Beethoven: Complete Symphonies, Vol. 3 Copenhagen Phil & Lan Shui

• Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral":
• 1 I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso 13:29
• 2 II. Scherzo: Molto vivace 12:25
• 3 III. Adagio molto e cantabile 11:59
• 4 IV. Finale: Presto 22:53
• Total Runtime 01:00:46

Info for Beethoven: Complete Symphonies, Vol. 3

This is the second volume in the Copenhagen Phil's complete Beethoven symphonies set. Contains the best loved of all his symphonies - the so-called 'Pastorale'. The orchestra uses trombones that are from the same period as the ones that Beethoven, Mozart and Haydn were familiar with, leading to a beautifully blended sound that isn't usually heard in these symphonies.

„Lively speeds which never sound hurried. Sparky, well-articulated playing, the period brass adding a distinctive colour. Crisp, clear, recording. All present. One of this job's many pleasures is coming across a disc from an unexpected source which confounds expectations. And here's Volume 2 of a Beethoven cycle from an orchestra and conductor I'd never heard of. It's not damning with faint praise to say that I couldn't believe how good this set is, and for a second I wondered whether I was the victim of a Joyce Hatto-style set-up. These discs are an utter joy, and spot comparisons with other, better-known recordings confirm that Lan Shui's Copenhagen players deserve to be up there with the best. Their performances are closest in spirit to Paavo Järvi's superb RCA cycle, though with a smidgeon more impishness and sheer fun. No.5's pleasures are as much musical as dramatic, the last movement's trombones making a superb impact. This Pastoral is more invigorating trot than flaccid plod, with a startling, viscerally exciting storm sequence. Things get better still with Symphonies 7 and 8. Spectacular horns enliven the former's first movement, and the Allegretto lacks nothing in solemnity. No. 8 breezes along, the goofy finale's closing minutes pure magic. I bought the first volume of this cycle shortly after listening to this one. It's just as enjoyable, with an Eroica that's among the best I've heard. Symphony No. 9 will complete the set next year. Life-enhancing stuff. The sleeve art is appealing. Late August can be a gloomy time the nights are already drawing in and the holiday season is almost over. Cheer yourself up. Buy this.“ (ArtsDesk)

Copenhagen Phil
Lan Shui, conductor

Lan Shui
has been the Chief Conductor for Copenhagen Phil since 2007. Shui was educated and trained as a conductor in China, where he had his debut on the podium leading the Chinese Central Philharmonic Orchestra. He continued his studies in the United States in the 1980s, where he conducted numerous American orchestras, among them the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

In 1997 Shui was named Music Director of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, which has flourished artistically and achieved international recognition under his leadership. On top of his established engagements in Copenhagen and Singapore, Shui guest conducts regularly with many of the world’s leading orchestras, collaborating with artists such as Hilary Hahn, Yo-yo Ma, and Maxim Vengerov.

In addition to his intense work with Copenhagen Phil over a period of several years on the cycle of Beethoven Symphonies, Shui has also performed works of, among others, Berlioz, Nielsen, Britten, and Mendelssohn with the orchestra. Lan Shui is also passionate about contemporary music, and has conducted numerous premieres in various places around the globe. He conducted the Danish premiere of Bent Sørensen’s Trumpet Concerto with Copenhagen Phil in 2013.

Booklet for Beethoven: Complete Symphonies, Vol. 3