WGBH Radio WGBH Radio theclassicalstation.org
Welcome to ArkivMusic, the retail store for classical.net!

Beethoven: Symphony No 9 / Wiens, Hartwig, Lewis, Wand, Etc


Release Date: 10/23/2001 
Label:  Rca 24/96 Sound Dimension Catalog #: 68005   Spars Code: DDD 
Composer:  Ludwig van Beethoven
Performer:  Edith Wiens,  Hildegard Hartwig,  Keith Lewis,  Roland Hermann
Conductor:  Günter Wand
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Hamburg State Opera Chorus,  North German Radio Chorus,  North German Radio Symphony Orchestra Hamburg
Number of Discs: 1 
Recorded in: Stereo 
Length: 1 Hours 6 Mins. 

This title is currently unavailable.



Be the first to review this title

Notes and Editorial Reviews


A highly self-critical artist, Günter Wand has a habit of rerecording his core repertoire rather frequently; but he has professed himself so satisfied with this recording of Beethoven's Ninth that he's reluctant to make another. And no wonder! It has everything: superb playing, excellent singing, glorious recorded sound, and an interpretation that weds the discipline and rhythmic drive of Toscanini to a wholly winning warmth and flexibility. All of the "big moments" come off memorably. There's the great rush of adrenaline at the first movement's recapitulation, and a coda that emerges naturally from what comes before (as opposed to being cut off by mannered pauses and hesitations). A scherzo that's both Read more high-spirited and precise leads to a sublime reading of the great Adagio, so naturally phrased and effortless in transition that you hardly notice the many subtle gradations of tempo and carefully balanced exchanges between strings and winds. And then there's that finale: tautly integrated, sung with both passion and finesse, and hugely exciting right up to the last note. Acclaimed as belonging among the handful of truly great Ninths when first issued, its return to the catalogue at mid-price is more than welcome. [1/28/2002]

--David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com Read less

Works on This Recording

1. Symphony no 9 in D minor, Op. 125 "Choral" by Ludwig van Beethoven
Performer:  Edith Wiens (Soprano), Hildegard Hartwig (Alto), Keith Lewis (Tenor),
Roland Hermann (Bass)
Conductor:  Günter Wand
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Hamburg State Opera Chorus,  North German Radio Chorus,  North German Radio Symphony Orchestra Hamburg
Period: Classical 
Written: 1822-1824; Vienna, Austria 
 Date of Recording: 1986 
Length: 66 Minutes 20 Secs. 
Language: German 

Customer Reviews

Be the first to review this title
Review This Title
Review This Title Share on Facebook