Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Herbert Blomstedt, Dresden Staatskapelle :: Classical Evolution: Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 "Choral"

Meet The Maestro.....

L. Shirley | fountain valley, ca United States | 08/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The "Classical Evolution"(Wherehouse Music/Delta Entertainment) series of CDs are a great introduction to those wanting to learn more about classical music. In this one from the Symphonic and Orchestral selections, "Ludwig Van Beethoven: Symphony No.9 Choral", you will find music that you are probably already familiar with. The symphony also sometimes called the "Ode to Joy" is often heard during the holidays and is used in many films. You will recognize it immediatley from films such as "Dead Poets Society", "Clockwork Orange", is a very big part of "Die Hard" and of course is the beautiful finale of "Immortal Beloved", the wonderful film about Beethoven's life and loves.Even if you need no introduction to Herr Beethoven, you will fall in love all over again with this forceful and moving performance of the Maestro's only Choral symphony. Long awaited by his audience(it had been 11 years between symphonies), this 9th symphony was first performed in 1824. This performance captures the brillance of the music in every movement. There are four movements, and you will find each with it's own theme that the orchestration builds on, as the instruments seem to speak to each other and culminating with the jubilant and powerful voices of the choral music. The vocals are based on "Ode To Joy" a poem by Schiller. You can feel the emotions. It is truly joyous!The music with a performance by Chor der Statsoper Dresden, is conducted with an impeccable intuitive feel for the symphony by Herbert Blomstedt. It's just beautiful and the quality of the CD is outstanding as well. The music will fill the room as well as your soul.Each movement is a track and vary in time from about 15 minutes to a wonderful 25 minutes for the fourth movement and you will want to stand up and cheer with the audience at the finish. Listen to it on the stereo, put in your your portable CD player or take it with you in the car. It's an uplifting experience to behold. The CD also comes with a little pamphlet, describing the music and a brief bio of Beethoven.A beautiful gift(at a great price) for yourself or music lover in your life. Enjoy.....Laurie"

Very good live 9th symphony! A REALLY great bargain.

Laurence Leabow | Simi, Ca. USA | 12/19/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have reviewed this content as a different release in the past, though this is the one I originally bought it in. If you are a lover of the 9th and a collector, do not hesitate to buy it. If you have never owned the work in the past and are concerned it may not be good because of the price or the label, don't be.

It is a live recording of the finest orchestra in Germany and you could spend 10 times as much and do much worse."