'Surging rhythms that explore every conceivable movement are very much a feature of Bernard Haitink's fine new recording ... the LSO Live CD is even more compelling with the inclusion of the Triple Concerto, in a performance of chamber music lightness ... under Haitink's vigorous baton this Cinderella work sems even more underrated. Seventy-five minutes of exceptional music' (The Mail on Sunday)

'He is a different, energised man, caught up in the thrill of the moment, on the podium—and it is our good fortune that these marvellous concerts will have an extended life on disc' (The Sunday Times)

'Bernard Haitink delivers a splendid interpretation of Beethoven's Seventh: taut, exciting, always musical, and in no way inhibited ... Haitink's concern for clean rhythmic articulation really pays off ... the result is truly of the highest possible standard' (Classics Today)

'Simply masterful Beethoven ... capped by a magisterial account of the Ninth Symphony, this is the Beethoven set for our time. Even if you already have umpteen other recordings of these works, you really owe it to yourself to hear this new set. It's a deeply satisfying musical experience' (Chicago Tribune)

'Enough orchestral punch to knock a listener senseless ... we are caught in the grip of a performance of quite uncommon fervour. Feel the warmth of Finley's opening bass solo, marvel at the open throats of the London Symphony Chorus' (The Times)

'A magnificent performance of the Ninth, done with total commitment under Haitink's inspiring leadership ... with splendid chorus and soloists in full cry, and orchestra in blazing form, all is thrillingly right. Every detail of the ever-astonishing score is given its value in a reading of passionate conviction' (The Sunday Times)

'A Mackerras's 1994 Edinburgh festival performance with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment is one of the most thrilling Beethoven interpretations I have ever heard. It bristles with revolutionary spirit: there's no attempt to tame or otherwise civilise the sounds that Beethoven's imagination is racing to conjure into being. You feel as if the conductor can barely keep the music on a leash, such is its volcanic energy and yet Mackerras's way with this symphony is all part of a coherent vision. The OAE play like gods and demons, with pure string timbres one moment, raw woodwinds the next, and even the slow movement catches your breath, thanks to Mackerras's ability to shed new light. The performance is crowned by a finale that clearly inspired everyone taking part' (Financial Times)

'Signum has unearthed a live Beethoven: Symphony No 9 at the 1994 Edinburgh Festival with Sir Charles Mackerras and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment in cracking form. Sir Charles was a pioneer of cleaning off the varnish to promote a lither Beethoven, with a spring in his step, in performances echoing those of the composer's time. Despite a fast pace, the slow movement is full of spiritual balm. The outer movements are elemental in proper revolutionary style; the finale's found British soloists are excellent. Highly recommended' (The Mail on Sunday)

'No composer has grappled so vigorously with the fundamental physics of harmony as Beethoven does in his first movement, then delivered on such a humane and joyful finale … Mackerras's account has drive and integrity in spades. A souvenir of a much-loved British' (Classic FM Magazine)» More

'This is a performance on period instruments by a chamber orchestra, but that is not to say that the sound lacks body: 44 string players are listed and the woodwind section is doubled. The OAE's playing is lean and muscular but there's plenty of espressivo and dolce lyricism too. Confirmation that this is indeed a live recording comes from a couple of rather endearing squeals from the oboes in the Scherzo and a early flute entry in the finale' (Gramophone)

‘No current trio conveys such a spontaneous sense of enthusiasm and discovery as The Florestan … the performers bounce ideas off one another, stimulating and persuading each to reveal fresh insights and creating a wonderful sense of live music making. With very good engineering this now has to be the first choice among recordings of these works’ (Hi-Fi Plus)

‘There’s such unanimity of purpose here, three minds united in their common musical goal, and yet able to realise it without surrendering their individual character … buy this now, and wait impatiently for Beethoven volume 2’ (bbc.co.uk)