Beethoven – Alto CD

Beethoven Symphonies Nos.1 & 2

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:48:33 +0000

[Syms.1&2] “two performances of masterpieces: marvellous orchestral playing and a carefree feeling to the music-making … playing is highly detailed and relaxed. The lack of bombast and aggression in the louder passages is to be applauded … performances unbuttoned and refined … sound quality is vivid, forward and clear” (MusicWeb)
[5th MC3106] “Right at the opening, the listener notes the extremely rich, dynamically full-powered and yet transparent sound of the Westdeutsche Sinfonia, also rich in its tonal quality. Under the gripping direction of Dirk Joeres, the symphony becomes a first-rate sound experience” [7th] “Joeres is not influenced by any (other) styles. He conducts a classically shaped and full-blooded Seventh in which the focus is on the music, On the accompanying note, he fully explains the symphonies and his interpretive concept with a great deal of knowledge” (Pizzicato)

Symphony No.1 in C major, Op.21 [26:30]

[1] I. Allegro molto – Allegro con brio 9:21

[2] II. Andante cantabile con moto 7:44

[3] III. Menuetto. Allegro molto e vivace 3:44

[4] IV. Finale. Adagio – Allegro molto e vivace 5:39

Symphony No.2 in D major, Op.36 [34:35]

[5] I. Adagio – Allegro con brio 12:54

[6] II. Larghetto 11:33

[7] III. Scherzo. Allegro 3:45

[8] IV. Allegro molto 6:22

Beethoven: Mass in C, Op.86 Symphony No.9 – 4th Mvt ‘Ode to Joy’

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:44:27 +0000

‘Colin Davis leads a superb quartet of soloists and brings out all the humanity and tenderness of the music with his customary skill. The LSO Chorus responds brilliantly’ (Classic FM) ‘Colin Davis who meets the work on its own particular ground with such imagination and style in this version. The great fugal perorations are crisper under Davis – more Haydnesque, you might say’ (Gramophone) [9th sym] BBC Radio 3 CD of the Week. ‘This has impressed everyone … a feeling of immediacy and drama tempered with vision and maturity.’ (BBC) ‘Feel the warmth of Finley’s opening bass solo, marvel at the open throats of the LSO Chorus.’ (The Times)

Mass in C [46:06]*

[1] I. Kyrie 5:40
[2] II. Gloria 10:13
[3] III. Credo 11:20
[4] IV. Sanctus 3:34
[5] V. Benedictus 7:39
[6] VI. Agnus Dei 7:38

Symphony No 9 (Op.125); 4th Movement **

[7] Presto – Allegro ma non troppo –
Vivace – Adagio cantabile 24:30

Beethoven Symphonies nos 5 & 7

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:44:27 +0000

“Karajan injects plenty of drive into the first movement … and is splendid in the development section. I find his second movement noble and he’s very good, too, in the third … the 4th movement is very well handled by Karajan and the sound from the orchestra as the finale bursts upon us is commanding … fiery and powerful”
[7th] “mobile and fluent yet the pace is not so fleet as to compromise the stature of the music … On to the finale where Karajan’s athleticism and drive is impressive … highly competitive. (MusicWeb) “this symphony can stand forceful treatment and thrive on it … the white heat of Karajan’s energy sweeps one along, and there is little use uttering any complaint … of the extra vitality here” (Gramophone)

Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 [30:49]
1. Allegro con brio 7:11
2. Andante con moto 9:55
3. Allegro 4:51
4. Allegro 8:50
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92 [33:35]
5. Poco sostenuto – Vivace 11:15
6. Allegretto 7:59
7. Presto – Assai meno presto 7:45
8. Allegro con brio 6:34

Beethoven Symphonies 3 ‘Eroica’ and No.8, Op.93

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:44:04 +0000

“dark and intense Eroica, with urgent allegros … the LSO responds with bite and refinement. Excellent bargain” (Penguin 3 stars) “Fiery, noble, and imposing was how I described Wyn Morris’ earlier recording … and this remake has those qualities and even finer playing and modern recording. [I had dubbed Morris our Celtic Furtwängler, a phrase that later appeared in adverts!] … but the fact remains, Morris knows his Beethoven and conducts it (like Burton speaking Shakespeare) with an ardour and love of tonal splendour that is close to that old revered school of German interpretation: closer than anything we are likely to get nowadays” (Gramophone)

Symphony No. 3 in Eb major, Op. 55 ‘Eroica’ [52:36]

Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93 [25:41]
[5] I. Allegro vivace e con brio 9:05
[6] II. Allegretto scherzando 4:07
[7] III. Tempo di menuetto 4:52
[8] IV. Allegro vivace 7:37
Recorded at Watford Town Hall, August 1988

