Beethoven: Symphonies

‘A decisive interpretation, reinforced by a near-flawless and totally committed performance, and driven by an energy and vitality that conductors half the age of the venerable octogenarian Mackerras could only dream of emulating. The confidence and challenge intrinsic to the great symphony bounded off the page, flowed through conductor and orchestra and filled the auditorium, whose near-capacity audience was gripped. That grip remained fast for the duration: through the pulsing virility of the first movement and an amazing account of the second where Sir Charles and the SCO at once maintained a swift momentum while creating an illusion of unhurried expansiveness, crept through a stealthily-introduced scherzo and, in a wonderfully controlled flow of tension and release, exploded into a finale whose effect was as cathartic as it was climactic. This Beethoven Five was a seamlessly integrated interpretation and performance which refreshed the best known of all symphonies. That’s why it was special. This performance was suffused with the shock of the new’ (Glasgow Herald)

CDS44301/5  335 minutes 30 seconds (5 discs)
GRAMOPHONE AWARDS SHORTLIST 2008
SUNDAY TIMES CLASSICAL CD OF THE WEEK
CLASSIC FM CD OF THE WEEK
SUNDAY TIMES BEST OF THE YEAR
'SUPERSONIC' AWARD, PIZZICATO MAGAZINE
SUNDAY TIMES CLASSICAL CD OF THE YEAR
THE TIMES CLASSICAL CD OF THE YEAR
DAVID MELLOR'S CD OF THE YEAR
‘Hyperion's set is that early evening Beethoven cycle caught in recordings of remarkable intimacy and focus … it is a set I would happily put into the hands of any aspiring young music lover ...
‘So magnificently exhilharating an account’ (BBC Music Magazine)
‘Mackerras's rapport with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra is exceptional, leading not only to stylish performances but also to conveying an infectious sense of enjoyment … a set that takes some be ...