Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 & Overtures - Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Riccardo Chailly
Product Details
Product Description
Katerina Beranova (soprano), Lilli Paasikivi (alto), Robert Dean Smith (tenor) & Hanno Müller-Brachmann (bass)
Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Riccardo Chailly
This complete cycle of Beethoven’s nine Symphonies is a landmark event for Decca, for Maestro Chailly, and for the Gewandhausorchester, where he has been Kapellmeister since 2005.
These acclaimed performances were recorded live in the Gewandhaus over the last three years, in preparation for the highly-anticipated complete cycles that Maestro Chailly and the orchestra will give in several major European cities in October and November 2011 – performances which will provide the platform for launching these important new recordings.
The cycle showcases the finesse and musicality of the legendary Gewandhaus Orchestra − from the Haydnesque elegance of the first two symphonies, to the grandeur and drama of the choral Ninth Symphony.
This 5CD set of the nine Symphonies also includes selected Beethoven Overtures, and comes for an initial period in substantial and luxurious packaging, comprising a hard-back book with 5 internal CD wallets, all contained within an outer slipcase.
3rd November 2011 ***** |
“This is above all, an explosively swift cycle. Chailly is utterly faithful to Beethoven's metronome markings...but the tautness of the playing, the definition of its detail – especially from the woodwind – and the phenomenal range of dynamics the Gewandhaus Orchestra has at its command mean that weight and drama are always available to Chailly...The result is a Beethoven cycle that's up there with the best modern-orchestra versions of recent times” |
Daniel Ross 26th October 2011 |
“Readings focused entirely on the composer, not on debating how things ‘should’ sound...The playing is responsive and immaculate throughout, forming the backbone of Chailly’s brilliantly authentic crib-sheet of a symphony cycle.” |
December 2011 ***** |
“as is instantly and audibly apparent, Chailly's ideas about tempo and articulation do not exist in an academic vacuum. The physical commitment driving the sounds makes an immediate impact...Chailly makes you hear the grandstanding 'set pieces' that define any Beethoven cycle, like the opening of the Fifth and 'Eroica' symphonies, through reclaimed ears.” |
Tracklisting
Symphonies Nos. 1-9 (complete)
The Creatures of Prometheus Overture, Op. 43
Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72b
Fidelio Overture Op. 72c
Coriolan Overture, Op. 62
Egmont Overture, Op. 84
The Ruins of Athens Overture, Op. 113
Zur Namensfeier overture, Op. 115
König Stephan Overture, Op. 117
