Karl Böhm's Vienna Philharmonic Beethoven cycle is Deutsche Grammophon's best kept secret. ... more
Not only is it the finest complete set of Beethoven symphonies in their catalog, it's also far and away the best recorded, and to make matters even more irresistible, it's also the least expensive (it's available on three "twofer" sets). These performances are typical: weighty, intense, powerful, and magnificently played. Listen especially to the (comparatively) neglected Fourth Symphony: if Böhm doesn't convince you that this is major Beethoven, then no one can. --David Hurwitz
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Advantages: A new way to hear Beethoven Disadvantages: Surpassed by some later period cycles
irresistable as is the charming slow movement which, like most of the other symphonies on these recordings, is taken at a fairly free and flowing speed. The Menuetto has such rustic bouncyness that it foreshadows the scherzos Beethoven would write later in his career and finally the Finale makes some quite exciting passages with the brass and timpani. I have never really paid too much attention to the First Symphony (it is still so rooted in Haydn), but this performance has really made a good case for the more exciting aspects of the work. A very satisfying experience.
Symphony No.2 in D major, Op.36
Likewise the Second Symphony rises as a highlight in this set. Again taken at a brisk pace it brings a heightened sense of novelty that the people first hearing it might have experienced. The accented drama comes very well off in this powerful ...
Advantages: Excellent traction, driving good, bullet-proof, good residual values Disadvantages: Heavy in town, fuel consumption, minor niggles
My Land Rover Discovery 2.5 TD5 GS is the 5-seat model, first registered in December 1999. It was bought in June 2000 for £20,000, having cost approximately £27,500 new. It had nearly 5000 miles on the clock. Bodywork was and is immaculate and the previous owner (a rural chemist) buys a new one quite frequently (every 6 months!). This car had also had lamp protectors and fog lamps fitted over the standard spec, with floor mats and mudflaps also fitted. The point at which bought it was just after the start of the drop in new and used prices and appeared to be priced to keep cash flow going as it has only depreciated by £2000 over 1 year.
Main off-road use has been up rough tracks (to go hillwalking or visiting relatives). Otherwise its main off-road use has been up our gravel drive or mounting a pavement to turn or park. Needless to ...
Advantages: Contrasting: dramatic and relaxing, darkness to light Disadvantages: Frustrating if you live in a city
. They were both performed for the first time in 1808 for Beethoven's benefit concert in Vienna.
Symphony no 5 in C minor
1st Movement: Allegro con brio
2nd Movement: Andante con moto
3rd Movement: Allegro
4th Movement: Allegro
The period when these symphonies were composed is known as Beethoven's heroic period. The fifth sympony is probably the most characteristic of this phase: Darkness defeated by light. It opens with a dramatic four-note motif that is repeated threatenly through the first movement. (The motif was used by the allies during WW2 as a Victory symbol)
The second movement is slower and more lyrical. The tempo of the short third movement speeds up to lead into the triumphal finale.
Symphony no 6 in F major
1st Movement: Allegro ma non troppo
Awakening of cheefulfeelings upon arrival in the country
2nd Movement ...
![Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5 [Hybrid SACD] -](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/106146968.jpg "Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 5 [Hybrid SACD] -")
