Average Rating:

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Beethoven Symphonies 1-9 (1963 recordings)

from: Universal Music Group

January 01, 1990
this is a review of the much-maligned pastoral symphony is this set. most find fault with its fleet tempos but after listening to the much lauded bohm and walter, i find this is the only pastoral that doesn't put me to sleep, especially in the first movement. where with bohm you feel like it's a funeral march through the countryside, with karajan it actually feels like a joyous outing, full of sunshine, blue skies, and fresh air. it captures the sense of coming alive upon entering nature that the other recordings miss. my only gripe with this recording is that it has the karajan trademark string-laden sound. for the pastoral, i'd prefer a better balance with the winds. other than that, this is an excellent 6th. oh, the the rest of the cycle ... Read More: