastorale' in F Major: Allegro ma non troppo - Awakening of joyful feelings on arrival in the country - Beethoven
Symphony No. 6, op. 68 'Pastorale' in F Major: Andante molto moto - Scene at the brook - Beethoven
Symphony No. 6, op. 68 'Pastorale' in F Major: Allegro - Merrymaking of the country folk - Beethoven
Symphony No. 6, op. 68 'Pastorale' in F Major: Allegro - Thunderstorm - Beethoven
Symphony No. 6, op. 68 'Pastorale' in F Major: Allegretto - Pastoral song. Feelings of happiness and gratitude after the storm - Beethoven
Symphony No. 5, Op. 67 in C Minor: Allegro co brio - Beethoven
Symphony No. 5, Op. 67 in C Minor: Andante con moto - Beethoven
Symphony No. 5, Op. 67 in C Minor: Allegro - Beethoven
Symphony No. 5, Op. 67 in C Minor: Allegro - Beethoven

Tracks:

Symphony No. 7, Op. 92 In A Major: Poco sostenuto - Vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 7, Op. 92 In A Major: Allegretto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 7, Op. 92 In A Major: Presto - Assai meno presto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Symphony No. 7, Op. 92 In A Major: Allegro con brio - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Egmont Overture, op. 84 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Overture Leonora III, op. 72 - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Amazon.com

Joseph Keilberth was one of those solid German conductors who grew up in the opera house and who shuttled around central Europe turning in reliable performances of the standard repertoire. The approach is a known quantity: sensible tempos, strong bass lines, and good orchestral discipline. It may not sound inspiring, but every so often, as in this version of the Seventh, something would simply "click," with superlative results. All of these performances are sensitive and capable, but that Seventh is extraordinary and worth the (bargain) price of the set. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Truly Beethovenian, Truly Masterful.......2007-05-31

Joseph Keilberth was one of the great conductors of 20'th century and is known(though less-known today) with his very important and whole-hearted Beethoven, Wagner, Schubert, Brahms, Dvorak and Smetana recordings
His readings are conservative and in classic Germanic style: Romantic approaching, powerful bass lines, moderate tempos, perfect rhythmic driving, sensibility and firm in structure.
The interpretations on this two CD are on this way. Particularly No.7 is one of the best account in the catalog of this work. Truly superlative.
No.5 is one of my a few favorite interpretations(Others: Klemperer-1959-EMI, Furtwaengler-1954-EMI, Giulini-1980's-DG and Böhm-1953-DG). Just listen to the inroduction of the third movement(Allegro) and see what is brass playing!
No.6'Pastoral' is very good but a bit poor than Böhm, Klemperer, Walter, Furtwaengler or Giulini recordings.
Egmont and Leonore No.3 overtures are superb; for instance, better than Karajan's and many others. Only comparable with Klemperer's, Böhm's and Stokowski's.
Recording quality is good for its time(1960-Stereo), though not entirely satisfactory for taste of today's listeners.
In my opinion these are 'must to have' recordings for every serious Beethoven lovers and in the first class such as Klemperer, Furtwaengler, Böhm, Giulini, Karajan, Isserstedt, Stokowsky, Reiner, Jochum, Fricsay(No.9), Tennstedt(No.7), Kleiber(Nos.5&7) and Solti recordings(See my Beethoven list).
Good price for two CD. Highly, highly recommended.

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Grosse Fuge; Egmont Overtures [Box Set]

Average customer rating:

Unforgettable and Utterly Compelling
The Supreme Beethoven Symphonies
Where's the mono?
JDFlynn
A Monumental Achievement

Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Grosse Fuge; Egmont Overtures [Box Set]
Ludwig van Beethoven , Philharmonia Orchestra , New Philharmonia Orchestra , Otto Klemperer , Birgit Nilsson , Hans Hotter , Waldemar Kmentt , Aase Nordmo Lovberg , and Christa Ludwig
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Tracks:

Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21: I. Adagio molto -- Allegro con brio
Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21: II. Andante cantabile con moto
Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21: III. Menuetto (Allegro molto e vivace) & Trio
Symphony No.1 In C Major, Op.21: IV. Adagio -- Allegro molto e vivace
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: I. Poco sostenuto -- Vivace
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: II. Allegretto
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: III. Presto -- Assai meno presto
Symphony No.7 In A Major, Op.92: IV. Allegro con brio

