Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 7; Mass in C

Ludwig van Beethoven (Composer), Thomas Beecham (Conductor), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Jennifer Vyvyan (Performer), Richard Lewis (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Jennifer Vyvyan, Richard Lewis
• Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Thomas Beecham
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
• Audio CD (May 24, 2005)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B0007RA7AO
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #353,735 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beecham's Beethoven, October 5, 2005

By 

Michael B. Richman (Portland, Maine USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 7; Mass in C (Audio CD)

EMI has had their share of questionable reissues lately, but with the "Gemini" series, the label's new incredibly inexpensive two-disc budget classical line, they've produced some real winners. One of the titles I most anticipated was this reissue featuring Sir Thomas Beecham's stereo recordings of Beethoven's 2nd & 7th Symphonies from the late 1950s. While Beecham's Beethoven may not be as acclaimed as his masterful readings of the late Mozart and Haydn Symphonies, they are still thoroughly enjoyable, first rate performances. Throw in a second disc of the Mass in C and The Ruins of Athens Incidental Music (neither of which I previously owned) and you've got a set that's essential for Beecham fans. Enjoy!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite Beethoven 7th, October 19, 2006

By 

A. Chiang - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 7; Mass in C (Audio CD)

I have been looking for this recording since my college day when I often went to music library between classes to get motivated by listening to Beecham's Beethoven 7th Symphony. I just received the CD I bought and listen to it over and over. What a wonderful 7th this is! I also have numerous other 7th in my collections which include Karajan's 63 BPO, Furtwangler VPO, Klemperer's Phil, etc... they all have it's merit. However, it's Beecham's I missed the most. I am so glad I finally found it at Amazon.com. What distinguishes Sir Thomas' style to the rest is his ability to turn the music loose and let it flows. He was asked by a music critic one time regarding his ability to make fine music; he simply said that he hired the best musicians and let them play...The listener for this CD will tell his Beethoven is not heavy to the ears and music seems to be so much alived. Another Beecham's wonderful talent is his tastefulnees in music phrasing. Listen to this and I can assure you won't be disappointed.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars beecham at his best, November 28, 2005

By 

Benjamin R. Cox, III "RevBen02" (Groveland, Fl United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 7; Mass in C (Audio CD)

I bought this album on vinyl in the early sixties, when as a teenager, I acquired my first stereo system. In fact, it was the first vinyl I bought, so I MEMORIZED it! Later in the university, I was blessed to have as an orchestra conductor and teacher, Geoffrey Gilbert, who was Beecham's first flautist for some thirty years. So, I felt that I got to know Sir Thomas personally. I this recording I hear so many of his hallmarks: the graceful turns of phrase, the attention to tiny details, allowing the composer to speak, dynamic contrasts, and humour. This is not Toscanini, but it is beautifully played and conceived. I highly recommend it to all.