Search - Donaldson Bell, Ludwig van Beethoven, George Szell :: Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 (National Public Radio Milestones Of The Millennium)

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 (National Public Radio Milestones Of The Millennium)
Donaldson Bell, Ludwig van Beethoven, George Szell
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 (National Public Radio Milestones Of The Millennium)
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (5) - Disc #1

Unlike the other discs in this series, this one contains a single work of music, complete. Szell's classic performance has remained in the catalogs almost continuously since it was recorded in 1961, for good reasons. While...  more »

     
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Unlike the other discs in this series, this one contains a single work of music, complete. Szell's classic performance has remained in the catalogs almost continuously since it was recorded in 1961, for good reasons. While the conductor doesn't quite capture the mystery of the music as well as Wilhelm Furtwängler (who does?), his is a powerful performance with lots of vigor, forward thrust, and, in the slow movement, a generous amount of poetry. The chorus, trained by Robert Shaw, is splendid and seems to sing almost effortlessly. The spotlighting of the soloists in the recording is some detriment, but the performance survives. A thoroughly worthwhile reissue, but you can get the same recording, with the Fidelio Overture as a bonus, on a much cheaper CD (Sony number 46533). --Leslie Gerber

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CD Reviews

I don't leave home with out it.
11/01/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am a high end audio salesman and I bring this recording to work every day. Highly recomended."
My favorite performance of the 9th
Michael Tillotson | Kearney, NE | 10/18/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"My Dad had Szell's performance of Beethoven's 9th on cassette which I listened to over and over again when I was in my mid teens. Then the cassette was misplaced (or used up) and I purchased some other recordings of the 9th. None of them impressed me nearly as much as Szell's. Then last year I found this CD (with great excitement) and it brings back all the memories. No other performance I have heard gives it the same power and intensity. The third movement is played so beautifully, and the fourth is an outstanding performance by the choir. And just like I when I was a teenager, I still enjoy turning the volume way up for the opening measures... ((( )))"
Simply one of the most riveting performances I 've heard
Michael Tillotson | 07/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is very inspiring. A must for any Beethoven lover, Classical music lover, or anyone who has ears."