Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Melanie Diener, Roberto Sacca, Kresimir Strazanac, Lucio Gallo, Alfred Mugg, Sandra Trattnigg, and Christoph Strehl star in this Zurich Opera production of the Beethoven opera conducted by Bernard Haitink.

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Classical Music

Two of Beethoven's most magnificent symphonies are featured on this new release from Jukka-Pekka Saraste and the WDR Sinfonieorchester. Jukka -Pekka Saraste writes of this new album: "I endeavor to disclose Beethoven's emotions. That is the key to understanding his music. One has to constantly keep those currents of optimism and pessimism in balance. For that, you need to have access to an orchestra's full sound spectrum in a highly flexible, dynamic manner. I believe that Beethoven's impact is paramount because his message can be felt everywhere. Not just in Europe. A message of strength, of humanity - and one that places human culture in the forefront. There is so much destruction in the world; we need to hold on to things that enrich the spirit." Jukka-Pekka Saraste has established himself as one of the outstanding conductors of his generation, demonstrating remarkable musical depth and integrity. Born in Heinola, Finland, he began his career as a violinist before training as a conductor with Jorma Panula at the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. He has held positions with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra.

One of the greatest evenings in the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein in 2017 was without any doubt the festive concert for the 90th birthday of Paul Badura-Skoda on 15 October. The standing ovation in the audience's welcome to Badura-Skoda was a prelude to a pianistic moment of glory for all those involved, something they had hardly ever experienced before in this intimacy. The following piano marathon, which Paul Badura-Skoda mastered with flying colors, would have demanded the utmost respect from the audience even with a half-old pianist. The program featured six Bagatelles and the three last piano sonatas by Beethoven, a program which by means of Paul Badura-Skoda's interpretation allowed in addition to a demonstration of his stupendous technique for a spiritual and emotional penetration of this crowning Beethovenian piano music, enthusing the audience. The evening ended as it had begun - with unanimously standing ovation of an audience that bid it's darling farewell with a storm of applause and flower greetings, and that itself was walking out into this October night with blessed and overflowing hearts, an October which was one of the warmest since weather records began. Luckily, this unique concert on October 15, 2017 was recorded, so this DVD also conveys the atmospheric impetus of this great evening in the Wiener Musikverein. And maybe the warmth of this starry October night is still to be felt.

This fascinating release of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 stands apart from any other recording of the work. This is the first time that the magnificent piece has been recorded in HD and 5.0 surround sound, offering the most outstanding sound quality available today. Christian Thielemann leads the Wiener Philharmoniker in this moving interpretation. “Thielemann’s reading of the Beethoven symphonies stands heads and shoulders above the countless and mostly undistinguishable versions on offer.” (Die Presse) This performance is accompanied by an hour-long documentary featuring the conductor and Germany’s foremost music critic, Professor Joachim Kaiser. The film provides insights into Beethoven’s thinking, as well as interpretal comparisons from conductors like Karajan, Bernstein, and Jarvi.