Beethoven: Symphony 3

Beethoven's symphonies: the rediscovered frontier

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

performance that fits well with the description of a contemporary critic that the work is "like a dragon that refuses to die." The first movement has great exuberance that is further accentuated by the period instruments. The Larghetto, the only movement in all of the symphonies that can really be called at all "slow", is lyrical and very well pulled off. The Scherzo has about as much scherzo-material in it than the Menuetto of the First, but the same energetic qualities are there making it very enjoyable indeed. The Finale then brings the proceedings down in jumping good humor, a satisfying conclusion that brings further evidence of Beethoven's developing sense of drama in a finale. Overall one of the best Beethoven Seconds I have heard and a guaranteed pleasure at any time. Symphony No.3 in E flat major, Op.55 "Eroica" The Eroica comes ...

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

Sinfonia Eroica

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

. When he was asked in 1817 to name his favourite symphony, Beethoven responded the Eroica (however that was when the Ninth was still to be written). Out of all Beethoven's symphonies, only No.9 is longer that the Eroica, and none (except perhaps No.7) is more boisterously heroic and optimistically forceful in it's overall message. Beethoven would evolve further from the Eroica, of course, but the importance of the work cannot be underestimated. It really opened the doors for the more extended symphonies like Schubert's "Great C major" or the symphonies of the Romantics following Beethoven's death. A magnificent work that continues to amaze! The symphony is scored for: 2 flutes, 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 3 horns, 2 trumpets, timpani and strings. © berlioz ...

berlioz 09.10.2004 · Read full review
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Review of Beethoven: Symphony No. 3; Egmont Overture

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