Here is the second set of the Beethoven’ Symphonies by Sir Simon Rattle. The first one was recorded for EMI (now Warner Classics) in 2003 with the Vienna Philharmonic. As for each Music Director of the legendary Berlin Philharmoniker, Sir Simon had to record this cycle due the fact it is the DNA of the orchestra.  The first record of Symphony Nr.5 was made by the Berlin Phil and Arthur Nikisch in 1913 for DGG ! The recordings made by Wilhelm Fürtwangler and Herbert von Karajan are now a part of the legacy of the art of conducting.  

Depending on History, this new box is not released by  Warner or Universal but by the Berlin Philharmonic as producer on its own label. This new version comes in a very luxury  packaging with the set of five audio CDs supplemented by a Blu-ray audio discintroducing all the Symphonies in uncompressed studio-quality sound, and two further video discs of the concerts from which they are taken !

This new version is based on a cycle of concerts given by Rattle and his German orchestra at  the Berlin Philharmonie Concert Hall last October. This recording is an orchestra festival ! The instrumental performances are absolutely amazing with many outstanding solo contributions from the woodwinds’ section and French horn players. The conducting of Simon Rattle is very philological with a natural sense of energy. 

We particularly enjoy the Symphonies n°3,n°6 and n°7. They are a model of stylish and orchestra colourful. The Symphony n°9 is also a big achievement with a very high dramatic effect!   

On modern-instruments, this box is an accomplishment to associate with with the previous high valued releases conducted by David Zinman (RCA), Riccardo Chailly (Decca) and Kent Nagano (Analekta-Sony).

After an outstanding set of the Sibelius’ Symphonies, this box is a full orchestral firework and the packaging is a uncompromising editorial line added value. 

Ludwig van Beethoven : Symphony No. 1
in C major, Op. 21; Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36 ; Symphony No. 3 in E
flat major, Op. 55 “Eroica” ; Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60 ; Symphony
No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 ; Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68 “Pastoral” ; Symphony
No. 7 in A major, Op. 92 ; Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93 ; Symphony No. 9
in D minor, Op. 125 with Final Chorus “Ode to Joy”

Annette Dasch Soprano ; Eva Vogel Mezzo-Soprano ; Christian Elsner Tenor ; Dimitry Ivashchenko Bass ; Rundfunkchor Berlin, Simon Halsey Chorus Master ; Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle Conductor

 Recorded at the Berlin Philharmonie in October
2015

Bonus : Documentary: “Living with Beethoven”;  The nine symphonies with the Berliner
Philharmoniker and Sir Simon Rattle ;  Introduction: Sir Simon Rattle talks about
Beethoven’s Symphonies

More informations : https://www.berliner-philharmoniker-recordings.com/rattle-beethoven-symphonies.html

CR : Monika Ritterhaus-Pierre-Jean Tribot/Musicartsnet-2016