Customer Reviews

Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is indeed a spectacular Ninth. You can see Karajan's total involvement from the opening bars. What makes it great for me, though, is not only the playing and singing, but the video treatment of the conductor and orchestra. Unfortunately, I find many Karajan's videos spoiled because of really odd camera treatments. The orchestra is lined up in an artificial way, or it is highlighted in a way that it detracts from the music. None of that here. Karajan said that he made videos so as to preserve his art. This is one of the few videos that really captures the essence of Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic.

Aside from featuring a superb performance of Beethoven's (and arguably music's) greatest symphony, this DVD also delivers an exciting and unintrusive visual experience thanks to the thoughtful direction of Sir Humphrey Burton. Unlike later video productions of the BPO that were directed by Karajan himself, this one does not attempt any fancy video effects or spend too much time focusing on the conductor. Instead the camera seems to instinctively know what we want to see, whether it is a particular instrumental or vocal soloist, the entire orchestra tearing into a climax, or the moment in the fourth movement when the chorus finally stands up after being seated for over an hour.

Since I grew up admiring Karajan's work and particularly have enjoyed his recordings from the 60's and 70's, this production provided a fantastic opportunity for me to watch him conduct a live concert when he was at the height of his fame. Remarkably, he stands before the orchestra with no podium and no score, and shows an economy of gesture that is perhaps the direct opposite of the more demonstrative style of his contemporary Leonard Bernstein.

Video and sound quality are both excellent, especially considering their 1970's vintage.

A very compelling performance of Beethoven 9th. The camera work is much better than the other DG Beethoven films showing Karajan and BPO. There are many shots of the whole orchestra, Singers and players. You fill like sitting at Philharmonie hall and enjoying the music created by a great man. One of the best performances of Beethoven in 20th century

Unbelievable performance! There are lots of available CDs and DVDs from Karajan and the BPO. With the Karajan centenary winding down in terms of releases, though AUDITE still has yet to release the Symp No 9 from a 1957 live recording, this DVD performance taken from a New Year's eve concert can only be described as an ode to joy culminating in a hymnlike performance of thanks.

The intensity of the opening movement and the weight of the playing (not weight to clog the sounds) is amazing. The timpanis in the 2nd movement
was right on cue. I was expecting them to burst open anytime! The 3rd movement is totally engaging and it was over even before i had time to take in a breath.

The 4th is a wonder of pure joy. While the Karajan we know from the many studio records with the smooth sound, here there is an excitement felt from the very first movement that something special was at hand. At the end, there was no doubt the audience felt that way. A standing ovation well deserved by all.

A quite superb performance!

This is fascinating footgae of the 31 December 1977 Karajan-led performance of Beethoven's 9th symphony from the Berliner Philharmonie.

Karajan really draws from his forces a magnificent reading of the Choral symphony which marries terrifying brute force with eloquent balm. It is directed by the talented Humphrey Burton.

The quality is good for the period, but as can be seen in the recent Karjan documentary DVD by Robert Dornhelm, extensive rehearsal footage exists for this concert - and it is fascinating stuff.

I was very disappointed to see that this has not been included on the DVD. I wonder why not given the capacity of discs and knowing that this material is clearly available. Maybe someone hasn't done their homework on this?

Not enough to warrant losing a star in my rating but it would have been so much better with the extras.

This is one of the best Ninths avaible in video, if not the best. Karajan at his peak gives us an astounding and inspired music. The soloists, Tomowa-Sintow, Baltsa, Kollo and Van Dam really knows how to sing this piece.
The camera's work is also wonderful. Even if this wasn't a so good performance, musically, it would still be a very fine video, as we are accostumed from Unitel. Indeed, a must-have Ninth!

Karajan's technique on conducting will never be surpassed by any conductors. He was and is the best. A Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson combined, in conducting. Unbelievable!

This DVD features the best live performance of Beethoven 9 on film.

Berliner Philharmoniker and Karajan gave an electrical and powerful performance that combined both perfection and beauty.

In this performance from 1979 New year concert, Karajan is in the best form and the orchestra shares the same quality.

Not to be missed!!

A conclusion of Beethoven's music. If one likes Beethoven, one likes the Symphony No 9. Karajan does his utmost. A DVD that should be seen and heard by every one who appreciates classic music.

This was the first time we had watched and listened to a symphony on the TV. The camera work was great, giving you a better option to see the various players as if you had a telescope. The music was wonderful. We intend to do this again. We enjoyed it with another music loving couple in the comfort of our den.