Beethoven: IX
On this CD:
1. Symphony No. 9 in D minor ("Choral") Op. 125
Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
with Peter Anders, Tilla Briem, Elisabeth Hongen, Rudolf Watzke
Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique was Pierre Monteux's calling card (he recorded it no fewer than five times). This important CD restores his first--and favorite--recording of the piece, from 1930, in decent sonics that have notable presence and inner detail. The latter was a trait associated with Monteux, a violist before mounting the podium. In his hands, the piece blends burning intesity with poetic fantasy in ideal proportions. The opening "Reveries," too often just a slow introduction, here is charged with dreamworld fantasy. The slowly building "Waltz" and "Witches Sabbath" codas have a cumulative impact also rarely heard these days. Throughout, you feel an identification between performers and composers unique in early studio recordings. --Dan Davis
Beethoven: IX, Music, Rudolf Watzke, Ludwig van Beethoven, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Berliner Philharmoniker, Tilla Briem, Peter Anders, Classical, Romantic Symphony, Symphonic
Music Review:
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Tchaikovsky: Symphony No5, Op64
The Best of the Mighty Clouds of Joy, Vol. 2
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