Experience the pinnacle of orchestral excellence with Sir Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker in "The Berlin Years," a monumental 45-CD box set released on April 22, 2024, by Warner Classics. Spanning over four hours and ten minutes, this collection encapsulates the dynamic and innovative era of Sir Simon Rattle's tenure as the orchestra's Chief Conductor and Artistic Director from 2002 to 2018. This box set is a testament to the chemistry between tradition and innovation that defined Rattle's leadership, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection.
The album features a diverse range of compositions, from timeless classics to lesser-known gems, performed with unparalleled precision and passion. Highlights include Tchaikovsky's enchanting "The Nutcracker," Mahler's profound "Symphony No. 5," and Holst's dramatic "The Planets." The set also includes works by Brahms, Berlioz, Debussy, and Stravinsky, showcasing the orchestra's versatility and Rattle's mastery of a wide repertoire.
Sir Simon Rattle's tenure with the Berliner Philharmoniker was marked by a unique blend of tradition and innovation, earning him a place among the orchestra's most celebrated conductors, following in the footsteps of Wilhelm Furtwängler, Herbert von Karajan, and Claudio Abbado. This box set is a celebration of that legacy, offering a comprehensive overview of Rattle's transformative years with the orchestra.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, "The Berlin Years" promises an unforgettable journey through some of the most iconic and inspiring performances of our time. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of sound and let the virtuosity of Sir Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker transport you to the heart of Berlin's musical heritage.
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2: No. 13, Waltz of the FlowersPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Barber: Adagio for StringsSamuel Barber, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mahler: Symphony No. 5 in C-Sharp Minor: I. Trauermarsch. In gemessenen Schritt. Streng. Wie ein KonduktGustav Mahler, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mahler: Symphony No. 5 in C-Sharp Minor: IV. Adagietto. Sehr langsamGustav Mahler, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: I. Mars, the Bringer of WarGustav Holst, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Holst: The Planets, Op. 32: IV. Jupiter, the Bringer of JollityGustav Holst, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
The Girl with the PlumsJohnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil, Tom Tykwer, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker, Chen Reiss, State Choir Latvija
Lost LoveJohnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil, Tom Tykwer, Sir Simon Rattle, State Choir Latvija
Meeting LauraJohnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil, Tom Tykwer, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker, Chen Reiss
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade I (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: III. Tuileries (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: V. Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: VII. Limoges, le marché (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky: Pictures at an Exhibition: X. The Hut on Fowl's Legs "Baba Yaga" (Orch. Ravel, M. A 24)Modest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Mussorgsky / Orch. Ravel: Pictures at an Exhibition: XI. The Knight's Gate in the Old Capital of KievModest Mussorgsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71: Miniature OverturePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 1: No. 2, MarchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2: No. 12a, Divertissement. Chocolate, Spanish DancePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2: No. 12c, Divertissement. Tea, Chinese DancePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2: No. 12d, Divertissement. Trepak, Russian DancePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2: No. 12e, Divertissement. Dance of the Reed-FlutesPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2: No. 14a, Pas de deux. Andante maestosoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker, Op. 71, Act 2: No. 14c, Pas de deux. Variation II "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy"Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68: I. Un poco sostenuto - AllegroJohannes Brahms, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Brahms: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73: III. Allegretto grazioso. Quasi andantinoJohannes Brahms, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Brahms: Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90: II. AndanteJohannes Brahms, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Brahms: Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90: III. Poco allegrettoJohannes Brahms, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: I. Allegro non troppoJohannes Brahms, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: III. Allegro giocosoJohannes Brahms, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Berlioz: Symphonie fantastique, Op. 14, H 48: II. Un bal. Valse. Allegro non troppoHector Berlioz, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Ravel: Ma mère l'Oye, M. 62: III. Pavane de la Belle au bois dormantMaurice Ravel, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Ravel: Ma mère l'Oye, M. 62: IV. Les entretiens de la Belle et de la BêteMaurice Ravel, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Beethoven: Fidelio, Op. 72: OvertureLudwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Beethoven: Fidelio, Op. 72, Act 1: "Mir ist so wunderbar" (Marzelline, Leonore, Rocco, Jaquino)Ludwig van Beethoven, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker, Angela Denoke, Juliane Banse, Rainer Trost, László Polgár
Debussy: Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune, CD 87, L. 86Claude Debussy, Emmanuel Pahud, Berliner Philharmoniker, Sir Simon Rattle
Debussy: La Mer, CD 111, L. 109: II. Jeux de vaguesClaude Debussy, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Messiaen: Éclairs sur l'au-delà...: VI. Les sept anges aux sept trompettesOlivier Messiaen, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Messiaen: Éclairs sur l'au-delà...: X. Le chemin de l'invisibleOlivier Messiaen, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Orff: Carmina Burana, Introduction "Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi": O FortunaCarl Orff, Sir Simon Rattle, Rundfunkchor Berlin, Berliner Philharmoniker
Orff: Carmina Burana, Pt. 1 "Uf dem Anger": TanzCarl Orff, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Orff: Carmina Burana, Pt. 2 "In taberna": Estuans interiusCarl Orff, Sir Simon Rattle, Christian Gerhaher, Berliner Philharmoniker
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Eath": IntroductionIgor Stravinsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Eath": Augurs of SpringIgor Stravinsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Eath": Dances of the Young GirlsIgor Stravinsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Eath": Ritual of AbductionIgor Stravinsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring, Pt. 1 "Adoration of the Eath": Spring RoundsIgor Stravinsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice": Glorification of the Chosen OneIgor Stravinsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring, Pt. 2 "The Sacrifice": Sacrificial DanceIgor Stravinsky, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Borodin: Prince Igor, Act 2: Polovtsian Dances (Instrumental Version)Alexander Borodin, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker
Brahms: Piano Quartet No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 25: IV. Rondo alla zingarese. Presto (Orch. Schoenberg)Johannes Brahms, Sir Simon Rattle, Berliner Philharmoniker