Beethoven: Mass in C, Op 86

Advantages: A new way to hear Beethoven
Disadvantages: Surpassed by some later period cycles

...reinterpreted by the likes of Gardiner, Mackerras, Zinman and even Norrington himself that have by now surpassed the original Norrington set, but there is a certain historical value to that 1989 set that was the first to take Beethoven in this direction and breaking a tradition that had been in vogue since the composer's death in 1827. In 2001 they were re-released on the Virgin label and are still readily available in a set of five CD. THE SYMPHONIES Symphony No.1 in C major, Op.21 The First Symphony is one of the best of the set. The overall Classical feel of the symphony most readily lends the sound of the older instruments appealing and give this work a sense of power that often seems to be missing in modern performances. The first movement has such bubbling good humor that is frankly irresistable as is the charming slow movement which... Read review

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Advantages: A work that changed the way we look at symphonies
Disadvantages: none whatsoever

...Bastienne. (This however must be a pure coincidence, since it is quite improbable that Beethoven would ever even have seen a small-time work such as this.) The music soon slips from E flat major to C sharp leading into a diminished-seventh chord, making it possible for the music to head towards many different destinations. Beethoven then hurriedly takes us back into E flat major, since this is still only the beginning of the work. The opening melody is expanded in full orchestra, soon leading to a more tender phrase that is passed from instrument to instrument creating a continuous melody. It's yearning is intensified by a short, dark interjection of the basses. Exploding off-beat accents soon disturb the flow of the music, which then turns towards B flat major with a hint of the main theme. The music gathers new energy, but is again interrupted... Read review

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Advantages: The Romances; concerto's third movement.
Disadvantages: Tempo, pitch and volume quirks in Concerto.

...beats this one, too, slow as that might be, so I’d say go get that disc before this one. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * See review of Brahms violin concerto recording at: http://www.ciao.co.uk/BrahmsViolinConcertoinDmajorSchumannFantasieop131Review5354121 ----------------- CD Notes: (There's a nice touch in the CD booklet: all the members of the New York Philharmonic are actually listed on two pages, and this isn't even a concert program! Now we realize that individual performers make up that faceless mass of musicians called the orchestra. The foldout cardboard CD case is navy blue, and the cover curiously has Mutter peering through a car window (what does it mean?). Photos of the violinist in her trademark strapless gown decorate the inner pages. A CD booklet is inserted into a slit in the center, and has photos... Read review

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