Symphony No. 9 (Choral) - Ludwig van Beethoven
Information about Symphony No. 9 by Ludwig van Beethoven, and the best recordings available on CD or for download.
Beethoven's final complete symphony is considered by many people to be the greatest piece of classical music ever written.
The work was written in 1817-24, and is in the key of D minor. It consists of four movements lasting a total of approximately 65 minutes.
RECOMMENDED RECORDINGS
Jansons (BR Klassik 900108)
A brilliant performance, recorded live at a concert in Rome in 2007.
Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, conducted by Mariss Jansons, 2007.
BR Klassik 900108
Haitink/Robinson/Cargill (LSO Live LSO 0592)
A superb performance, recorded live at the Barbican Centre in 2005.
London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Bernard Haitink, 2006.
Soloists: Twyla Robinson (soprano), Karen Cargill (mezzo-soprano), John MacMaster (tenor), Gerald Finley (bass).
LSO Live LSO 0592
Also included in the boxed set: Beethoven: Complete Symphonies
Karajan/Tomowa-Sintow/Baltsa (Deutsche Grammophon 415 832-2)
The classic version of the Ninth, recorded in 1976.
Vienna Singverein, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Herbert von Karajan, 1976.
Soloists: Anna Tomowa-Sintow (soprano), Agnes Baltsa (mezzo-soprano), Peter Schreier (tenor), José van Dam (bass).
Deutsche Grammophon 415 832-2
Vänskä/Juntunen/Karnéus (BIS BIS-SACD-1616)
A fresh interpretation of the Ninth, highly recommended.
Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Osmo Vänskä, January, 2006.
Soloists: Helena Juntunen (soprano), Katarina Karnéus (mezzo-soprano), Daniel Norman (tenor), Neal Davies (bass).
BIS BIS-SACD-1616