Symphony No. 9 in D minor ('Choral'), Op. 125: Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 9 in D minor ('Choral'), Op. 125: Molto vivace
Symphony No. 9 in D minor ('Choral'), Op. 125: Adagio molto e cantabile
Symphony No. 9 in D minor ('Choral'), Op. 125: Presto - Allegro assai
Symphony No. 9 in D minor ('Choral'), Op. 125: Recitative - Allegro assai
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 » 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« less
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
"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."
Remarkable recording - Should not be missed!!
Michael Tillotson | 03/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This 1961 performance of Beethoven's 9th is an audiophile's dream. It will put your high-end stereo system through its paces, creating new highs and bass lines that you never knew existed. Find that sweet spot in your listening room, relax, and be prepared to become totally absorbed in one of the most remarkable performances of this symphony ever recorded."