Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What Beethoven would have wanted., 14 Jun 2006
This is surely one of the defining symphonic cycles of recent years. Zinman and the Tonhalle give new perspective on Beethoven's music and allow you to see it in a fresh new light. The edition of the symphonies they use is the new barenrieter one by Andrew Del Mar. Zinman's visionary style of interpretation coupled with the Tonhalle Zurich's virtuosity and prescise ensemble make this one of the most prized cds in my collection. I have several sets of the complete Beethoven Symphonies and have heard many more but I have yet to find a complete cycle to match this.
Symphony No.1 is played with a rhythmic prescision and articulation that alot of conductors spend hours in rehearsals begging from ensembles. The refreshingly brisk tempi give the work a classical feel but without dismissing the Beethoven that is yet to come with pounding timpani and looming brass making the symphony a real genuine pleasure to listen to. Symphony No.2 is also played equally well with even more emphasis on Beethovens growing maturity as a composer.
The 3rd, the "Eroica", really does some up the entire cycle. It is through this recording that I truly began to realise why this is one of the most revolutionary musical works of all time. Again fast tempi are used but I really do feel that this recording is as close as we'll ever get to hearing the "Eroica" in the way that Beethoven mould have wanted, from the violent brass and timpani chords of the first movement to the gut wrenching funeral march and then through the lively scherzo onto the victorious finale. There is no needless emphasis on musical changes of direction but instead, Zinmans lack of emphasis on them makes them seem even more shocking when they occur.
4,6 and 8 are also brilliant though some may prefer their "Pastoral" a touch slower, there is nothing at all wrong with these interperetaions. No.8 sparkles with an almost childish charm whilst the opening of No.6 really does "awaken pleasant feelings" regardless of whether you're arriving in the countryside or not!
In symphony No.5, the Tonhalle make hear this famous work as if it were for the first time, speeding through the first movement without reducing any of its powerful impact, a highlight being the wonderfully ornamented oboe solo making it sound even more pathetic in the face of its oncoming peril. The music rises up again like an engulfing storm begining to drown the oboe out as it makes its heartfelt cry of despair, wailing through the surrounding confusuion. After a beautifully reminiscant slow movement and a wonderfully lumbering scherzo and trio, Zinman drops the music level to almost a purr and then swiftly brings it up again rising suddenly but inevitably like a phoenix from the ashes into the triumph of the final movement. The finale is particularly brilliant in this recording as Zinman brings out the development of the different musical phrases in what is, eventually, an incredibly moving experience.
Symphony No.7 contains the only fault in the cycle and the fault itself is reletively minor. It is that, in my personal opinion, the last movement lacks power. It is the only symphony in the cycle where, when looking for a definitive recording, I would look elsewhere from this box set. For a truly great 7, I refer to the very recent recording by the London Symphony Orchestra with Bernard Haitink on LSO Live on which the climax of the last movement reaches a point of exhilarating, joyful jubilation.
The Ninth is, like the "Eroica" a reference point in musical history and this is again brought out in this recording with thundering timpani in the first two movements consistenly in the backdrop like an ominous spectre. The third movement is serenely tranquil and the famous finale with it's "ode to joy" is nothing short of inspiring.
All in all, this cycle is a benchmark in recording history and for the price it is on offer for, it is pure genius. If you feel your interest in Beethoven is wavering, this is for you. I would not be without it in my collection and I urge you not to hesitate in buying it. Whilst the world would not be the same without cycles by Karajan and Klemperer, I think this one is the one Beethoven would have prefered.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb Recording on Modern Instruments, 25 Feb 2007
"Authentic" instruments or modern instruments? For me, once I reach Beethoven I prefer modern orchestral instruments and the piano forte (rather than the forte piano). I have owned this set since it came out and for a modern instrument recording I think it is superb. There is wonderful clarity throughout from Zinman and his orchestra. The tempi and dynamics are never eccentric, and the recording quality is first rate. Don't be fooled by the low price, this is an absolutely top quality set both for those being introduced to the Beethoven Symphonies and for the connoisseur. You will not regret owning this set or giving it as a present.
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19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb - don't be put off by low price - just be glad!, 16 Feb 2001
By A Customer
This is a wonderful set. Superb performances and sparkling top notch recordings worthy of full price but just unbelievable at this price! Truly a set to live with.
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