Description

This CD presents Beethoven’s towering Ninth Symphony, one of the most revolutionary works in the Western canon — a piece that shattered the boundaries of symphonic form by introducing vocal soloists and chorus in its celebrated final movement. The performance features a distinguished cast including soprano Gre Brouwenstijn, tenor Nicolai Gedda, and bass Frederick Guthrie, with the Choir of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, Berlin, prepared by Karl Foster. From the brooding grandeur of the opening Allegro ma non troppo to the transcendent choral Finale, this recording captures the full emotional and philosophical scope of Beethoven’s visionary masterwork. An essential CD for any classical music collection…

Symphony No. 9 in D minor (“Choral”), Op. 125

I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso
II. Molto vivace
III. Adagio molto e cantabile
IV. Finale – Soprano: Gre Brouwenstijn, Contralto: Kirsten Meyer, Tenor: Nicolai Gedda, Bass: Frederick Guthrie, Chorus Master: Karl Foster, Choir Of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral, Berlin