Beethoven & Cherubini: Sacred Choral Works

Advantages: Well-balance compilation, excellent artistry, well-recorded
Disadvantages: None

...Charles Stanford is one of the great English choral composers and this third volume of his sacred works continues to pay great homage to this. Sung by the choir of Winchester Cathedral the musical capability of the artists is not in doubt, and they do great justice to the works. Throughout these pieces the organ accompaniment of Stephen Farr is exemplary, and well balanced with the choral sound. This compilation contains a nice mix of tracks. As well as the Evening Services, there are a number of anthems and several extended pieces (St. Patrick's Breastplate, For Lo, I Raise Up). The Evening Services in C and B flat reflect Stanford's great ability to bring life to the magnificat and nunc dimittis. With such frequently sung words this is a difficult enough achievement, yet here we hear voices that soar with dynamism and grace... Read review

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...I happen to go through a sale in a CD shop in London and came across this recording of Incidental music to two plays, written by Beethoven. The longer work is the incidental music to "The Consecration of the House". Most music lovers might know the overture but the complete incidental music is a sheer joy. The orchestra is Abbado's own, the Berlin Philharmonic and the soloists are Sylvia McNair and Bryn Terfel. There is a considerable amount of choral writing. The music is rich, joyous and, at times, full of grandeur. The recoding is suitably warm and rich whic matches the performances. The other item is a piece I did not know existed. It is music to Dunker's play "Leonora Prohaska". This is aslo a great find. This CD is an indispensable addition to all Beethoven lovers.... Read review

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

...Probably the best symphony in the world (the Carlsberg of symphonies). I can’t imagine how a piece of music of this stature could have been composed by someone who was completely deaf. Genius knows no bounds. The Composer Ludwig van Beethoven was born in the German City of Bonn and baptised on the 17th December 1770. Amongst his many works, Beethoven composed nine complete symphonies and what is thought to be a tenth which is incomplete. In 1817 Beethoven accepted an invitation from the Philharmonic Society of London to write two symphonies. He never actually completed these commissions however he was inspired to write the ninth symphony which he completed in1824. In May of the same year the symphony was débuted in Vienna. Beethoven was present at this performance but by this time he was completely deaf. He was seated at the front... Read review

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