Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Charles Mackerras, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra :: The Nine Symphonies

Perhaps THE best Beethoven cycle

J. Buxton | Waltham, MA United States | 08/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't worry about the fact you've never heard of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic before. These are fresh, energetic, well-recorded versions of all the Beethoven symphonies. There is not a hint of routine on any symphony and you just cannot beat this set for money. The liner notes are also excellent reading, along with some fascinating commentary from Sir Charles regarding Beethoven's written tempi. While some of the speeds Mackerras takes are on the fast side, it somehow never seems rushed. Mackerras choses to use a modern instrument orchestra with the Del Mar version of the scores, which have made some corrections to the texts which had been removed through over a century of German conducting tradition. Mackerras makes every attempt to adhere to Beethoven's own markings and the results are excellent in my view. The symphonies recorded in Manchester (nos. 1,3,4,6) sound a little more distant than those recorded in Liverpool (nos. 2,5,7,8, and 9). I was able to fix this problem by merely turning up the volume and there was no lack of clarity. The bass recitative in the finale of the 9th is taken at such a clip it takes a bit of getting used to, although Mackerras explains it very well. Terfel sings it beautifully though, and it is exciting."

Authenic Beethoven

S. J. Howell | 05/17/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Charles Mackerras is a musical scholar as well as a conductor.He is reputed to arrive at an engagement to conduct with carefully anotated parts for each musician. These performances of the Beethoven Symphonies give a careful rendition of the composer's intentions. This being said they are also dynamic and satisfying.Occasionally some movements,the first movement of the 5th symphony and the third movement of the 9th symphony, sound 'too fast', in my opinion this is due to my being accustomed to hearing them played too slow. The Prague Chamber Orchestra usually plays with out a conductor, but when recording the complete Mozart Symphonies for Telarc they hired Mackerras to train them in the proper style.This is a very rare compliment indeed. These Beethoven performances are equally authoritative, and should serve as models for young musicians."