A very fine effort by Masur and this Leipzig Orchestra
M. A. Scott | Kansas, USA | 05/04/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think this is one of two recordings of the ninth with Masur and the Leipzig Orchestra. This one has the soprano Sylvia McNair, while the other (which I think I also heard at the library) has Anna Tomowa-Sintow as the soprano. This one with McNair is one of the better ninth's that I've heard lately, but I've heard a lot of ninths in my time. The sound quality is way better than satisfactory and is quite enjoyable indeed. I don't like the ninths that go over 70 minutes because at those slow speeds it kind of drags. This one with Masur is just below 67 minutes and seems to have the perfect speeds for this work. If you ever see previous issues of the two Leipzig accounts conducted by Masur in a music store, don't pick up the one that says Anna Tomowa-Sintow but Sylvia McNair as soloist. At this super low price price of about $3.65 used here on Amazon, you would be crazy to pass this one up. Enjoy!!!"
Very Good Find
M. A. Scott | 07/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Excellent Version of Beethoven's 9th symphony. Kurt Masur is of course an excellent conductor as he so ably showed with the New York Philharmonic. Here, he is directing the Leipzig Orchestra. Perhaps you don't of them when you think of great orchestras. However admirable version that compares favourably to Bernstein's later version of this piece. In my opinion superior. One of the only versions I have seen that nearly hits the 70 minute mark. Unlike, versions by Von Karajan or Szell, which are a little shorter. Depends on one's taste, there's a great majesty to the piece."