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Symphony No.3 In E Flaat Major, Op.55: I. Allegro con brio
Symphony No.3 In E Flat Major, Op.55: II. Marcia funebre (Adagio assai)
Symphony No.3 In E Flaat Major, Op.55: III. Scherzo (Allegro Vivace) Trio
Symphony No.3 In E Flaat Major, Op.55: IV. Finale (Allegro molto-Poco Andante-Presto)
Symphony No.3 In E Flaat Major, Op.55: Grosse Fuge, Op.133

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 -- Piu mosso -- Tempe I
Symphony No.5 In C minor, Op.67: III. Allegro
Symphony No.5 In C minor, Op.67: IV. Allegro -- Presto
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: I. Allegro vivace con brio
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: II. Allegretto scherzando
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: III. Tempe di Menuetto
Symphony No.8 In F Major, Op.93: IV. Allegro vivace

Tracks:

Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.66 'Pastoral': I. Allegro ma non troppo - 'Awakening of pleasant feelings on arriving in the country'
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.66 'Pastoral': II. Andante molto mosso - 'Scene by the brook'
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.66 'Pastoral': III. Allegro - 'Peasants merrymaking'
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.66 'Pastoral': IV. Allegro - 'The Storm'
Symphony No.6 In F Major, Op.66 'Pastoral': V. Allegretto - 'Shepherds Hymn after the storm'
Egmont, Op.84 - Incidental Music: Overture
Egmont, Op.84 - Incidental Music: Die Trommel ger
Egmont, Op.84 - Incidental Music: Freudvoll und leidvoll
Egmont, Op.84 - Incidental Music: Klarchens Tod bezeichnend
Prometheus, Op.43: Overture

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 canatabile - Andante moderato - Adagio
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125 'Choral': Presto - Allegro ma non troppo - Allegro assai - Allegro assai vivace - Alla Marcia - Andante maestoso - Allegro energico, sempre ben marcato - Allegro ma non tanto - Pocco Adagio - Prestissimo

Tracks:

Overtures: Leonore Nr.1, Op. 138 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Overtures: Leonore Nr.2, Op. 72 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Overtures: Leonore Nr.3, Op. 72a - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Overtures: Fidelio, Op. 72b - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Overtures: Die Weihe des Hauses, Op. 124 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Overtures: K Stephan, Op. 117 - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Overtures: Coriolan, Op. 62 - Ludwig Van Beethoven

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 permits more detail to be heard than in most original-instrument performances. At budget price and with a fantastic disc of overtures thrown in for good measure, this is greatness incarnate. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Unforgettable and Utterly Compelling.......2001-03-02

This Klemperer set belongs in the most exalted company imaginable. In these symphonies and overtures, you find that the entire spectrum of human emotions that Beethoven conjured forth have been understood and communicated perfectly by a man who was a great humanitarian in his own right. For starters, Klemperer's interpretation of the "Eroica" stands alone, and listening to his take on the funeral march is one of the most mind-blowing listening experiences you'll ever have. The rest of his interpretation of this symphony is absolutely formidable too, because Klemperer always has the most incredible control over not only a movement within a symphony, but that movement's relationship to the whole, and his grip never falters. What surprised me most about this collection though is the humour and sheer joy Klemperer brought to the first, second and eighth symphonies; this is entirely appropriate of course, but it illustrated for me how effortlessly he could move from Beethoven's tragic dimension into the less ostensibly heroic works. This adaptability easily transfers over to produce a compact, coiled and vital fourth, and a "Pastoral" that reveals hidden depths of disquiet as well as its better-known lyricism. The transformation from the menacing storm into the Shepherd's Song is operatic in its dramatic intensity, and I don't know of any better rendition of this beautiful moment.

The primary objection to these interpretations is that the tempos are often too slow, especially those of the fifth and seventh, and above all the finales of those two symphonies. When I first heard them I thought so too; however, once you listen to these renditions in their entirety, you find the finales completely consistent with Klemperer's overall vision of the works as a whole, and suddenly you feel Klemperer has been very faithful to their structural integrity. If you want alternative visions of these symphonies, try Carlos Kleiber, who really races through them at controversially fast tempos, or Karajan (1963 versions), who clocks in somewhere in between.

