Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Ludwig van Beethoven with this exceptional album, featuring two of his most celebrated symphonies: the Eighth and the Ninth "Choral." Released on July 9, 2025, under Warner Classics, this collection offers a profound journey through Beethoven's masterful compositions, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 49 minutes.
The album opens with Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93, a work renowned for its wit, charm, and intricate musical dialogue. This symphony showcases Beethoven's ability to blend humor and sophistication, making it a delightful listen from start to finish.
Following the Eighth Symphony, the album presents the monumental Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral." This monumental work is a cornerstone of the classical repertoire, featuring the iconic "Ode to Joy" in its final movement. Composed when Beethoven was profoundly deaf, the Ninth Symphony is a testament to his unyielding creative spirit and his ability to transcend personal adversity. The inclusion of a chorus and vocal soloists in the final movement adds a dramatic and uplifting dimension to the symphony, making it a powerful and unforgettable experience.
Completing the album is the Overture from Beethoven's incidental music for the play "Egmont," a piece that exemplifies his ability to convey deep emotion and narrative through music.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Beethoven's works, this album offers a captivating exploration of the composer's artistic brilliance. The performances are meticulously crafted, bringing out the nuances and depth of Beethoven's compositions. This album is a must-have for anyone looking to deepen their appreciation of classical music and the enduring legacy of Ludwig van Beethoven.
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestosoLudwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": II. (a) Molto vivace -Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": II. (b) Presto -Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": II. (c) Molto vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": III. Adagio molto e cantabile - Andante moderatoLudwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": IV. (a) Presto -Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": IV. (b) Recitativo. "O Freunde, nicht diese Töne!" -Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, John Shirley-Quirk, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": IV. (c) Allegro assai. "Freude, Freude!" -Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, Anna Reynolds, John Shirley-Quirk, London Symphony Chorus, Robert Tear, Sheila Armstrong, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": IV. (d) Allegro assai vivace. Alla marcia. "Froh, froh, wie seine Sonnen fliegen" -Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Chorus, Robert Tear, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": IV. (e) Andante maestoso. "Seid umschlungen, Millionen!" -Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": IV. (f) Allegro energico, sempre ben marcato. "Freude, schöne Götterfunken" -Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": IV. (g) Allegro ma non tanto. "Freude, Tochter aus Elysium!" -Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, Anna Reynolds, John Shirley-Quirk, London Symphony Chorus, Robert Tear, Sheila Armstrong, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral": IV. (h) Prestissimo. "Seid umschlungen, Millionen!"Ludwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93: I. Allegro vivace e con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93: II. Allegretto scherzandoLudwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93: III. Tempo di menuettoLudwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93: IV. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Symphony Orchestra
Beethoven: Egmont, Op. 84: OvertureLudwig van Beethoven, Carlo Maria Giulini, New Philharmonia Orchestra