Search - Herbert Von Karajan - His Legacy for Home Video: Ludwig Van Beethoven - Symphonies 1 and 8 on DVD

Excellent Performances

Juan Keledjian | MIAMI, FL USA | 06/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD gives the listener the opportunity to compare the early and late Beethoven. The early, Haydn-style Beethoven's first symphony should made a dramatic impression on the public at the time it was first performed. It's so powerful and elegant at the same time. The incredible last movement makes you ask why this symphony is so rarely interpreted. The Eight was one of Beethoven's favorites. In my youth (not so long ago) it was one of my least favorites. It was years later while listening my complete collection and working on something else that I "discovered" it. Among his last symphonies this one is one of the "classic"style, or so they say, but it has one of the most spectacular developments (middle part of the first movement). Beethoven was great in developments, and this one begins with a rhythmic "ta-ta-ta-taa" theme that very much resembles his famous Fifth. Then, the first theme of the movement is developed in a fugue, which leads to a dramatic and glorious triple forte. The last movement has one of the famous endless Beethoven's finals. These performances are impossible to criticize, so powerful they are, and the BPO is without any doubt the best playing Beethoven. I love the way this guys put all their energy in the music. This DVD sets the last two remaining symphonies of the collection. I wonder when they are going to publish the overtures!"

A revelation.

Emìle Swanepoel | Toronto, Canada | 08/30/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first DVD I have bought and these are not my favourite Beethoven Symphonies. But what a revelation! A magnificent and entertaining experience seeing this great conductor at work. Indeed a great monument to his work. If the conductor seems to be an important focus point this is quite fitting since it seems to capture something of the interpretation of this wonderful music (I can't stop listening to it) that isn't that obvious by only listening to the recordings which are available on CD. Strongly recommended."

Greatness is not a respector of name.

Flint Lock | Tequesta, Florida United States | 07/21/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One might judge von Karajan as a person, and find his actions quite low indeed. Never the less, I have found his DVD of "Beethoven Symphonies numbers One and Eight" to be simply outstanding. As the Greek law maker Solon suggested so many hundreds of years ago, "Judge not the dead for they may place a curse on you the living." So, I prefer to watch and listen to this great work, and leave his serious personal failings to others."

Observing a master

Flint Lock | 12/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is not only an entertaining experience to see and hear the orchestra, but a fascinating educational one to watch a master conductor at work. Here, Karajan, who was somewhat of a conducting prodigy, displays himself in his later, wiser years. The music is fantastic, the conducting a rare peek at the driver's seat of the orchestra. He is commanding. He is authoritative, and his orchestra responds to him. There is much to be learned as well as much to be enjoyed from this DVD."