Kurt Masur, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig - Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 (1974) [2004 SACD]

Masur’s Beethoven symphonies were recorded Oct-Dec. 1972 (3, 4, 5 and 6) and Jan. 1974 (1, 2, 8 and 9) in the Gewandhaus, produced by Bernd Runge. Sonically these are among the finest examples of Pentatone’s RQR recordings—original four-track recordings now released for the first time in surround sound. No effort has been made to provide center or low-frequency channels, and they are not needed. On these SACDs you will hear some of the finest, most natural orchestral sound currently available in multi-channel. There’s a fine spread with the orchestra in front, ambient sound from other speakers, no spotlighting of singers or instruments, all perfectly balanced with the four soloists and chorus in the Choral symphony in ideal perspective. The performances are sturdy, not overly exciting, but very well played by the Leipzig orchestra. You won’t hear the refinement of Claudio Abbado’s DVD video set with the Berlin Philharmonic (see REVIEW), but there is much to enjoy here. Highly recommended!


Tracks:

1 Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso 16:08
2 Molto vivace 13:50
3 Adagio molto e cantabile 14:45
4 Presto 7:01
5 Allegro assai 16:35

Personnel:

Anna Tomowa-Sintow, soprano
Annelies Burmeister, mezzo-soprano
Peter Schreier, tenor
Theo Adam, bass
Radio Chorus Leipzig