Symphonies 1-9 / Overtures

Ludwig van Beethoven (Artist), George Szell (Artist), Cleveland Orchestra (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 25, 1992)
• Number of Discs: 5
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B000002800
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (27 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #204,335 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio

2. Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Andante cantabile con moto

3. Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Menuetto, Allegro molto e vivace

4. Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Finale, Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace

See all 10 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Adagio molto / Allegro con brio

2. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Larghetto

3. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Scherzo, Allegro

4. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Allegro molto

See all 8 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ('Eroica'), Op. 55: Allegro con brio

2. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ('Eroica'), Op. 55: Marcia funebre, Adagio assai

3. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ('Eroica'), Op. 55: Scherzo, Allegro vivace

4. Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ('Eroica'), Op. 55: Finale, Allegro molto

See all 8 tracks on this disc

Disc: 4

1. Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60: Adagio - Allegro vivace

2. Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60: Adagio

3. Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60: Allegro vivace

4. Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60: Allegro ma non troppo

See all 9 tracks on this disc

Disc: 5

1. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': I. Allegro con brio - L.V. Beethoven

2. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assai - L.V. Beethoven

3. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': IIIScherzo: Allegro vivace - Trio - L.V. Beethoven

4. Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': IV. Finale: Allegro molto - Poco andante - L.V. Beethoven

See all 6 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

How is it possible that one of the greatest Beethoven cycles on disc, and certainly the finest in the Sony catalog, winds up at budget price? Here's a little insider information: When Sony moved its corporate headquarters to Germany, the Herbert von Karajan-obsessed leaders of the company figured that all of those "older" recordings were worthless, particularly the American ones. Having no clue that George Szell was one of the two or three greatest conductors of the 20th century, they then stuck them on their cheapie budget line, and voilá! Great Beethoven at a rock bottom price. Sony's back in New York now, under sensible management, and Szell's recordings are still the best deal in town. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic recordings, September 22, 1999

By 

R. Kunath (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Symphonies 1-9 / Overtures (Audio CD)

I grew up listening to these recordings on LP (and, indeed, wore out two sets) and they still strike me as some of the most satisfying interpretations of the Nine symphonies ever recorded. Szell was sometimes said to be a "cold" conductor, and the idiocy of that critical judgment is clear in every bar of these performances: these are some of the most emotionally powerful and intense performances ever recorded. George Szell was a master, and his Cleveland Orchestra was one of the greatest ensembles ever. This set would be one of the very best if it were at full price: at budget price, it's a miraculous bargain.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best Beethoven Symphony cycle ever recorded, February 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Symphonies 1-9 / Overtures (Audio CD)

Many recent Beethoven recordings are known for their "authenticity" or "historical accuracy". The fact is, we have no idea exactly how Beethoven's music was performed during his lifetime, and none of the many "original instrument" performances that I have heard can come close to the emotional depth and musicality of the Szell/Cleveland recordings. In addition to reminding us of Szell's flawless leadership, these discs feature superlative performances by some of the greatest musicians that have ever lived: Principal Oboist Marc Lifschey, the late, great Clarinetist Robert Marcellus, Tympanist Clloyd Duff, Hornist Myron Bloom as well as the rest of this legendary ensemble. And all for a great price, too. This is far superior to any other collection of Beethoven Symphonies I have heard. Really, this is music making at it's best!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Beethoven Symphony cycle at a great price!, January 27, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Camas, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Symphonies 1-9 / Overtures (Audio CD)

This CD collection of performances originally recorded in the 60's showcases the Szell/Cleveland combination at the height of the maestro's form. All of the readings are memorable with the 3rd and 7th particularly intense. The ADD remastering is very good providing sound quality that is full and clear. This set can hold its own with any on the market and deserves a place in any serious Beethoven collector's library.