Charles Munch Conducts Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5 and Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus (Extracts) DVD

UPC: 5060244550162

Product Features

• Title: Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5 and Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus (Extracts)
• Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
• Conductor: Charles Munch
• Orchestra: Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Recorded Performances:Format: DVD, NTSC, Region-Free (Code 0)
  • Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus, Op. 43 (Extracts): Sanders Theatre, Harvard University, 8 March 1960 (20 minutes)
  • Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Op. 60: Sanders Theatre, Harvard University, 18 April 1961 (30 minutes, 34 seconds)
  • Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67: Sanders Theatre, Harvard University, 3 November 1959 (32 minutes, 11 seconds)
• Running Time: 82 minutes, 49 seconds
• Sound: LPCM Mono
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3
• Label: ICA Classics
• Release Year: 2011

Overview

This ICA Classics Legacy DVD presents a collection of some of the earliest televised concerts by the Boston Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Charles Munch, their esteemed Music Director. These historical performances, captured between 1959 and 1961 at Sanders Theatre, Harvard University, include Beethoven's Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5, as well as rare extracts from Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus, Op. 43.

Charles Munch was known for his energetic and dynamic conducting style, which is vividly displayed in these recordings. His interpretation of Beethoven's Fourth Symphony breathes life into this oft-overlooked work, bringing out its joyful and lyrical character. His rendition of the Fifth Symphony, one of Beethoven’s most iconic compositions, is filled with excitement and drama, capturing the full force of this monumental piece. The DVD also includes a rare performance of extracts from Beethoven's ballet Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus, showcasing Munch's versatility and the Boston Symphony Orchestra's finesse.

Though the visual footage has been carefully restored, some minor visual artifacts remain due to the age of the recordings, but the exceptional musical quality and historical significance of these performances make this DVD a valuable addition to any classical music collection.

Repertoire

• Ludwig van Beethoven:
  • Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus, Op. 43 (Extracts) – 20 minutes
  • Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major, Op. 60 – 30 minutes, 34 seconds
  • Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 – 32 minutes, 11 seconds

Interesting Facts

• Charles Munch was known for his vibrant interpretations of French and German orchestral works, and his leadership of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1949 to 1962 left a lasting legacy.
• Munch’s performance of Beethoven's Fourth Symphony is often hailed for bringing out the work's brilliance and charm, while his Fifth Symphony interpretation is celebrated for its intensity and dynamic contrasts.
• Die Geschöpfe des Prometheus, Beethoven’s only ballet, is rarely performed in full, making this recording of extracts conducted by Munch a rare and valuable historical document.

Publishers

• Label: ICA Classics
• Production: Licensed courtesy of WGBH Educational Foundation and the Boston Symphony Orchestra
• Produced by: International Classical Artists Ltd

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#CharlesMunch #BeethovenSymphony4 #BeethovenSymphony5 #BostonSymphonyOrchestra #BeethovenPrometheus #ICADVD #ClassicalMusicDVD #HistoricalPerformances #WGBH