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Сomposer: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Artist: Wiener Philharmoniker, Christian Thielemann
Title: Beethoven - Symphonies Nos.1-3
Genre: Classical
Label: © Sony Music Entertainment
Release Date: 2011/2015
Quality: High-Fidelity FLAC Stereo 48kHz/24bit
Source: Qobuz
Duration: 01:57:11
Recorded: Wiener Musikverein; Nos. 1-2: December 2008; Nos. 3: March 2009


At a time when it seems that the contemporary movement for historically informed practices has won over most performers of Ludwig van Beethoven's nine symphonies, along comes Christian Thielemann to spin the clock back to the mindset of the mid-20th century. Interpreting the symphonies with a conventional, even hidebound, approach that bears no sign of late Classical scholarship (streamlined tempos, smaller orchestras, original instrumentation, or other aspects of the way the music was actually played in the composer's time), Thielemann presents a Beethoven that is rather more in the manner of Wilhelm Furtwängler than of, say, John Eliot Gardiner. Listeners who have not yet taken the plunge into authentic period practices may have wondered where the traditionalist could turn for old-fashioned, Teutonic performances that employ a full modern orchestra, conform to expected (i.e., slower) tempos, and generally have a homogenized orchestral blend with thick textures. Here is Thielemann, unapologetic and confident, and for what it is, his set is a solid, dependable cycle that doesn't pretend to be something it isn't, and it will not disappoint its intended audience. Indeed, the Vienna Philharmonic is one of the last bastions of tradition, and Thielemann surely will satisfy all who are nostalgic for the old style. There are some eccentricities of particular interest in the Finale of the Ninth, where Thielemann surprises with sneak-attack accelerandos, and his breakneck speed in the final pages will leave anyone breathless. But on the whole, this is a conservative's vision of Beethoven, and the live performances really bring the not-so-distant past to life. This deluxe box set offers six CDs and a DVD, Making van Beethoven, stored in a hard cover book with liner notes and a cloth-covered slipcase. --Blair Sanderson


Tracklist:
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21
I. Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
II. Andante cantabile con moto
III. Menuetto. Allegro molto e vivace
IV. Finale. Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36
I. Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
II. Larghetto
III. Scherzo. Allegro
IV. Allegro molto
Symphony No. 3 in E flay Major, Op.55 "Eroica"
I. Allegro Con Brio
II. Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai
III. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
IV. Finale: Allegro Molto


Personnel:
Wiener Philharmoniker
Christian Thielemann, conductor


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