Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Georg Solti, Renée Fleming :: Immortal Beloved / Sir Georg Solti (film 1994)

Beethoven's Spirit Lives On

Carlos Avila | Hollywood | 09/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As Amadeus praised and popularized the music of Mozart, which triggered a cd chalk-full of his greatest moments, Immortal Beloved has created a cd which captures the very spirit of Beethoven. He is long dead, but we hear his soul speak again to us through his music. The film, starring Oldman and Rossalini, centered on the mysterious love letter Beethoven wrote at the end of his life, to an "Immortal Beloved", whose love he carried with him throughout his life. This woman is either one of three women Beethoven was involved with, a widowed Countess of great fortune, a pupil of his and his brother's own wife, the blonde beauty he had loved in his youth. Only if you saw the movie do you know who this Immortal Beloved was, but the music set to the film, all works by Beethoven, capture not only the romance, but the genius, intensity, even pain that Beethoven experienced throughout his life. As a result of his deafness, he was only able to hear music in his head, music which we have come to know and love, works like his Ninth Symphony, a powerful, dynamic choral symphony that evokes liberty and universal love, the Eroica Symphony which he had written in honor for Napoleon until he discovered "he made himself an enemy to all " by crowning himself Emperor, the Moonlgiht Sonata which rumor has it he meant to musically describe what the moon looked like to an old blind woman, the Allegretto of his Seventh Symphony has an airy, somber and majestic beauty that fills us. The Kyrie of his Requiem is masterfully performed here by choral singers, including opera star Renee Fleming. The piano and violin pieces, Ghost Trio and Kreutzer Sonata, are all brilliantly performed by violinist extraordinare Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emmanuel Ax. The music is a must have for all Beethoven fans, and I mean all. If you are a true Beethoven afficionado, this cd will become your trophy. Enjoy and listen to the music of a man whose genius touches us to this day"

Great album for the beginner.

W. Grandy | windsor, nova scotia Canada | 03/10/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you are just entering the world of Beethovens' works, this might be just the ticket for you. From the familiar opening bars of Symphony # 5 to the majestic 'Ode To Joy', this is a fantastic overview of his music. Sir Georg Solti is joined by the London Symphonic orchestra with guests such as Yo-Yo- ma, Murray Perahia, etc. Should you want a great recording of Beethovens' 9 symphonies, try the 5 cd set by Karajan."

Perahia and Solti reinvent Beethoven

bellavoce | USA | 03/12/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is a shame that this project was for a soundtrack, and not full productions of the glorious works highlighted on it. The majority of the tracks are outstanding, played by such masters as Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma.However, Sir Georg Solti and Murray Perahia get the gold. Solti's brilliant, vivid readings of the movements from select Beethoven symphonies are nothing short of inspired. Perahia's exquisite taste and touch on the piano has no rival. And when the two men team up to play two movements from the "Emperor" concerto together... well, let's just say that they are playing *Beethoven*, and not merely his music. The music jumps to life under their capable hands as they draw out colors and textures never before heard in this work. The second movement, especially, is unsurpassed in its beauty.In short, whether or not you are a classical music fan, or whether or not you saw or liked the movie, not to buy this CD is to pass up on the experience of a lifetime."