Beethoven Violin Concerto & Two Romances

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:43:42 +0000

“Schneiderhan’s version is amongst the greatest recordings: the serene spiritual beauty of the slow movement and the playing of the second subject in particular have never been surpassed … Jochum provides a background tapestry of breadth and dignity” (Penguin Guide Rosette) “technically the best stereo version in the catalogue … slow-movement cadenza is rather good, with its hint of the finale theme just before the end … after the second cadenza in the finale, Jochum brings the ‘cellos and basses in with tremendous effect” (Gramophone)

Concerto for Violin in D major, Op.61
[1] Allegro ma non troppo (D major) 24:32
[2] Larghetto (G major) 10:45
[3] Rondo. Allegro (D major) 10:51
(cadenzas Schneiderhan)
Wolfgang Schneiderhan
Romances for Violin & Orchestra Opp.40 & 50
[4] Romance No. 1 in G major, Op. 40 7:19
[5] Romance No. 2 in F major, Op. 50 8:46
David Oistrakh

Beethoven: 33 Variations on a Waltz Theme by Diabelli / Mozart Violin Sonata K 379

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:42:57 +0000

“Diabelli was overwhelmed by the work submitted by Beethoven which quite overshadowed anything else sent by others. He pronounced it ‘a work to set alongside J S Bach’s masterpiece’ (Goldberg Variations) and he must have been exceptionally gratified that his otherwise ordinary waltz tune would survive in perpetuity as a result of Beethoven’s efforts (indeed it has been considered by the greatest living interpreter of Beethoven’s piano works, Alfred Brendel, to be ‘the greatest of them’). It is certainly the longest of his piano works and predictably covers every emotion” © James Murray

[1] Thema 0:52
[2] Var. I Alla marcia maestoso 2:24
[3] Var.II Poco allegro 0:55
[4] Var. III L’istesso tempo 1:20
[5] Var.IV Un poco piu vivace 1:00
[6] Var. V Allegro vivace 0:53
[7] Var.VI Allegro, ma non troppo
[8] Var. VII Un poco piu allegro 1:09
[9] Var.VIII Poco vivace 1:02
[10] Var. IX Allegro pesante e risoluto 1:36
[11] Var.X Presto 0:41
[12] Var. XI Allegretto 1:09
[13] Var.XII Poco piu moto 0:48
[14] Var. XIII Vivace 1:12
[15] Var.XIV Grave e maestoso 3:46
[16] Var. XV Presto scherzando 0:39
[17] Var.XVI Allegro 0:57
[18] Var. XVII Allegro 1:01
[19] Var.XVIII Poco moderato 2:10
[20] Var. XIX Presto 0:55
[21] Var.XX Andante 2:43
[22] Var.XXI Allegro con brio. Meno allegro 1:38
[23] Var.XXII Molto allegro alla “Notte e giorno faticar” di Mozart 0:49
[24] Var.XXIII Assai allegro 0:58
[25] Var.XXIV Fughetta. Andante 3:07
[26] Var.XXV Allegro 0:46
[27] Var.XXVI no tempo markings 0:50
[28] Var.XXVII Vivace 0:59
[29] Var.XXVIII Allegro 0:54
[30] Var.XXIX Adagio, ma non troppo 1:02
[31] Var. XXX Andante, sempre cantabile 1:56
[32] Var.XXXI Largo molto espressivo 3:47
[33] Var.XXXII Fuga, Allegro. Poco Adagio 3:00
[34] Var.XXXIII Tempo di Menuetto, moderato 3:08

Mozart: Violin Sonata in G major K379 (22:27)

[35] Adagio 6:44
[36] Allegro 6:10
[37] Andantino cantabile 9:36

Beethoven: Septet, op.20 / Quintet for Pianos & Winds

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:28 +0000

“The Decca recording of the Septet was made by the older generation of the Vienna Octet –which consists of the first desk of the V.P.O. Their performance has elegance but also conveys a sparkle and sense of enjoyment that is exhilarating” (Penguin Guide, 3 stars) (Quintet) “these players now sound as though they know the music inside out … The new version of the Beethoven Quintet has to compete …and the Vienna Octet must surely get nearer to Beethoven’s intentions” (Gramophone, 1960)

Septet in E flat, Op.20 [40:52]

1. I. Adagio – Allegro con brio 10:24
2. II. Adagio cantabile 8:59
3. III. Tempo di minuetto 3:29
4. IV. Tema con variazioni: Andante 7:30
5. V. Scherzo: Allegro molto e vivace 3:30
6. VI. Andante con moto alla marcia – Presto 6:58

Quintet for Piano & Winds in E flat, Op.16 [25:24]

