Beethoven - Complete Symphonies (LSO, Haitink)

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2008-06-22 rating:
perfect
this is my favourite set of the beethoven symphonies..the sound is superb, and the playing has plenty of energy and feeling - quite a fast pace to other versions though

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review by: date: 2008-04-13 rating:
The LSO and Haitink bring Beethoven to life

Beethoven's complete symphony cycles increase steadily through the years, from the early 1940's Furtwangler mono recordings, to the much cherished 1960's Karajan analogue stereo vinyl pressings, and now the digital versions on CD.

What's best is a matter of choice depending on whether the importance lies in authenticity in terms of both period instruments and accuracy of playing to the accepted `correct' score (currently the Barenreiter/Jonathan Del Mar versions), or maybe just sheer excitement in listening experience is of priority.

This set of recordings by the London Symphony Orchestra on their own LSO Live label has combined digital recording methods with a `Live' venue (London's Barbican) to produce an absolutely stunning version of the complete Beethoven symphonies.

In my view this set finds its way to the top of the ever-increasing pile for several reasons. The recordings are of a stunningly clear quality - even better if played on a SACD player - the performances are dramatic and enthusiastic but never succumbing to over-interpretation by the conductor. Bernard Haitink does the job to perfection. All the recordings were made between 2005 and 2006, each symphony recorded over two consecutive days, and although the sleeve notes state the performances are `live' there is absolutely no sign of audience noise so presumably there was none.

The highlights of this set are many, but for me the dramatic 4th movement of the 5th symphony and the entire 9th symphony are Beethoven played to perfection.

The CDs are presented in card sleeves in a compact box containing a 64 page booklet (English, French & German) with symphony notes, soloist biographies and photos, and a complete list of names of all the LSO players and London Symphony Chorus singers.

An essential addition to any Beethoven collection.

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review by: David Newrick date: 2008-03-14 rating:
Outstanding recording and interpretation
This is an absolute bargain for the quality and scope of what you are getting.

Sonically the multi-channel recordings are consistently outstanding - allowing the music to breathe new air. The interpretation by Bernard Haitink and the London Symphony Orchestra is a revelation, at times driven and forward moving, at other times laconic and reflective - revealing layers in the music that are not apparent in the more 'famous' recordings to date. Once you have heard this set you will understand much more clearly why Beethoven was seen by his contemporaries to be smashing apart the symphonic form in length, scope, theme and complexity.

Wherever you look on this set there are musical rewards to be found. As if that wasn't enough you also have the Leonore Overture (No. 2) and the Triple Concerto.

I could go on, but you don't have all week to read reviews. Simply a 'must have' for any modern classical music lover (in my humble opinion).


review by: date: 2007-09-14 rating:
Awe inspiring
If you want to know what it feels like to conduct a Beethoven symphony, buy this CD. The performances are outstanding. From the most energetic, ryhthmically driving passages to the most delicately subtle, the orchestra performs with breathtaking skill, all held together by a clearly brilliant conductor.
The quality of the recording is also superb. There is clarity and warmth. Every instrument has a distinct position in space. You feel like you are standing in front of them getting your own personal performance of these wonderful pieces of music. The dynamics are wide and the textures are rich. A great way to appreciate the genius of LVB.

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