Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"; Symphony No. 2

Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"; Symphony No. 2

Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"; Symphony No. 2

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CD Details

Composer: Ludwig van Beethoven
Conductor: Bernard Haitink
Orchestra: London Symphony Orchestra
Edition: Music CD
Format: Import
CD Release Date: 2006-06-13
Music Label: Lso Live UK
Soundtracks:

Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Erwachen heiterer Gefühle bei der Ankunft auf dem Lande (Allegro ma non troppo)
Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Szene am Bach (Andante molto mosso)
Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Lustiges Zusammensein der Landleute (Allegro)
Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Gewitter, Sturm (Allegro)
Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Hirtengesang - Frohe, dankbare Gefühle nach dem Sturm (Allegretto)
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Larghetto
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 36: Allegro molto

Music reviews of Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"; Symphony No. 2

Music Review: Sunny performances of these great symphonies
Rating: 5 Stars

This CD features two of Beethoven's more relaxed and laid-back symphonies: the 2nd and the ever-popular 6th, commonly referred to as the "Pastoral". Both symphonies come across with wonderful grace and charm, thanks to Bernard Haitink and the LSO. Haitink pulls out tremendous detail from the LSO, resulting in an incredibly moving and engaging performance of these obvious masterpieces.

This CD starts out with the 6th symphony. It doesn't take long for the listener to realize why this symphony was given this nickname. The music is gentle, graceful, and quite dreamy. Never before or again did Beethoven write a piece of music that is so soothing. The opening movement is full of irresistible charm and melody. Haitink and the LSO take full potential of the sunny qualities of this music. It is energizing and flowing, but always laid-back. This movement could well be compared to the farmer sitting and looking over his fields at the beginning of the day, preparing for and thinking about his day but enjoying the scenery in the meantime. Oh, how wonderful this music is in Haitink's hands! It is indescribable. Moving on, we come to the slow movement, which is a relaxing "Scene at the Brook". Haitink's chose of tempo is just right; the listener can feel the gently moving brook while still feeling relaxed. Beethoven made use of different birdcalls in this movement. The woodwind section thrives here, with our first-desk soloists doing a great job imitating the birds. The end result of the efforts of Haitink and the LSO is that the listener will feel as if though he were sitting by the brook himself, taking in the beauty of the surrounding scenery and enjoying the gentle calling of the birds. The next movement is the "Country Dance", with all of its respective fun and humor. Haitink excels in the humor department - this is music full is wit and entertainment. The bassists of the LSO are especially good here. The next movement is a rather rude interruption to the country-dance, as storm clouds appear on the horizon. The LSO's timpanist brilliantly depicts the thunder. The storm clouds are soon past, however, and we come the gentle finale. All the stress of the storm is past, and the entire world seems to be exploding in a song of thanksgiving. Haitink doesn't need any help here, either. The LSO captures the mood in a wonderful way; the music is reminiscent of a farmer coming home from his long, hard day of work, glad to be alive and well, and glad for the chance to once again sit, relax, and enjoy the gently rolling farmlands.

Following the "Pastoral" Symphony, we hear the earlier 2nd Symphony. Like the "Pastoral", this is one of Beethoven's more gentle works. There isn't any of the drama of the "Erioca" Symphony here. But the work does have a beauty all of its own. After a long introduction, the main theme enters. Haitink makes some lively frolicking music out of this movement. Haitink once again excels in the humor department. He clearly has period awareness, and his rendition is full of jagged rhythms and sharp accents. Next up is the Largo, a truly gorgeous slow movement. Haitink is equally at home here, and the listener is surrounded with the lovely string playing of the LSO, not to mention the amazing woodwinds. Next comes the Scherzo, with all of its own individual charm. Haitink, needless to say, makes this piece very fun. The finale is, in my mind, nothing but a joke. Haitink is brilliantly witty as well, employing a great deal of his humor ability.

Needless to say, I am extremely enthusiastic about this recording and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Just one little tip for those of you who, like me, want to take advantage of music deals: the mp3 version of the COMPLETE set of the Haitink Beethoven Symphonies is only 15 bucks. The entire set is fascinating and you might as well get the whole thing. Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 [Special Edition] [Hybrid SACD] [Box Set]

More Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"; Symphony No. 2 free music reviews:
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Description of Beethoven: Symphony No. 6 "Pastoral"; Symphony No. 2

The 'Pastoral' symphony is one of Beethoven's most consistently popular works, evoking feelings of the natural world's beauty. The symphony embodies the spirit of the dawning Romantic era in its depiction of the countryside, and allowed Beethoven to express his love of nature and the outdoors. At the time of its completion, the Second Symphony was probably the longest yet composed. Written while he was coming to terms with the onset of deafness, it is surprisingly light hearted and cheerful.

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