Beethoven: Symphonies Nos 5 & 6

An expession of feelings

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 ...

MAFARRIMOND 03.05.2004 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Beethoven: Symphony Nos 5 & 6

Beethoven's symphonies: the rediscovered frontier

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

with the fast movements coming off sprightly and enjoyably. It is particularly good to have the first movement introduction taken at a brisker pace than normal for the added sense of authenticity. Only the Adagio could have been slightly slower to proprly bring out the poetic quality of the music, but it still comes off beautifully enough. Not one of the strongest in the set but not bad either. Symphony No.5 in C minor, Op.67 The Fifth Symphony is one of the most exciting of the set. The opening movement has to be the fastest I have ever heard, accentuating the compactness of the movement. The exposition alone takes only about 1:20, with the entire movement clocking in at 6:28. It does make the music perhaps a little too frenetic to come off completely satisfactorily, but there is no denying the excitement and menace of the movement. The rest ...

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

The essence of Beethoven's style

Advantages: dynamic and gripping
Disadvantages: none

Fantastic to have another additional collection of all five of Beethoven's piano concerti. Spanning his life we can really get to grips with his evolving use of the orchestra in these works. From the Third's action packed finale to the Fourth's beautiful expressions to the grandeur of the much loved Fifth. The playing is precise, dramatic and full of energy; as indeed it should be. Aimard's playing is always well crafted and beautifully shaped. This is an insightful disk and has taken the musicians an awful lot of hard work. A must-have for any lover of Beethoven's piano music. If you usually go for his chamber music or string quartets why not branch out and explore Aimard's wonderful take on these concerti? Well worth buying and indeed an inspiration for myself and other pianists alike. ...

BlueImpromtu 09.08.2006 · Read full review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of Beethoven: Piano Concertos Nos 1 - 5