Artist: Rudolf Barshai
Title Of Album: Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphonies 1-8
Year Of Release: 2014
Label: Melodiya
Genre: Classical
WebSite: Amazon

Rudolf Barshai – Ludwig van Beethoven – Symphonies 1-8 (5CD) [2014]

Firma Melodiya presents a unique boxed set with recordings of Beethovens symphonies 1 to 8 conducted
by Rudolf Barshai. One of the most prominent representatives of domestic music performing art of
the 20th century, Rudolf Barshai was a man of amazingly versatile talents. His character combined
obsession of a seeker and explorer of new sides to performance with an aspiration for his own
creative way avoiding a bitten path. The Moscow Chamber Orchestra founded by Rudolf Barshai in
1959 was the first orchestra of a kind in this country and instantly became hugely popular.
Its tours were an equal success both at home and overseas, and it sold an impressive number of records.
However, Barshai felt an urge to symphonic conducting and after a few lessons from Ilya Musin
he successfully debuted in that walk of life as well. The recording of Beethovens symphonies realized
in 1969 to 1975 with the Moscow Chamber Orchestra and musicians from the symphony orchestras of
Moscow was Barshais first truly serious effort as a symphonic conductor. These recordings were praised by
Dmitri Shostakovich (We havent heard a Beethoven like this since Klemperer). Barshais conducting manner is
characterized with ultimate precision in terms of the score, transparent harmonization of themes allowing
us to hear the entire orchestral vertical line at all times; sustained, reserves tempos. Unfortunately,
for the reasons not depending on the conductor, Symphony No. 9 was never recorded. Nevertheless,
this boxed set showcases an uncommon integrity of the conductors interpretation and is of interest for the
fans of Barshais art and for a wide circle of listeners as well.

CD01 – Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2
CD02 – Symphony No. 3, ‘Eroica’
CD03 – Symphonies Nos. 4 and 5
CD04 – Symphony No. 6, ‘Pastoral’
CD05 – Symphonies 7 and 8

Disc: 1
1. Adagio Molto – Allegro Con Brio
2. Andante Cantabile Con Moto
3. Menuetto: Allegro Molto E Vivace
4. Adagio: Allegro Molto E Vivace
5. Adagio Molto – Allegro Con Brio
6. Larghetto
7. Scherzo: Allegro
8. Allegro Molto

Disc: 2
1. Allegro Con Brio
2. Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai
3. Scherzo: Allegro Vivace
4. Finale: Allegro Molto

Disc: 3
1. Adagio – Allegro Vivace
2. Adagio
3. Menuetto: Allegro Vivace – Trio: Un Poco Meno Allegro
4. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
5. Allegro Con Brio
6. Andante Con Moto
7. Allegro
8. Allegro – Presto

Disc: 4
1. Erwachen Heiterer Empfindungen Bei Der Ankunft Auf Dem Lande: Allegro Ma Non Troppo
2. Szene Am Bach: Andante Molto Mosso
3. Lustiges Zusammensein Der Landleute: Allegro
4. Gewitter, Sturm: Allegro
5. Hirtengesang Frohe, Dankbare Gefühle Nach Dem Sturm . Allegretto

Disc: 5
1. Poco Sostenuto – Vivace
2. Allegretto
3. Presto – Trio: Assai Meno Presto
4. Allegro Con Brio
5. Allegro Vivace E Con Brio
6. Allegretto Scherzando
7. Tempo Di Menuetto
8. Allegro Vivace