Review of Beethoven - Symphonies 2 and 5 / Claudio Abbado, Berlin Philharmonic (2001)

This is a superb rendering of symphony No. 2 and the old warhorse no. 5. In my opinion the DTS soundtrack sounds better (which I almost think is true in general) than the Dolby; but both are excellent. The video is fine too with sensitive camerawork highlighting the various instruments when they are playing. May I just say the playing of the Berlin Philharmonic is superb! As good or better than I've ever heard them in their long history. These performances rank right up there with the famous Karajan/BPO series from the 60's interpretively. And, of course, sonically they are much superior. Get a good surround sound system to listen to these on. It'll be worth your while. And Abbado keeps a tight architectural rein and emotional intensity to the experience. One of the truly great conductors of our time!



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Review of Beethoven - Symphonies 1, 6, and 8 / Claudio Abbado, Berlin Philharmonic (2001)

These interpretations are a solid balace of Romanticism and modern aesthetics concerning Beethoven.One measure of my Beethoven (if you'll forgive the personal reference) is whether or not in the 6th the flute is free and flying or muffled amid chaos.The BPO balance it beautifully.This is Beethoven at its best; however...

I am working on getting my 3rd DVD of this, the result of skips and stops that appear no matter if their played on PC or DVD player.Amazon has indicated that others are experiencing the same problem, so I would advise that this not be purchased from a source that would hesitate to offer a refund/exchange.



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Review of Beethoven - Symphonies 3 and 9 / Abbado, Mattila, Urmana, Moser, Schulte, Berlin Philharmonic (2001)

These 4 dvd's of the Beethoven Symphonies should be on any Abbado lover's rack.The sound and images are superb.A very emaciated Claudio Abbado gives the music all his talent, and the BPO responds and plays in typically superb style of the highest standard.The possibility of switching to the Orchestra's view of Abbado is amazing, and ideal for the Abbado worshippers.The performances are, in my opinion, better than the CD set by Abbado and the BPO.



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Review of Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 (1977)

This is indeed a spectacular Ninth.You can see Karajan's total involvement from the opening bars.What makes it great for me, though, is not only the playing and singing, but the video treatment of the conductor and orchestra.Unfortunately, I find many Karajan's videos spoiled because of really odd camera treatments.The orchestra is lined up in an artificial way, or it is highlighted in a way that it detracts from the music.None of that here.Karajan said that he made videos so as to preserve his art.This is one of the few videos that really captures the essence of Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic.



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