Amazon.co.uk allows you to pay for your items in your local currency. Restrictions apply. Learn More. |
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
|
Track Listings
| Disc: 1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. I. Adagio molto - Allegro con brio | |||
| 2. II. Andante cantabile con moto | |||
| 3. III. Menuetto (Allegro molto e vivace) | |||
| 4. IV. Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace | |||
See all 8 tracks on this disc
| |||
| Disc: 2 | |||
| 1. I. Adagio - Allegro con brio | |||
| 2. II. Larghetto | |||
| 3. III. Scherzo (Allegro) | |||
| 4. IV. Allegro molto | |||
|
See all 8 tracks on this disc
| |||
| Disc: 3 | |||
| 1. I. Adagio - Allegro vivace | |||
| 2. II. Adagio | |||
| 3. III. Allegro vivace - Trio (Un poco meno allegro) | |||
| 4. IV. Allegro ma non troppo | |||
|
See all 9 tracks on this disc
| |||
| Disc: 4 | |||
| 1. I. Poco sostenuto - Vivace | |||
| 2. II. Allegretto | |||
| 3. III. Presto - Assai meno presto | |||
| 4. IV. Allegro con brio | |||
|
See all 8 tracks on this disc
| |||
| Disc: 5 | |||
| 1. I. Allegro ma non troppo e un poco maestoso | |||
| 2. II. Molto vivace | |||
| 3. III. Adagio molto e cantabile | |||
| 4. IV. Presto - Allegro assai | |||
|
See all 5 tracks on this disc
| |||
Tags Customers Associate with This Product(What's this?)Click on a tag to find related items, discussions, and people.
|
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
It's a pity that Simon Rattle's Beethoven symphony cycle is merely among the latest in a series of recent recordings using Jonathan Del Mar's newly revised Barenheiter edition of Beethoven's symphonic scores. Otherwise, it might have earned recognition as the best recent Beethoven symphony cycle recording. Still it is by far the best Beethoven symphony cycle recorded by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. But should it be regarded as first choice for those interested in a Beethoven symphony cycle, especially one using the new Jonathan Del Mar-edited edition?
Simon Rattle demonstrates in these recordings that he is a fine interpreter of Beethoven's scores, which he indicated previously in his Beethoven piano concerti cycle with pianist Alfred Brendel, recorded too with the Vienna Philharmonic. However, he doesn't quite match the lyricism or textural richness attained by Harnoncourt, Zinman or Abbado. Instead, for most of the symphonies, these are simply well played, clinical accounts of the Jonathan Del Mar scores. The most notable exceptions are those of the Third Symphony (Rattle's interpretation, especially of the first and second movements, is among the most exciting I've heard, easily comparable in quality to Abbado's most recent account, Giulini's with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, or any of Karajan's.) and the 9th Symphony. The 5th symphony is a fascinating interpretation too, and one of the few which adhere closely to the brisk interpretations favored by Zinman and Abbado. Unfortunately, the 6th symphony lacks the majestic lyricism I've heard in Bruno Walter's classic account with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra and the rich textures I've heard in Harnoncourt's and Abbado's (When I met Harnoncourt earlier this year I had remarked to him that I was not impressed with his COE recording of the 6th symphony, but it's actually much better than I had thought, since it is a rich, texturally glowing account which requires repeated listenings.) versions. And the worst account in this cycle has to be Rattle's interpretation of the 7th symphony; much to my surprise he isn't as inventive as Abbado in using swift changes in tempi or as successful as either Carlos Kleiber or Abbado in emphasizing the score's intricate architecture.
So should you buy Rattle's account of the Beethoven symphony cycle? My answer is yes if you treasure the rich sound produced by the Vienna Philharmonic in its concert hall, the Musikverein. The sound quality is among the best I've heard, equal to Abbado's. But if you prefer more exciting, dynamic accounts of Beethoven's symphonies, then I would recommend instead, Harnoncourt's and Abbado's, with Zinman's a first choice for those on a budget.