The ninth is fine and you certainly won't be missing out on anything by sticking with Klemperer here, but I think the recording quality leads to a somewhat diminished finale, and Karajan's 1977 recording and Giulini's on EMI/Seraphim (now available at a super-budget price) are unbeatable. Klemperer is nevertheless one of those giants of twentieth century conducting, whose integrity suffuses every aspect of Beethoven's work to create a unique listening experience. Karajan's 1963 collection is wonderful, also gets me close to what Beethoven was doing, and is probably more consistent overall. Still, there's something awe-inspiring about what Klemperer achieves here that makes Karajan seem bland at times, so that Klemperer has to be my first choice. Check out Klemperer's Brahms as well for more magical listening experiences.

The Supreme Beethoven Symphonies.......2001-02-20

I am an extreme lover of classical music and I know quality of music very very well. When I began looking for a great set of Beethoven Symphonies I was expecting to find only the best. Then I came across 2 great recordings: by Klemperer and Karajan. I wasn't sure at all which would be better the strength and power of Karajan's Beethoven, or the real German qualities of Klemperer's Beethoven. I listened very closely to both, and finally came to a conclusion, KLEMPERER!!! The singers in the Klemperer recording are greater (Christa Ludwig, Hans Hotter,and Birgit Nilson) and plus they give you the complete overtures. THIS IS THE GREATEST BEETHOVEN EDITION OF SYMPHONIES THERE EVER WAS, IS, AND EVER WILL BE!!!!!!!!!!

Where's the mono?.......2000-04-11

Klemperer is one of the greatest interpreters of Beethoven and his recordings with the Philharmonia Orchestra remain some of the best interpretations on disc. So why only 4 stars, you ask? The 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th are all great, as is the 9th, except that the scherzo is a bit slow and the soloists are a bit of an ear-sore. It's the 4th, 5th and 7th in this set that are the problems. Instead of offering the mono versions of these works, which Klemperer performed with the Philharmonia Orchestra, EMI chose to include the later, worse mono versions. The stereo 3rd is nearly as good as the mono, but the 5th and 7th are too slow and too dull. This set is probably worth buying for 1,2,3,4,6,8 and 9, but I would wait until EMI choses to release the mono versions of the 3rd, 5th, and 7th, if they ever do.

JDFlynn.......2000-03-24

I don't know a lot about classical music, but I do know this -- when it comes to conducting Beethoven with all the sublety of the Grand Canyon, Otto Klemperer is OK! And I don't mean obsessive-kompulsive either, although it sure can sound that way sometimes. Perhaps it had to do with Klemperer's bipolar condition. His mono performances have more vitality in them than nearly all the digitally recorded versions of the past 20 years. You want more details? Just listen to all that knitting going on with the brass and woodwinds. I'll bet ol' Schoenberg used to remind OK about that when the latter sat in on some of Arnold's classes at UCLA/USC. To me, one of the the best things about classical music is when you can simultaneously be awestruck by the composer AND the conductor. Like in recordings with Debussy/Boulez and Mahler/Horenstein. Doesn't happen very often on balance. BTW, Testament's recent release of OK's live performance of Beethoven's 9th, done near the time of the recorded effort included in this set, will knock your socks off, too. I would suggest Klempo-maniacs purchase that one, too.

A Monumental Achievement.......2000-03-10

I was introduced to Klemperer's recordings several years ago and I must say that it took me a while to appreciate his genius. His recording of the Beethoven Symphonies (along with the Brahms, Schumann, and Mahler Symphonies) is a testimony to one of the greatest conductors who ever lived. Under his baton, Beethoven sounded true and unsentimental. What you hear is pure sound. Some of the highlights that are worth listening for would be: the mysterious opening of the 4th Symphony, the transition from the 3rd to the final movement of the 5th Symphony, the granite-like sonority of the opening of the 7th Symphony and, of course, the heavenly account of the 9th Symphony.

I acquired the complete CD recordings produced by EMI for less than $50 (includes the Fidelio Overtures, and some other music).

And if this is not enough to convince you, get the four Brahms Symphonies, Mahler's 2nd, 4th and 9th, and Bruckner's 6th and 7th. In addition, Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde, and Brahms' German Requiem.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Tales of the New West

Wilder: Suite; Sonata No1

When We All Go Out To Play

Up in Duke's Workshop

Wild Birds 1985-1995: The Best of the Beggars Banquet Years

Wachale [Explicit Lyrics]

Una Vision

Nothing But the Best: Rock Classics

Daddy Plays the Horn