Album: Beethoven, Symphonies 1 and 9 Berliner Philharmoniker (Deutsche Grammophon)
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Claudio Abbado's 2001 performances in Rome with the Berliner Philharmoniker has made it into a boxed-set with a re-edited version of their Berlin recording of No 9.
The playing in the Fourth, Sixth and Eighth Symphonies marries the precision and suavity of modern instruments with the vitality of period performance practice. There's some sluggish scherzi and a heavy Fifth, Abbado's tempi is notably fleet, the sound radiant. But in the Second and Seventh Symphonies, emphasis on textural detail dilutes the drama. At mid-price, this set would be a steal. At full price, I'd hesitate.
Pick of the Album: An exquisite account of the Eighth Symphony
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments