Title : Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 / Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Author : Beethoven, Ludwig van
Release Date : 19960123
Binding : Audio CD
Regular Price : $11.98
Amazon.com Price : $11.05
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Editorial Reviews : This performance is also available on Deutsche Grammophon in an earlier, mid-price incarnation, but this version is clearly the one to own, since the remastered sound is a definite improvement over previous issues. Herbert von Karajan always did a good job with this symphony, and his performances are quite consistent, even down to the very backward-balance of the chorus. By general consensus, though, this is the best of them.
Buyer Reviews : My title pretty much sums it up. I have listened to many recordings of this masterpiece, but this one is certainly the best. Each movement is a jewel polished to perfection, and yet the performance very human, filled with the youthful enthusiasm that von Karajan had then. The first movement is wonderful; it is packed with drama, and a whole gamut of emotions are released in this intense performance. There is just the right balance between the sections of the orchesta; in most performances, the percussion simply dominates the rest of the orchestra, making you feel like you are listening to the drum and bugle corps, but not in this one. In most performances, the second movement is either taken much too slow, or the conductor moves too quickly for the orchestra and the performance is sloppy. However, von Karajan and the BPO work especially well together here, producing a spritely, energetic scherzo, with a refreshing breather in the form of a peaceful trio. Despite what other reviewers might say, I think that the slow movement is one of the best parts of this recording. Every measure is the epitomy of sublime music, everything is lyrical to perfection. The orchestra reaches a brilliant climax, and then dies away with a peaceful ending. With just these three movements, this would be a classic recording. But the finale simply steals the show. The soloists are absolutely perfect; particularly Janowitz is magnificent, since in most other recordings that part is overbearing to say the least, but even in the most prominent and difficult parts, Janowitz works perfectly with the other soloists and the orchestra. Delightfully, despite the magnificent soloists, the orchestra is not overshadowed; in fact it comes into its own here and makes for a unique and beautiful artistic experience. A must for any serious collector.
