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Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1, 3, 6, 8
Ludwig van Beethoven, Pierre Monteux, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1, 3, 6, 8
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (8) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (9) - Disc #2


     
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CD Details

All Artists: Ludwig van Beethoven, Pierre Monteux, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Title: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1, 3, 6, 8
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Decca
Release Date: 10/11/1994
Genre: Classical
Styles: Historical Periods, Classical (c.1770-1830), Symphonies
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 028944062724

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CD Reviews

Superb Pastoral Symphony
Fidelio | Houston, TX | 08/19/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Bohm/Vienna recording on DG Originals is often the primary recommendation for Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony, but Monteux's version with the same orchestra (recorded about 10 years earlier than Bohm's) is even better, mostly because his tempi are a little faster: the opening movement is more cheerful, and the Scene by the Brook--a rather sleepy affair in Bohm's hands--is more in keeping with the "molto mosso" (very wavy and animated) in Beethoven's tempo indication--one can feel the delight of minutely watching the numerous eddies and rivulets in a flowing brook. In general, Monteux's reading emphasizes joy and delight, whereas Bohm's is more meditative and relaxed (not always in the best sense); both conductors, of course, benefit from the rich, evocative sounds of the Vienna Philharmonic. Unfortunately, the rest of the symphonies in this Monteux Beethoven twofer aren't performed as superbly as No. 6, but they are all generally enjoyable performances. The gem of the set is the Pastoral, and it's worth getting for that alone."
A fine Beethoven set, volume 1
Andrew R. Weiss | Raleigh, NC USA | 07/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Monteux recorded the complete Beethoven symphonies in the last 6 years of his life, #s 1, 3, 6 and 8 with the Vienna Philharmonic (of which he was a frequent guest conductor) and #s 2, 4, 5, 7 and 9 with the London Symphony (of which he was permanent conductor at the time). Monteux allows Beethoven's music to speak for itself, with few idiosyncrosies and with (generally) meticulous attention to balance, texture, structure, instrumental color and clarity, all of this infused with his usual animation and understanding of the musical and spiritual vlaues of these works. The Beethoven 1 is Haydenesque in the best sense, clear and harmonious and bouyant. The recording of Beethoven 3 shows just how much gets revealed by good digital reprocessing: what had seemed to be a relatively polite performance on LP is strong and gutsy on the CD. This is a fiery, joyous and exhilerating performance with a dramatic second movement. #6 is simply one of the best Pastorales ever recorded, lyrical and dramatic and joyous by turns. #8 is quite good, perhaps a bit too refined for Beethoven's galumphing humor but a fine interpretation nonetheless. In general, the recordings of the remaining Beethoven sympbonies with the London Symphony have more of Monteux' ideomatic Gallic sound, but there is nothing wrong with this set. The Vienna Philharmonic plays well throughout. For those who like their Beethoven clear and clean, inspired and gutsy, without the overlay of Teutonic interpretation, Monteux is an excellent choice. The sound is early stereo and generally good throughout."
Symphony 1 has a "watery" sound, therefore only 4 stars.
Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 08/17/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)

"Pierre Monteux recorded Beethoven Symphonies 1,3,6,8 with the Vienna Philharmonic and Symphonies 2,4,5,7 with the London Symphony for Decca late in his career. These are prized by many collectors, but I should point out that Symphony 1 has a "watery" sound to the flutes and oboes which some may find distracting; It is odd for a recording made in the late 1950s in stereo, to have this problem, but it comes through noticeably in my copy of this disc.



However, Monteux's recording of Beethoven Symphony 1 is considered very fine by many critics, sonic shortcomings I notice notwithstanding. Symphony 3 has slow tempos and a feeling of massiveness about it, lasting about 50 minutes. Symphonies 6 and 8 are both classics, in beautiful sound, and relaxed and flowing where needed.



Monteux is relaxed in Adagio and Andante movements, but conducts Allegro movements at a fast pace; the Vienna Philharmonic plays beautifully for him. Anyone who collects Beethoven recordings will be not be disappointed with this, and the price is reasonable. I would suggest supplementing Monteux's Beethovens with the DG recordings of Karl Bohm/Vienna Philharmonic, and/or the Sony releases of Bruno Walter/Columbia Symphony."