Search - Beethoven, ARMSTRONG, Tear :: Symphony #9

Magnificent performance.

D. R. Schryer | Poquoson, VA United States | 07/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Although I regard Beethoven as probably the greatest composer and like -- or love -- most of his symphonies, I must admit that for many years I did not really appreciate his 9th Symphony. Then I heard this performance and for the first time realized what a masterpiece this symphony is. Carlo Maria Giulini was one of the greatest conductors of the 20th century and one of the least egotistical. He had the unique ability to see a work in its entirety and then conduct it in such a way as to bring out all of its details and inner beauties while maintaining its overall grandeur and scope. In essence, Giulini had the ability to see both the forrest and the trees and to reveal the beauty of both. This is not the most famous recording of Beethoven's 9th Symphony available but, in my opinion, it is the best."