Simon Rattle demonstrates in these recordings that he is a fine interpreter of Beethoven's scores, which he indicated previously in his Beethoven piano concerti cycle with pianist Alfred Brendel, recorded too with the Vienna Philharmonic. However, he doesn't quite match the lyricism or textural richness attained by Harnoncourt, Zinman or Abbado. Instead, for most of the symphonies, these are simply well played, clinical accounts of the Jonathan Del Mar scores. The most notable exceptions are those of the Third Symphony (Rattle's interpretation, especially of the first and second movements, is among the most exciting I've heard, easily comparable in quality to Abbado's most recent account, Giulini's with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, or any of Karajan's.) and the 9th Symphony. The 5th symphony is a fascinating interpretation too, and one of the few which adhere closely to the brisk interpretations favored by Zinman and Abbado. Unfortunately, the 6th symphony lacks the majestic lyricism I've heard in Bruno Walter's classic account with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra and the rich textures I've heard in Harnoncourt's and Abbado's (When I met Harnoncourt earlier this year I had remarked to him that I was not impressed with his COE recording of the 6th symphony, but it's actually much better than I had thought, since it is a rich, texturally glowing account which requires repeated listenings.) versions. And the worst account in this cycle has to be Rattle's interpretation of the 7th symphony; much to my surprise he isn't as inventive as Abbado in using swift changes in tempi or as successful as either Carlos Kleiber or Abbado in emphasizing the score's intricate architecture.
So should you buy Rattle's account of the Beethoven symphony cycle? My answer is yes if you treasure the rich sound produced by the Vienna Philharmonic in its concert hall, the Musikverein. The sound quality is among the best I've heard, equal to Abbado's. But if you prefer more exciting, dynamic accounts of Beethoven's symphonies, then I would recommend instead, Harnoncourt's and Abbado's, with Zinman's a first choice for those on a budget.
15 of 18 people found the following review helpful
If you want quality, buy this set. EMI Classics have excelled themselves with the packaging, opting for a box with slide-out drawer, opened via a tab of green silky material, holding the 5 CDs, each of which is presented in a card wallet with full track details and times. The presentation box artwork is second to none, the front showing an almost-smiling Sir Simon Rattle, the rear showing a view of him from behind, hands clasped as if satisfied at completing the nine enclosed masterpieces.
Also included in the box is a 90 page (30 in English) hard backed booklet, printed on quality paper showing the track listing, details of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, notes on the Urtext editions and of course pictures of Rattle, Beethoven, Beethoven's home in Vienna, the orchestra, and much more. The booklet interestingly includes the year in which each symphony was composed and first performed.
Before purchasing this set I noticed the words `live recordings' on the rear of the box, and was concerned there may be audience noise or, even worse, applause between movements. I must stress there is no such interference and absolutely no evidence of any ambient noises from an audience, if in fact there even was one.
The sound quality is outstanding, with each instrument clearly separated and audible, and although the interpretations may not suit everyone's taste (such as tempo changes), the performances are simply stunning. The energy level throughout is relentless, with always an edge to the playing which creates a real feeling of passion and an urgency to the music. Rattle's conducting certainly brings out the best in the performers, and I can imagine Ludwig himself, in one of his agitated moods, conducting the symphonies in this style.
Everyone will have an opinion on these interpretations, with the usual debate upon the merits of each movement of each symphony. But why bother? Just buy this set, turn up the volume and prepare to be impressed.
Also included in the box is a 90 page (30 in English) hard backed booklet, printed on quality paper showing the track listing, details of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, notes on the Urtext editions and of course pictures of Rattle, Beethoven, Beethoven's home in Vienna, the orchestra, and much more. The booklet interestingly includes the year in which each symphony was composed and first performed.
Before purchasing this set I noticed the words `live recordings' on the rear of the box, and was concerned there may be audience noise or, even worse, applause between movements. I must stress there is no such interference and absolutely no evidence of any ambient noises from an audience, if in fact there even was one.
The sound quality is outstanding, with each instrument clearly separated and audible, and although the interpretations may not suit everyone's taste (such as tempo changes), the performances are simply stunning. The energy level throughout is relentless, with always an edge to the playing which creates a real feeling of passion and an urgency to the music. Rattle's conducting certainly brings out the best in the performers, and I can imagine Ludwig himself, in one of his agitated moods, conducting the symphonies in this style.
