Immerse yourself in the timeless compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven with the album "Munch conducts Beethoven." This extraordinary collection, released on October 4, 2011, under the West Hill Radio Archives label, brings together a stunning array of Beethoven's most celebrated works, performed by the esteemed Boston Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Charles Munch. Spanning a generous 5 hours and 16 minutes, this album is a comprehensive journey through Beethoven's symphonies, concertos, and overtures, showcasing the depth and breadth of his musical genius.
The album features iconic pieces such as Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 "Pastoral," Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92, and the majestic Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica." Additionally, it includes the virtuosic Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37 and the grand Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor," performed with exquisite skill. The Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61 and the String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135 (arranged for orchestra) further enrich the collection, offering a diverse and captivating listening experience.
Charles Munch's interpretations, captured in some of the earliest televised concerts with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, bring a unique perspective to Beethoven's works. The album also includes notable overtures like "Leonore Overture No. 2, Op. 72a" and "Die Weihe des Hauses Overture, Op. 124," adding to the richness of the musical tapestry.
Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Beethoven's compositions, this album offers a profound and engaging exploration of one of the most influential composers in history. The meticulous performances and the historical significance of these recordings make "Munch conducts Beethoven" a valuable addition to any music lover's collection.
(C) 2011 West Hill Radio Archives(P) 2011 West Hill Radio Archives
Tracks
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 "Pastoral": I. Awakening of Cheerful Feelings Upon Arrival in the Country: Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 "Pastoral", II. Scene by the Brook: Andante molto mossoLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 "Pastoral": III. Merry Gathering of Country Folk: AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 "Pastoral": IV. Thunderstorm: AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 "Pastoral": V. Shepherd's Song. Happy and Thankful Feelings after the Storm: AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: I. Poco sostenuto - VivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: II. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: III. Presto, assai meno prestoLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92: IV. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37: I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Clara Haskil, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37: II. LargoLudwig van Beethoven, Clara Haskil, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 37: III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Clara Haskil, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": I. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Claudio Arrau, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": II. Adagio un poco mossoLudwig van Beethoven, Claudio Arrau, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major, Op. 73 "Emperor": III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Claudio Arrau, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica": I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica": II. Marcia funebre: Adagio assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica": III. Scherzo. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Symphony No. 3 in E-Flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica": IV. Finale. Allegro moltoLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
String Quartet No. 16 in F Major, Op. 135: III. Lento assai, cantante e tranquillo (Arr. For orchestra)Ludwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61: I. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Jascha Heifetz, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61: II. LarghettoLudwig van Beethoven, Jascha Heifetz, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61: III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Jascha Heifetz, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Leonore Overture No. 2, Op. 72aLudwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61: I. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Zino Francescatti, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61: II. LarghettoLudwig van Beethoven, Zino Francescatti, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 61: III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Zino Francescatti, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Die Weihe des Hauses Overture, Op. 124Ludwig van Beethoven, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch