Ode to Freedom - Bernstein in Berlin: Beethoven's Symphony No.9 in D Minor, Op.125 "Choral"
Leonard Bernstein
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| Total: 4 Songs |
Customer Reviews
Best Ever
I was living in Germany when the Berlin Wall fell. Though I was not in Berlin, I can tell you it was a time of tremendous excitement and joy throughout the country, not just in Berlin. I have had this recording since its original German release in 1990 and have listened to it over and over through the years. It is, by far, the best recording of Beethoven's 9th I have ever heard. No other recording is so emotionally charged with the excitement and exuberance of the time. In fact, this recording epitomizes the definition of exuberant. It is as the dictionary says, "effusively and almost uninhibitedly enthusiastic, abounding in vitality; extremely joyful and vigorous." But don't just take my word for it. Listen to the entire recording and then listen to the thunderous applause and cheers at the end. It's hard to resist the urge to stand and cheer yourself. It is as close as you can get to the excitment of the time without having been there. You will not regret the purchase of this recording. It is one of my all time favorite classical recordings.
Ode to Freedom
Not going to lie, this is arguably one of the most historic performances of a beethoven symphony going. It's probably right up there with Furtwangler's Beethoven Cycle's during Nazi Germany. And it also has arguably the best players in the world. If there ever was an all-star orchestra, it was this. And not to mention it's Bernstein, arguably one of the best conductors of all time. HOWEVER, the man stretches it out to no end. The orchestra members are struggling to keep up, and anyone that has heard the symphony before will undeniably turn there heads and try and figure out what the heck is going on with the tempos. A very historical performance, but not one to study by. I would by it still for the shivers it sends down your spine, which ultimately is what music is supposed to do.
Amazing!
Written by a master... Conducted by a master. The audio quality and performance is outstanding.
Biography
Born: August 25, 1918 in Lawrence, MA
Genre: Classical
Years Active: '40s, '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s
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