Beethoven: Symphonies Nos 1 - 9

Beethoven's symphonies: the rediscovered frontier

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

's cycle of symphonies have since been 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 ...

berlioz 16.04.2005 · Read full review
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Review of Beethoven Symphonies 1-9 (London Classical Players) - Sir Roger Norrington

Beethoven's music as he should have heard it.

Advantages: Outstanding music on period instruments
Disadvantages: Swaping C.D'S in music player.

The 9 symphonies by Ludwig Van Beethoven. (1770 - 1827) Performed by The London Classical Players. Conducted by Sir Roger Norrington. With the Schutz choir of London. Not everybody likes classical music. Even those who do, do not all like the same things. This boxed set of CD's if different from previous recordings. Firstly, it is played on period instruments. This is not to everybody?s taste. These instruments are not like today?s instruments. For instance, the violin has a cleaner but more plaintive tone. The woodwinds each has a colour and clarity of tone that blends to a harmonious whole. The timpani, those smaller drums, are hit with hard sticks more reminiscent of military drum sounds. The horn section has a different feel to it. Considering the lapse of some 184 years, it would be strange if the sounds ...

Coloneljohn 04.12.2004 · Read full review
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Review of Beethoven Symphonies 1-9 (London Classical Players) - Sir Roger Norrington

Ode to Joy

Advantages: The music, the chorus, the memorable melody
Disadvantages: None

at the front of the concert hall with his back to the audience. He failed to notice their standing ovation and wild applause at the end of the piece until the conductor turned him towards them. The Symphony No 9, ?Choral? in D minor (opus 125) This symphony followed the innovation he pioneered in his sixth symphony by having five movements. 1st Movement Allegro Ma Non Troppo Un Poco Maestoso Written in Sonata Form it opens with a striking A major chord from which a monumental theme representing what may be seen as the creation of the universe emerges. This movement then continues in the theme of creation with rhythmic waves indicative of the sea and a craggy melody enabling the listener to picture an emerging mountainous landscape. 2nd Movement Molto Vivace A Scherzo, lively and energetic this movement is based on patterns ...

MAFARRIMOND 04.05.2004 · Read full review
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Review of Beethoven: Symphony 9