Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Andante cantabile con moto
Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Menuetto, Allegro molto e vivace
Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Finale, Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace
Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Andante molto moto
Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Allegro
Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Allegretto
Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84: Overture
Track Listings (8) - Disc #2
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Adagio molto / Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Larghetto
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Scherzo, Allegro
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Allegro molto
Symphony No. 5 in C minor ('Fate'), Op. 67: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 5 in C minor ('Fate'), Op. 67: Andante con moto
Symphony No. 5 in C minor ('Fate'), Op. 67: Allegro
Symphony No. 5 in C minor ('Fate'), Op. 67: Allegro
Track Listings (8) - Disc #3
Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ('Eroica'), Op. 55: Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ('Eroica'), Op. 55: Marcia funebre, Adagio assai
Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ('Eroica'), Op. 55: Scherzo, Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 3 in E flat major ('Eroica'), Op. 55: Finale, Allegro molto
Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93: Allegro vivace e con brio
Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93: Allgretto scherzando
Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93: Tempo di Meneutto
Symphony No. 8 in F major, Op. 93: Allegro vivace
Track Listings (9) - Disc #4
Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60: Adagio - Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60: Adagio
Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60: Allegro vivace
Symphony No. 4 in B flat major, Op. 60: Allegro ma non troppo
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92: Poco sostenuto - Vivace
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92: Allegretto
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92: Presto
Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92: Allegro con brio
König Stephan (King Stephen), incidental music, Op. 117: Overture
Track Listings (6) - Disc #5
Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': I. Allegro con brio - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assai - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': IIIScherzo: Allegro vivace - Trio - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 3 In E-Flat Major, Op. 55 'Eroica': IV. Finale: Allegro molto - Poco andante - L.V. Beethoven
Symphony No. 9 in D minor ('Choral'), Op. 125: Recitative - Allegro assai
Fidelio, overture, Op. 72c
How is it possible that one of the greatest Beethoven cycles on disc, and certainly the finest in the Sony catalog, winds up at budget price? Here's a little insider information: When Sony moved its corporate headquarters ... more »to Germany, the Herbert von Karajan-obsessed leaders of the company figured that all of those "older" recordings were worthless, particularly the American ones. Having no clue that George Szell was one of the two or three greatest conductors of the 20th century, they then stuck them on their cheapie budget line, and voilá! Great Beethoven at a rock bottom price. Sony's back in New York now, under sensible management, and Szell's recordings are still the best deal in town. --David Hurwitz« less
How is it possible that one of the greatest Beethoven cycles on disc, and certainly the finest in the Sony catalog, winds up at budget price? Here's a little insider information: When Sony moved its corporate headquarters to Germany, the Herbert von Karajan-obsessed leaders of the company figured that all of those "older" recordings were worthless, particularly the American ones. Having no clue that George Szell was one of the two or three greatest conductors of the 20th century, they then stuck them on their cheapie budget line, and voilá! Great Beethoven at a rock bottom price. Sony's back in New York now, under sensible management, and Szell's recordings are still the best deal in town. --David Hurwitz
CD Reviews
Classic recordings
R. Kunath | Illinois, USA | 09/22/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I grew up listening to these recordings on LP (and, indeed, wore out two sets) and they still strike me as some of the most satisfying interpretations of the Nine symphonies ever recorded. Szell was sometimes said to be a "cold" conductor, and the idiocy of that critical judgment is clear in every bar of these performances: these are some of the most emotionally powerful and intense performances ever recorded. George Szell was a master, and his Cleveland Orchestra was one of the greatest ensembles ever. This set would be one of the very best if it were at full price: at budget price, it's a miraculous bargain."
The best Beethoven Symphony cycle ever recorded
R. Kunath | 02/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Many recent Beethoven recordings are known for their "authenticity" or "historical accuracy". The fact is, we have no idea exactly how Beethoven's music was performed during his lifetime, and none of the many "original instrument" performances that I have heard can come close to the emotional depth and musicality of the Szell/Cleveland recordings. In addition to reminding us of Szell's flawless leadership, these discs feature superlative performances by some of the greatest musicians that have ever lived: Principal Oboist Marc Lifschey, the late, great Clarinetist Robert Marcellus, Tympanist Clloyd Duff, Hornist Myron Bloom as well as the rest of this legendary ensemble. And all for a great price, too. This is far superior to any other collection of Beethoven Symphonies I have heard. Really, this is music making at it's best!"
Great Beethoven Symphony cycle at a great price!
tcbarry@teleport.com | Camas, Washington | 01/27/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD collection of performances originally recorded in the 60's showcases the Szell/Cleveland combination at the height of the maestro's form. All of the readings are memorable with the 3rd and 7th particularly intense. The ADD remastering is very good providing sound quality that is full and clear. This set can hold its own with any on the market and deserves a place in any serious Beethoven collector's library."
Rich in spiritual content
elink558@yahoo.com | Santa Monica, USA | 03/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Different conductors interpret Beethoven's Symphonies very differently. Szell's performances contained in this set have been among my favorites - especially the Ninth Symphony. I have heard other recordings of the Ninth that may be better in sensory qualities (richer orchestral sound, more vivid recording...). However, this one speaks to me so much spiritually. It brings out the `higher realization evident in the Ninth' so clearly and convincingly, with such power and subtlety at the same time. I feel very blessed to have come to experience what is contained the Ninth through this recording. It has played an integral part in my development."
Great, simply great
unmeel | Edison | 12/05/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"These CD's were my first experience with Beethoven's symphonies. The execution is masterful at all times, save perhaps one or two of the overtures. In particular, the buildup of the Finale for the fourth movement(Presto) of the 9th symphony, with its low solo and subsequent development and the thunderous climax, was one of the most enjoyable parts. This is the best collection of Beethoven's symphonies I have ever listened to."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1