FURTWÄNGLER CONDUCTS BEETHOVEN:
THE BEST OF THE WORLD WAR II LEGACY
IN NEW DIGITAL TRANSFERS
CD-4049(4)

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"One thing becomes ever clearer, and that is that a complete understanding of the genius of Beethoven is impossible without some acquaintance with Furtwängler's incandescent readings, before, during or after World War II; Music & Arts' digital remastering is impeccable."

--Octavio Roca in San Francisco Examiner & Chronicle

"Wartime Beethoven concerts of intense power and thought [Furtwängler's] music-making reflects the anguish of his heart, the sincerity of a tormented soul who glorified Beethoven as the collective conscience of his race."

--Gary Lemco in Audiophile Auditions

These are the best World War II performances of Beethoven's symphonies under the baton of Furtwängler.  Previously released versions on our label were acclaimed in Fanfare, American Record Guide, Pulse!, Absolute Sound, Diapason, Musica, and numerous other journals. They have been completely re-mastered by Internationally acclaimed engineer Maggi Payne for this edition and sound better than any prior issue.

CD-4049(4) FURTW ÄNGLER CONDUCTS BEETHOVEN: THE BEST OF THE WORLD WAR II LEGACY IN NEW DIGITAL TRANSFERS. CD #1 - 76:04, Symphony #3 in Eb, Op. 55 (VPO, 19/20 Dec. 1944); Overture to "Coriolan," Op. 6 (BPO 27/30 June 1943); Overture #3 to "Leonore," Op. 72 (VPO, 2 June 1944). CD #2 - 76:49, Symphony #5 in c, Op. 67 (BPO, 27/30 June 1943); Symphony #6 in F, Op. 68 (BPO, 20/22 March 1944). CD #3 - 73:26, Symphony #4 in Bb, Op. 60 (BPO, 27/30 June 1943); Symphony #7 in A, Op. 92 (BPO, 31 Oct./3 Nov. 1943). CD #4 - 73:12, Symphony #9 in D-minor, Op. 125 with Tilla Briem (soprano), Elisabeth Höngen (contralto), Peter Anders (tenor), Rudolf Watzke (bass), and the Philharmonic Choir (BPO, 22/24 March 1942). (AAD) UPC# 0-17685-40492-4. Special 4 CDs for the price of 3!

audio samples:

Sym No.9 in d, Op.125: IV. Presto
Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: I. Allegretto Con Brio
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.55: I. Allegro Con Brio
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.55 II. Marcia Funebre: Adagio Assai
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.55 III. Scherzo. Allegro Vivace
Sym No.3 in E flat, Op.55 IV. Finale: Allegro Molto
Overture To 'Coriolan,' Op.6
Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: II. Andante Con Moto
Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: III. Allegro
Sym No.5 in c, Op.67: IV. Allegro
Sym No.6 in F, Op.68: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo 'Awakening Of Happy Feelings...'
Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: I. Adagio-Allegro Vivace
Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: II. Adagio
Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: III. Allegro Vivace
Sym No.4 in B flat, Op.60: IV. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Sym No.7 in A, Op.92: I. Poco Sostenuto-Vivace
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125: I. Allegro, Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125: II. Molto Vivace
Sym No.9 in d, Op.125: III. Adagio Molto E Cantabile

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