Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5 [Hybrid SACD] [Hybrid SACD - DSD]

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Paavo Järvi (Conductor), Bremen German Chamber Philharmonic (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Bremen German Chamber Philharmonic
• Conductor: Paavo Järvi
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Audio CD (January 6, 2009)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Hybrid SACD - DSD
• Label: RCA
• ASIN: B001CFLGYG
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,047 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Intense and Very Interesting, November 7, 2008

By 

Virginia Opera Fan (Falls Church, VA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5 [Hybrid SACD] (Audio CD)

Jarvi and his Bremen forces give us intense readings of these two warhorses that I find extremely interesting in my first couple of hearings. The chamber orchestra digs into the scores with relish. Tempos are fleet and the orchestra sonority highlights woodwind and brass detail. The modern strings use reduced vibrato, resulting in tone color that is akin to period instruments. I don't know if small bore brass instruments are used, but they certainly produce some nice snarls and burrs.

The Fifth gets a fast paced performance that reminds me of Benjamin Zander's Telarc reading. It is all very exciting and very exuberant - more the "Revolution" than the "Fate" Symphony. The first movement is fast paced and dramatic. The Andante con moto moves along at a good clip. It works in context but a little more relaxation would have been welcome. The Scherzo is handled interestly. The transition to the Finale is more spritely than spooky, a refreshing interpretive choice. The blazing Finale is played somewhat slower than the norm (again recalling Zander), an indication that Jarvi trusts Beethoven's metronome markings.

The performance of the First is ear opening. This is not a Haydnesque reading, but one that looks forward to the future. It is a cheeky (almost raucous) performance, not courtly, and full of unbuttoned humor. The cross rhythms are well handled and there is a wealth of woodwind and brass detail here as well. The Andante con moto cantabile may be closer to an Allegretto and a little short on "singing" quality, but a fascinatingly different take.

The SACD multi-channel sound is excellent. I am already looking forward to the release of the final two installments of the cycle. I have also collected Vanska's rival SACD cycle of the symphonies on BIS. Those performances are more traditional, large orchestra readings. Jarvi is more in your face. Both remind us of just how wonderful these repertory staples can be when played with commitment and freshness.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Essential Beethoven, February 2, 2009

By 

Scott E. Peterman (Oneida, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5 [Hybrid SACD] (Audio CD)

I have now heard and own the three discs that are currently available in the Paavo Jarvi/Bremen German Chamber Philharmonic cycle of Beethoven symphonies, and I must say that this cycle is, in my mind, the best recorded, best performed, and most enjoyable cycle ever. These are performances of real stature that, while you have never heard Beethoven like this, come across as completely valid interpretations of Beethoven's masterpieces; the performances in no way stray from the character and intent of the music's creator. They grab hold of you from the very first note until the very last note, and they do not let go. The sound quality on multi channel SACD equipment is astounding. The more I listen to these performances, the more I like them. I give them my highest recommendation, and consider them to be absolutely essential recordings. Beethoven must be looking down smiling and saying "yes, that's what I meant."

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Put on your running shoes, June 10, 2009

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D. Infanger "David I" (Ithaca, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 5 [Hybrid SACD] (Audio CD)

A new take on Beethoven's 5th symphony - or certainly a faster one. Jarvi's interpretation of Beethoven's work entails a lightning cadence (faster than Kleiber's rendition even) which is refreshing: my new favorite although I wonder if it is so fast that some of the subtleties of the movements are lost as a result. Better still, it allows you to really compare two takes on a masterpiece (slower vs. faster) which draws light to the subtleties I just mentioned. Either way, it is an excellent version.

The harmonics are A1 - truly a reference recording. It is dual-disc, and I'd highly recommend the SACD layer if you have the technical capabilities in your listening system.

1st Symphony is very good too, but you'll be more taken by the 5th (or at least I was). I'll be getting Jarvi's other Beethoven Symphonies as they become available.