Search - Sherrill Milnes, Ludwig van Beethoven, Erich Leinsdorf :: Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 "Choral"

Great performance, great price

J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 04/24/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Beethoven was comfortable territory for Leinsdorf and it is good that this performance is still available, particularly at this price. It is big orchestral sound, but the tempi are actually pretty fast compared to other recordings of the Ninth from the mid 60's. The sound is very full and bright and if this recording lacks anything it is the last degree of subtlety in the third movement. The soloists are outstanding, particularly the young Domingo and Milnes. The BSO give a great example of their polished sound from this time period, and the chorus is excellent too. Really one of the best bargain Ninths available today."

Incredible soloists and an aggressive pace

John White | Texas | 08/04/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording is incredible. I have two other versions of the 9th. One is a 79 minute recording with Bohm in Berlin. Much too slow. Another is with Szell in Chicago. The timpani are wonderfully mic'ed there, and it's much faster, but the soloists have bothersome accents (lacking the firm German tone) and the playing seems not directly on the beat.Back to this recording. The soloists are simply fabulous. The playing is fast and firmly on the beat. Notable parts are the finales to the 1st and 4th movements. The first time I heard the end of the 1st movement, I was struck by the aggression and anticipative crawl to climax. Wonderful! And the very finale of the symphony with the horns, maybe 10 seconds before the end: if I cross the gates of heaven (or whatever) this must be the feeling. Certainly Beethoven had such passion in mind when he created this.This recording is absurdly cheap. If I could have one desert island piece of music, this would be it: no question. Good thing too: my car stereo is acting up and won't eject the disc."

Music of Elysium

Sara Thornton | CT Swamp | 01/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I die, this can play in Asgard, thank you, & I don't think All-Father will object. Perfect. Absolutely no flaws perfect. The balance and treatmernt of the entire orchestra is glorious, & the singing is the best that I have heard. Some 9ths are slow, some bombastic, & some singers downright horrid. But ther is nothing to change on this."