Beethoven: Symphony no.9 'Chorale' - Philippe Herreweghe

Harmonia Mundi has a real knack for taking old, oft-recorded classics and breathing new life into them. This is largely thanks not only to HM's marvelous sound quality, but to the artists who the people at HM employ on the label's roster. For HM, Rene Jacobs has interpreted old-favorite Mozart operas with unmatched vitality, Konrad Junghanel has done it with Bach cantatas, Andrew Manze with Mozart's instrumental works, and Phillipe Herreweghe with the larger scale choral works of Bach.

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Just like many other music students/enthusiasts, I have many recordings of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, but none other has attracted my ear more than Herreweghe's, not even the classic Karajan on DG or the new Zinman on Arte Nova. Yes, Herreweghe uses period instruments, but the Orchestre Des Champs d'Elysees packs just as much punch as any full size symphony orchestra. Mr. Herreweghe really does keep things moving too, and takes full advantage of the orchestra's dynamics. While conductors like Zinman (who's interpretation I love nontheless) will utilize sheer speed to convey drama, Herreweghe really brings out the passion from each of his players. What I love most about Herreweghe's Ninth Symphony is the "Turkish" themed march in the middle of the fourth movement. The conductor's use of dynamics is excellent here, as the simple beat of cymbals and bass drums swells from pianissimo to forte, and becomes "high art" with full strings and chorus. Herreweghe thusly cannot be merely portrayed as an excellent conductor of sacred works, but as a real dramatist.

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Tracklist:
I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso
II. Molto vivace
III. Adagio molto e cantabile
IV. Finale. Presto

Rapidshare links:
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If you like this recordings, don't hestiate to buy it!
http://www.amazon.com/Beethoven-Symphony-Herreweghe-Orchestre-Elysees/dp/B00000IXTC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top