Album

Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic recorded these fastidious performances of Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 in C minor; Symphony No. 6 in F major, "Pastoral"; and the Symphony No. 9 in D minor, "Choral" as part of their third survey of the symphonies. While a broad consensus has been reached favoring Karajan's fiery second set, recorded in 1963, these recordings of the mid-'70s have a fair following, and they are noted for their extreme polish and sharp technical precision. Karajan's relationship with the BPO had become more stable than their stormy dealings in the previous decade, and this improvement accounts for the professionalism of these performances. This twofer may be used as a sampler for anyone testing the waters before plunging into the full set, but because Karajan's four complete cycles have been well-documented and seem always to be in print, there is little reason to limit oneself to trying out this partial offering. Deutsche Grammophon's analog sound is warm and vibrant, but lacking somewhat in resonance.

© Blair Sanderson, Rovi

CD 1 of 2
Ludwig van Beethoven Composer Symphony No.5 in C-, Op.67 Work 30:14 Herbert von Karajan Conductor, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
1	1.Allegro con brio	7:16			$1.49
2	2.Andante con moto	9:35			$1.49
3	3.Scherzo: Allegro	4:39			$0.99
4	4.Allegro	8:44			$1.49
Ludwig van Beethoven Composer Symphony No.6 in F, Op.68 ('Pastoral') Work Recorded 1976 38:31 Herbert von Karajan Conductor, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
5	1.Allegro ma non troppo: Angenehme, heitere Empfindungen, welche bei der Ankunft (Awakening of cheerful feelings upon arrival in the countryside)	9:07			$1.49
6	2.Andante molto mosso: Szene am Bach (Scene by the brook)	11:29			$1.99
7	3.Allegro: Lustiges Zusammensein der Landleute (Merry gathering of country folk)	5:43			$0.99
8	4.Allegro: Donner. Sturm (Thunder, storm)	3:29			$0.99
9	5.Allegretto: Hirtengesang. Wohltätige, mit Dank and die Goltheit verbundene Gefühle nach dem Sturm (Shepherds' song. Beneficent feelings with thanks to the Godhead after the storm)	8:43			$1.49
CD 2 of 2
Ludwig van Beethoven Composer Symphony No.9 in D-, Op.125 ('Choral') Work Recorded 1977 1:07:12 Anna Tomowa-Sintow Soprano, Herbert von Karajan Conductor, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Wiener Singverein Chorus/Choir, Agnes Baltsa Mezzo-Soprano, Helmuth Froschauer Chorus/Choir Director, Peter Schreier Tenor, José Van Dam Baritone
1	1.Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso	15:27			$2.49
2	2.Scherzo: Molto vivace. Presto	10:15			$1.99
3	3.Adagio molto e cantabile	16:56			$2.99
4	4.Presto. Allegro assai ('Ode to Joy'; complete)	6:29			$0.99
5	4b.O Freunde, nicht diese Töne! - 4h.Prestissimo (end)	18:05			$2.99