Beethoven: Syms Nos 1 & 6

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.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Contrasting: dramatic and relaxing, darkness to light
Disadvantages: Frustrating if you live in a city

...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: Andant molto mosso... Read review

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Advantages: Dramatic, emotional music
Disadvantages: The introductory chords will wake you up

...accepted the title of Emperor in 1804, he tore the original title page in half delaring that Bonaparte was “an ordinary mortal after all. Now he, too, will trample on all the rights of man and indulge only his ambition. He will exalt himself above all others, become a tyrant!" The Symphony is composed in four movements. 1. Allegro con brio 15:06 2. Larghetto 16:59 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace 6:10 4. Finale. Allegro molto. 12.45 The first movement is by far the grandest. It famously opens with two mightly chords. The first subject immediately follows in E flat. The second movement is a monumental funeral march.. The third , the shortest of the four movements, is notable for its detached rhythms and flashing outbursts. The finale begins with a tempestuous flourish and is in a form of free variations on a theme. Egmont Overture, Op 84... Read review

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