Customer Reviews

Beethoven:The Symphonies

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3 star:		(1)
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Christian Thielemann and the Wiener Philharmoniker have created between them a new way of hearing the Beethoven Symphonies. While the approach may sound radical to those used to Klemperer, Bernstein and others, it is a revolutionary and deeply creative effort. First, in listening to these recordings, one can hear every section of the orchestra with complete clarity, in perfect balance, one not overriding the other, and with the greatest sensitivity to the rich tones of which each instrument and orchestral section is capable. I've not heard anything like this in any other recording, which now seem muddy and heavy handed by comparison. Thielemann himself explains his approach in the accompanying DVD as combining what's been learned through hearing what are now traditional approaches to Beethoven's music with the newer tradition to attempt to hear what Beethoven might have intended the symphonies to sound like by the use of period instruments (such as was done by Christopher Hogwood and the Academy of Ancient Music). He certainly takes liberties with traditional tempi and other aspects of the symphonies, but in doing so, forces us to listen more closely to their incredible richness. As an example, the lyrical feeling brought to the third movement of the Ninth Symphony was so astonishing, I had to listen to it twice the first time I played it. And the choir in the fourth movement achieves a power that will knock you down. Run, do not walk, to the nearest classical music outlet for these symphonies.

Avec Christian Thielemann, c'est le romantisme... même avec Beethoven. Donc des tempos qui rappelent Furtvangler et klemperer. Ici, on est loin des interprétations baroques. Avec l'orchestre de Vienne, on est en présence de la meilleure orchestre au monde et ça se sent. Assurément, l'un des plus beaux enregistrements des 9 symphonies de Beethoven de tous les temps !

The best news is lack of ambient noise in these live recordings. The orchestra sounds rather distant in spots. There are slow tempi, which at many points produces a loss of momentum and even a sensation of the music "dragging" along. Symphony 8 and parts of 3,5 and 9 especially seem slower in feel than even indicated by the timings. I thought that symphonies 4 and 7 fared the best, but even those were unexceptional. The packaging is high-end, but this set measures up to the recent Chailly only in that respect. The Rattle/VPO Beethoven symphonies come to mind as a comparable let-down.

Can this be a cycle of 2011. The initial rection is may be not.The packing is similar to the chailly and deserved 5 stars.It can be compared like a beautiful box of chocholate but the chocolate is of the mediore quality.So far Symphony 1 and 2 is slow that it is a bore even Mozart and Haydn is faster in pace.Is it how Beethoven symphonies should sound like or other conductors are taking a faster speed.Chailly take 5 cd but Thielemann take 6cd for the complete symphonies and there is no overtures.There is a bonus DVD that is more like an advertisement for DVD box set.The sound is no comparison to sonic sound of Chailly.If anyone disagree,then tell why and recommend a cycle that is superior in sound and well conducted than Chailly.I am quite surprise that this box set was released in USA before UK and yet no one has review it is now out of stock from Amazon USA.I am waiting for the review from Gramophone magazine (UK) and Fanfare (USA) to give us a realistic evaluation of the newest kid on the block.I can only compare this cycle like drinking a tall glass of water with a lot of ice when I only want just a glass of plain water to drink.Any other Beethoven cycle on the horizon that will challenge Chailly or your own version.Happy listening and can you pass the Bourbon.Cheer.