Everyone will have an opinion on these interpretations, with the usual debate upon the merits of each movement of each symphony. But why bother? Just buy this set, turn up the volume and prepare to be impressed.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
I could have weeded. I could have painted the downpipes and guttering. The bathroom needed to be cleaned but it was serenely ignored. Prodigally, I sat down with this set and trifled away a few hours.
One could almost indict Sir Simon on a charge of plagiarism. He has clearly set out to imitate the likes of Zinman and Harnoncourt - such as they are - with no ideas of his own. After all, he has never displayed any sort of affinity with Beethoven, as evidenced by his ho-hum survey of the piano concertos. And this cycle is indubitably the VPO's blandest excursion in Beethoven - how they must have slunk away afterwards.
Here, the sleek, homogenised, emasculated performances of Symphonies One to Four could almost be labeled a 'Salute to Maestro Zinman', albeit with less inner conviction or insight. Five is devoid of genuine grunt for all the blare of the brass. The Sixth is the most cadaverous rendition in the market; it is actually the set's claim to fame: what other Pastoral brings to mind Death Valley? Seven and Eight are the equivalent of low-fat yoghurt and equally as memorable. Nine is less worse - at least it has a sense of occasion - but it does not trouble the front-runners in this domain. Sir Simon's incessant point-making is ruinous.
This endeavour begs a wider question: what was EMI trying to achieve here in squandering its resources, meagre as they are nowadays, on an endeavour of this scale? It was never going to challenge the frontrunners. At best it was a cynical marketing exercise.
Sir Simon should cloister his tendancies to record Beethoven for a decade or so; he should ruminate, reflect and perhaps fall to his knees. Self-flagellations and pious ejaculations might be in order. Perhaps then, and only then, will he have something worthwhile to say, Beethoven-wise, to the world.
Until then, behold the Flight of the Uber-Turkeys.
One could almost indict Sir Simon on a charge of plagiarism. He has clearly set out to imitate the likes of Zinman and Harnoncourt - such as they are - with no ideas of his own. After all, he has never displayed any sort of affinity with Beethoven, as evidenced by his ho-hum survey of the piano concertos. And this cycle is indubitably the VPO's blandest excursion in Beethoven - how they must have slunk away afterwards.
Here, the sleek, homogenised, emasculated performances of Symphonies One to Four could almost be labeled a 'Salute to Maestro Zinman', albeit with less inner conviction or insight. Five is devoid of genuine grunt for all the blare of the brass. The Sixth is the most cadaverous rendition in the market; it is actually the set's claim to fame: what other Pastoral brings to mind Death Valley? Seven and Eight are the equivalent of low-fat yoghurt and equally as memorable. Nine is less worse - at least it has a sense of occasion - but it does not trouble the front-runners in this domain. Sir Simon's incessant point-making is ruinous.
This endeavour begs a wider question: what was EMI trying to achieve here in squandering its resources, meagre as they are nowadays, on an endeavour of this scale? It was never going to challenge the frontrunners. At best it was a cynical marketing exercise.
Sir Simon should cloister his tendancies to record Beethoven for a decade or so; he should ruminate, reflect and perhaps fall to his knees. Self-flagellations and pious ejaculations might be in order. Perhaps then, and only then, will he have something worthwhile to say, Beethoven-wise, to the world.
Until then, behold the Flight of the Uber-Turkeys.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
joyless
ive had this set for a long while along with haitink/lso set and enjoyed it well enough i thought.maybe a year ago i decided to just listen to one set which was the lso one - last... Read more
Published 12 months ago by crocus wood
Rattle's stirring Beethoven
I am a very big fan of Rattle and was very excited to get this collection. To me this set has a real sense of vibrancy about it, it is exciting and alive throughout. Read more
Published 21 months ago by MMN123
Rattle's controversial Beethoven
It is a pity that there are at the moment only two customer reviews of this set on the British amazon.co. Read more
Published on 12 Feb 2010 by Phillip Sorensen
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
