Track Listing

1. Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Adagio molto - Allegro con brio
2. Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Andante cantabile con moto
3. Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Menuetto, Allegro molto e vivace
4. Symphony No. 1 in C major, Op. 21: Finale, Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace
5. Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Allegro ma non troppo
6. Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Andante molto moto
7. Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Allegro
8. Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Allegro
9. Symphony No. 6 in F major ('Pastoral'), Op. 68: Allegretto
10. Egmont, incidental music, Op. 84: Overture

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #92042 in Music
• Brand: Sony
• Released on: 2002-01-29
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .21 pounds

Customer Reviews

forceful, lyrical performances
the beethoven cycle recorded by george szell and the cleveland orchestra in the early 1960's is a miraculous and distinctive account of the symphonies and major orchestral overtures. it manages at the same time to be true to the spirit of beethoven yet immediately fresh and new when compared with almost any other performance available on disc.

szell raised the ensemble and technical control of the cleveland orchestra to an astonishing level, which allowed him many hair raising plunges through the music, for example in the last movement of the 5th symphony. the orchestra could render the full dynamic range, and the strings -- for example in the first chords of the egmont overture -- were capable of a powerful, rich sonority equal to a brass choir.

the real beauty in szell's interpretations is the orchestra's almost balletic sensitivity to rhythm and musical accent. these musicians don't just play the music as a dance, they express dancing as they play. it's a treat to be surprised by this irresistible, springing dance spirit in movements that are so often played as academic forms -- the disc of the 1st and 6th symphonies provides many happy moments. one regrets that there's no szell recording of beethoven's "creatures of prometheus" available.

i love these recordings. at a time when our culture relies on noise, speed, excess, vulgarity and lack of control to get our attention, it's a treat to hear beethoven that is sonorous, sprightly, forceful, lyrical and eloquent. and at a bargain price!

Brilliant Beethoven
In the 1950s and 60s, CBS/Columbia (now Sony Classical) had the great fortune to have three of America's best orchestras and their conductors on their recording roster -- Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic, Eugene Ormandy and the Philadelphia Orchestra, and George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra. Nearly a half-century later, sadly only Leonard Bernstein remains a name that even the non-classical music world knows. But in the world of the compact disc, this is a wonderful thing, because while Leonard Bernstein analog stereo recordings sell at mid-price, classic performances by Ormandy and Szell are regulated to the budget line. Well, my friends there is justice because the vast majority of these "budget line" recordings are not only amazing, but some are still considered definitive more than 40 years later! One such definitive performance is this Szell recording of Beethoven's 1st and 6th symphonies, and in fact the whole cycle is still something at which to marvel. Never did something of such high quality come at such a small price. Enjoy!

Essential CD
There's no secret that George Szell has always been regarded as one of the finest Beethoven intreperters ever, and after listening to this classic recording, one fully understands why. The first symphony, which I don't hold as a major Beethoven, is nicely played, though I'd complain that the Cleveland is awfully harsh on some of the opening notes and puts on too much accents. My favorite recording of the first symphony has always been an old one with Krips and the LSO, though that one lacks in sound quality and is hard to find find these days. Neither is the case with this Szell/Cleveland rendition; EMI Classics has a hefty reputation and another gem here. The sixth symphony as played here; I really can't imagine how any one can do better, or why anyone would want to record the sixth again; just seems absolutely pointless with the masterful performance out there. Szell vividly captures the programical story; you can just see yourself walking in the countryside, enduring through the thunderstorm, and passing by the merry gatherings. One notable spot - at the end of the opening movement, there's a very tricky solo for clarinet with upward arpegios. Cleveland principal, the legendary Robert Marcellus pulls it off perfectly and effortless. Brilliant playing.