Beethoven: Complete Symphonies / Blomstedt, Staatskapelle Dresden

$28.99
Label
Brilliant Classics
Release Date
June 26, 2012
Format
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    Featuring ⌄
    • COMPOSER
      BEETHOVEN, LUDWIG VAN
    • PERFORMER
      Staatskapelle Dresden, Blomstedt, Dose, Schiml, Schreier, Rundfunkchor Leipzig, Chor Der Staatsoper
    Product Details ⌄
    • RELEASE DATE
      June 26, 2012
    • UPC
      5028421942896
    • CATALOG NUMBER
      BRI94289
    • LABEL
      Brilliant Classics
    • NUMBER OF DISCS
      5
    • GENRE
      Chamber Music & Recitals
    Works ⌄

    1. Great Litany

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    2. The First Antiphon: Bless the Lord, o my soul

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    3. The Second Antiphon: Only begotten Son of God

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    4. The Third Antiphon: In Thy Kingdom

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    5. The Little Entrance: Come and Worship

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    6. Trisagion: Lord, We Pray that You May Be Merciful

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    7. Fervent Supplication

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    8. Cheruvimic Hymn

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    9. Ektenia of the Prothesis

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    10. Nicaean Creed

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    11. Anaphora

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    12. Hymn of Praise

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    13. Hymn to the Virgin

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    14. The Lord's Prayer

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    15. The Elevation

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    16. Communion Hymn

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    17. Blessing

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    18. Hymn of Praise

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    19. Blessed His Name

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    20. Glory to the Father

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    21. V molitvakh neusipayushchuyu bogoroditsu (In our Prayers, Ever-vigilant Mother of God)

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

    22. Chorus of Spirits for Don Juan

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    23. Panteley-tselitel (Panteley the Healer)

      Composer: Sergei Rachmaninoff

      Ensemble: Russian State Symphonic Cappella

      Conductor: Valery Polyansky

    24. IV. Thunderstorm: Allegro

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    25. V. Shepherd's Song: Happy and Thankful Feelings after the Storm: Allegretto

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    26. I. Poco sostenuto - Vivace

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    27. II. Allegretto

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    28. III. Presto, assai meno presto

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    29. IV. Allegro con brio

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    30. I. Allegro vivace e con brio

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    31. II. Allegretto scherzando

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    32. III. Tempo di menuetto

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    33. IV. Allegro vivace

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    34. I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    35. II. Molto vivace

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    36. III. Adagio molto e cantabile - Andante moderato

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: Staatskapelle Dresden

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt

    37. IV. Finale: Presto - Allegro assai

      Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven

      Ensemble: MDR Rundfunkchor, Staatskapelle Dresden

      Performer: Helena Döse, Marga Schiml, Peter Schreier, Theo Adam

      Conductor: Herbert Blomstedt



Herbert Blomstedt's Beethoven cycle with the Staatskapelle Dresden is one of the great ones, as much for the magnificent playing of this finest of all German orchestras as for Blomstedt's effortlessly musical interpretations. The only possible weak link here might be the first movement of the Fifth, which lacks the sheer intensity that, say, Carlos Kleiber brings to it. On the other hand, Blomstedt's more emotionally balanced conception is so well realized that I'm inclined to give him credit for bringing off an unconventional interpretation, particularly as the remainder of the symphony lacks for nothing in excitement or sheer power.

Highlights of this cycle are many: a grand and glorious Eroica, a lithe and lyrical Second and Fourth, a pellucid Sixth with luminous wind playing, an exciting Ninth sporting fantastically buoyant strings in the Scherzo and a marvelously well sung finale, and a transcendentally great performance of the Seventh, with rip-roaring horns and perfect pacing throughout. The recordings, made in Dresden's Lucaskirche in the late 1970s and early '80s, put a silvery sheen around the players (winds especially) and strike an excellent balance between clarity and warmth. At the Brilliant Classics price, you can't afford not to own this set. [6/23/2002]
--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com
reviewing this set previously released as Brilliant 99927

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Beethoven's nine symphonies -- composed between 1800 and 1824 -- are true cornerstones of the classical canon. Marking an irrefutable turning point in the history of music, they transformed audiences' expectations of the symphony and influenced the genre's future development through their experimental, dramatic and expressive weight. Conductors have long been drawn to the profundity of these works: a complete cycle of Beethoven symphonies is viewed as one of the ultimate challenges in the repertoire, and the performances in this set are undoubtedly among the greatest to have been recorded, illuminating the skill of the Staatskapelle Dresden and Herbert Blomstedt, one of the most distinguished conductors of the 20th and 21st centuries.

The symphonies trace Beethoven's development as a composer, from the earlier works that document his emergence from the Viennese tradition, through to his experimental and critically divisive late style. Particularly famed for its landmark status in the history of music is the 'Eroica' Symphony (No.3), notable for its innovative approach to sonata form and embodiment of Beethoven's 'heroic' style. Also included are the legendary Symphony No.5, known for its distinctive opening motif and rigorous large-scale structure, the dramatic 'Pastoral' Symphony, and the sophisticated Seventh Symphony. The collection is, of course, concluded by the monumental Symphony No.9 -- known as the 'Choral' Symphony because of its ground-breaking, transcendent finale, sung here by the Dresden State Opera Chorus and a group of acclaimed soloists.

Over 30 years after their initial release, these recordings have remained one of the ultimate Beethoven symphony cycles, a testament to the quality of the performances and Blomstedt's interpretations. Brought together in a set of excellent value, this 5-disc collection is a must-have addition to the libraries of classical music fans, old and new.

Other information:
- Recordings made in Lucaskirche, Dresden, 1975--1980