Ludwig van Beethoven – The Symphonies (3-DVD Set)

Conductor Michael Gielen – A Landmark Live Recording

Product Information

• UPC: 880242050557
• Product Type: 3-DVD Set / Video
• Title: Ludwig van Beethoven – The Symphonies
• Conductor: Michael Gielen
• Featured Soloists & Chorus:Orchestra: SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg
  • Renate Behle (soprano)
  • Yvonne Naef (contralto)
  • Glenn Winslade (tenor)
  • Hanno Müller-Brachmann (bass)
  • Rundfunkchor Berlin
• Directors & Producers:
  • Directed by Barrie Gavin
  • Produced by Dietrich Mack
• Recording Venues & Dates:
  • Recorded live at the Konzerthaus Freiburg between December 1997 and February 2000
• Running Times:                               TV Format: NTSC, 4:3
  • DVD 1: 110 minutes
  • DVD 2: 114 minutes
  • DVD 3: 141 minutes
• Sound Formats: PCM Stereo; Dolby Digital 5.1; DTS 5.1
• Subtitles:Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
  • Symphony No. 9 available with English, German, and French subtitles
• Additional Info:
  • A co-production of Südwestrundfunk and EuroArts Music International GmbH
  • Licensed for non-commercial private use only
  • Made in Austria

Overview

Ludwig van Beethoven – The Symphonies is a celebrated collection of live recordings that capture the legendary interpretations of Beethoven’s symphonies under the exacting direction of Michael Gielen. Renowned for his rigorous approach—taking Beethoven’s metronome markings literally—Gielen’s performances challenge conventional interpretations, inviting audiences to experience the full intensity and philosophical depth of Beethoven’s music. This DVD set features all nine symphonies, recorded over multiple concerts at the Konzerthaus Freiburg, and offers both musical brilliance and intellectual insight into one of classical music’s greatest legacies.

Product Features

• Authentic Live Performances:
  Experience the complete cycle of Beethoven’s symphonies as recorded live, showcasing Michael Gielen’s distinctive, uncompromising interpretation.
• Comprehensive Multi-DVD Set:Superior Audio Options:
  • DVD 1: Contains Symphony Nos. 1, 2, and 3 ("Eroica")
  • DVD 2: Presents Symphony Nos. 4, 5, and 6 ("Pastorale")
  • DVD 3: Features Symphony Nos. 7, 8, and 9, with subtitles available for the final movement
• 
  Enjoy crystal-clear sound in PCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1, and DTS 5.1 formats.
• Historical Recordings:
  Recorded at the prestigious Konzerthaus Freiburg over several years, these performances capture rare live moments and evolving interpretations.
• Subtitles for Accessibility:
  Particularly for Symphony No. 9, subtitles in English, German, and French make the profound lyrical content accessible to a wider audience.

Interesting Facts

A Revolutionary Interpretation of Beethoven

• Literal Metronome Markings:
  Michael Gielen famously challenged the prevailing interpretations by adhering strictly to Beethoven’s metronome markings—even when it meant accelerating movements such as the Allegro con brio in the “Eroica.” His approach has sparked both controversy and admiration, proving that fate—and Beethoven’s music—can knock rapidly.
• Critical Acclaim:Historical Impact:
  • Hailed as “a ram example of an intellectual musician” by Ernst von Siegrens Music Foundation
  • Praised by Classical Source for his penetrating, analytical performances, free from superficial glitz
• 
  These recordings have redefined the listening experience of Beethoven’s symphonies, prompting debate among critics and establishing a new benchmark for live classical music performance.

Publishers

A co-production of Südwestrundfunk and EuroArts Music International GmbH, © 1998–2000.
Artwork & Editorial © 2012 EuroArts Music International GmbH. All rights reserved.
Warning: The material contained on these DVDs is licensed for non-commercial private use only. Any public performance, broadcast, reproduction, or other use is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.

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English:

#BeethovenSymphonies #MichaelGielen #LiveBeethoven #EuroArtsMusic #SWRSinfonieorchester #ClassicalMusicDVD #HistoricalRecordings #BeethovenInterpretation #LiveConcertDVD #IntellectualMusic