Beethoven and the Philharmonic

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

...Ludwig van Beethoven was born on 16th December 1770 in Bonn, Germany and died in Vienna on 26th March 1827. The story of Beethovens deafness is well known. By the time he composed the “Eroica”, he was already aware of some signs of hearing difficulties. Beethoven had a distict and individual musical style that encompassed elements of the traditional classical period and was innovative in introducing elements that were to become the Romantic period with emphasis on expressing personal feelings. Beethoven – Symphony No 3: Egmont Overture Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Composed by George Szell Released 1995 Label Salzburg Festival Servies Symphony No 3 in E flat major, Op. 55 “Eroica” This is one of the best known classical pieces. It’s striking opening making it immediately recognisable. Luigi van Beethoven composed... Read review

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Advantages: Great songs - wonderful, popular tunes
Disadvantages: A few songs aren't as good as the others

...I recently bought this CD from amazon, costing £4.97 (which I thought wasn't too bad a price for a CD of anout 75 minutes of good, popular classical music), because I thought it would be nice to have to listen to when I'm learning to drive in a few months time. When the CD arrived I put it on the shelf, intending to keep it until I'm learning to drive but the attractive cover was too attractive and so I just had to listen to it - and I'm glad I did. The CD is really good, with some absolutely wonderful songs like Gabriel's Oboe and Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini (18th movement), played by famous orchestras like the London Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra etc. Tracks include: 1. Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 - first movement (07:12) This famous piece of music is played by the North German Radio Symphony Orchestra... Read review

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Advantages:
Disadvantages:

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

...Ludwig van Beethoven was born on 16th December 1770 in Bonn, Germany and died in Vienna on 26th March 1827. The story of Beethovens deafness is well known. By the time he composed the “Eroica”, he was already aware of some signs of hearing difficulties. Beethoven had a distict and individual musical style that encompassed elements of the traditional classical period and was innovative in introducing elements that were to become the Romantic period with emphasis on expressing personal feelings. Beethoven – Symphony No 3: Egmont Overture Performed by Czech Philharmonic Orchestra Composed by George Szell Released 1995 Label Salzburg Festival Servies Symphony No 3 in E flat major, Op. 55 “Eroica” This is one of the best known classical pieces. It’s striking opening making it immediately recognisable. Luigi van Beethoven composed... Read review

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

...Scene by the brook 3rd Movement: Allegro Merry gathering of country folk 4th Movement: Allegro Thunderstorm 5th Movement: Allegretto Shepherd's song: Happy and thankfulfeelings after the storm Beethoven himself called this the "Pastoral Symphony". The symphony was representitive of Beethoven's love of the country. He intended the music to evoke feelings rather than to imitate nature although there are some overt imitations contained within the piece. There are clear bird calls within the second movement and a dramatic thunder storm in the fourth. In his sixth symphony, Beethoven moves away from tradition adding an extra movemnet to the convential four movements of a symphony. The Conductor Herbert Von Karajan was born in Salzberg in 1908. He was the principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra from 1955 to his death in 1989... Read review

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