7. I. Grave – Allegro ma non troppo 13:04
8. II. Andante cantabile 6:45
9. III. Rondo: Allegro ma non troppo 5:34

Beethoven: Missa Solemnis (Mass in D, Op.123)

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:41:06 +0000

“It was not in doubt that Bernstein would respond vividly and warmly to its dramatic and emotional qualities … He has wonderful support from the Westminster Choir who respond unfailingly and remain fresh and untiring. Their soft singing is beautiful … Bernstein has also an excellent solo quartet: Lewis …some beautiful singing … Borg’s dark bass a solid foundation … fine tone and musicianship of Carol Smith. Eileen Farrell is a tower of strength. Her glorious voice, splendid attack and impeccable intonation give constant pleasure. Let me here praise the exquisite playing of John Corigliano and the New York Philharmonic. Bernstein … and the fine forces which he has inspired, have given us here a most musical, deeply felt and, where applicable, thrilling performance of the Missa Solemnis.” (Gramophone)

1. Kyrie 9:21
2. Gloria: Gloria in excelsis Deo 4:26
3. Gloria: Qui tollis 5:54
4. Gloria: Quoniam 6:12
5. Credo: Credo in unum Deum 4:09
6. Credo: Et incarnatus est 5:20
7. Credo: Et resurrexit 9:26
8. Sanctus: Sanctus 6:39
9. Sanctus: Benedictus 9:49

10. Agnus Dei: Agnus Dei 6:30
11. Agnus Dei: Dona nobis pacem 8:15

Beethoven : FIDELIO (complete opera)

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:39:57 +0000

“Klemperer’s great set of Fidelio… the unique incandescence and spiritual strength of the performance, superbly cast, leads to a final scene in which, more than in any other, the parallel with the finale of the Choral Symphony is underlined. It remains first choice” (Penguin Guide) “Mme Ludwig not only sings the taxing music exactly as written, but doesn’t sound uncomfortably extended by the tessitura; …at all events, I have heard nothing of hers on the gramophone that I like so well as this. Her enunciation of words is outstanding; and the warmth and intensity of her singing bring Beethoven’s heroine before our eyes….Jon Vickers’s admirable Florestan, familiar to us at Covent Garden, is probably the best interpretation of the role now to be heard.” (from original Gramophone review by Alan Blyth)

CD One (76:02 )

1. Overture 6:54

Act One

2. Jetzt, Schätzchen, jetzt sind wir allein 4:52
3. Der arme Jaquino 0:14
4. O wär ich schon 4:03
5. Guten Tag, Marzelline 1:09
6. Mir ist so wunderbar 4:37
7. Höre, Fidelio, weisst du, was ich tue? 0:17
8. Hat man nicht auch Gold beineben 2:53
9. Ihr könnt das leicht sagen, Meister Rocco 2:21
10. Gut, Söhnchen, gut 7:06
11. March 2:18
12. Wo sind die Depeschen? 0:52
13. Ha! Welch’ ein Augenblick! 3:37
14. Hauptmann 0:34
15. Jetzt, Alter. Jetzt hat es Eile! 5:23
16. Abscheulicher!…Komm, Hoffnung 8:13
17. Rocco, ihr verspracht mir so oft 0:45
18. O welche Lust! 7:17
19. Nun sprecht, wie ging’s`? 8:10
20. Leb wohl, du warmes Sonnenlicht 4:17

CD Two (60:32)
Act Two

1. Gott! Welch’ Dunkel hier! 10:52
2. Wie kalt ist es…Nur hurtig fort 6:52
3. Er erwacht! 2:37
4. Euch werde Lohn 6:45
5. Alles ist bereit 0:47
6. Er sterbe! 5:27
7. O, meine Leonore…O namen-, namenlose Freude! 3:21
8. Heil sei dem Tag 7:26
9. O Gott! O welch’ ein Augenblick! 2:53
10. Wer ein solches Weib errungen 4:14

Bonus Track
11. Overture: Egmont 9:04
Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by Otto Klemperer (Rec. 1958)

Beethoven: PIANO CONCERTO No.4 in G, Op.58, No.5 in E flat, Op.73 (“EMPEROR”)

amuletts — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:38:49 +0000

(No.4) “…deeply satisfying…Brendel’s control of phrase and colour….contrast of the slow movement are strongly and poetically made…uses the second of the cadenzas, not generally heard” (No.5): “splendidly bold and vigorous reading, well supported…..main rondo theme merges vividly and with great character” © 1992 Penguin Guide

Piano Concerto No.4 in G, Op.58

1. Allegro moderato 17.52
2. Andante con moto 4.55
3. Rondo-vivace 10.49

Piano Concerto No.5 in E flat, Op.73 “Emperor”

4. Allegro 20.01
5. Adagio un poco mosso 8.33
6. Rondo -Allegro ma non troppo 10.25