7.5 | / 10 |
Users | 4.5 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Music | 100% |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080i
Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.78:1
Music: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0
Music: LPCM 2.0
English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin (Simplified)
50GB Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region free
Movie | 4.5 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 5.0 | |
Extras | 5.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
As incredible as it may seem, we haven't yet had a complete Beethoven symphony cycle on Blu-ray. At least, until now. This new undertaking by Christian Thielemann and the Vienna Philharmonic seems destined to set the standard for high definition presentation of the Beethoven symphonies for many years to come. With unusually nuanced performances of the middle triptych of Beethoven’s nonet, this first release of the cycle augurs one of the more memorable outings of symphonies that for better or worse are often treated with a sort of casual approach, courtesy of having become so very, very familiar over the passage of time. Perhaps at least as impressive as the performances themselves, if not more so, are the audaciously effective hour long documentaries which supplement each symphony. Thielemann turns out to be an incredibly thoughtful and inerrantly articulate spokesman, and when one considers the interviewer is one of the most distinguished contemporary German musicologists, Dr. Joachine Kaiser, one becomes privy to almost a Master’s level thesis in musical discourse, from both a theoretical and practical standpoint. This first release is notable, perhaps by design, in combining two of Beethoven’s best known pieces with a symphony that for some odd reason often gets short shrift in critical analyses of Beethoven’s oeuvre, the strangely overlooked Symphony No. 4.
The Fourth was performed in March 2009 and the Fifth and Sixth in April 2010 at Vienna's ornate but rather cramped looking Musikverein. Offered on Blu-ray with an AVC codec in 1080i and 1.78:1, all three of these concerts (which play right after each other) look splendidly sharp and wonderfully well detailed. Colors are beautifully saturated and fine detail is excellent. Somehow both television directors managed to cram their cameras into somewhat unexpected nooks and crannies (pay attention to just how close the orchestra sits together, and how close they are to the audience), and therefore coverage is really fabulous, including good close-ups of soloists which reveal excellent detail.
Both the lossless audio options on this Blu-ray, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.0 and an LPCM 2.0, are, to put it simply, perfect. No subwoofer is utilized in the surround mix, but the low end is still incredibly abundant and the rolling tympani of the Fifth and Sixth come through with appropriate robustness. Fidelity here is simply exceptional, with gorgeously rich horn tones and wonderfully warm strings. The Musikverein has exceptional acoustics and the surround mix offers a very pleasant, lifelike hall ambience that supports and give breath to this incredible music. Balance between the sections is also spot on, and, as discussed above in the main body of the review, dynamic range here is simply phenomenal. Classical music lovers will rejoice in the incredible clarity and precision of both of these lossless tracks.
Discovering Beethoven is without a doubt one of the most excellent pieces of exegesis with regard to both Beethoven in general and these symphonies in particular in recent memory. Split into three segments, each devoted to one symphony, we get Joachim Kaiser and Thielemann discussing The Fourth (1080i; 51:50), Fifth (1080i; 1:03:20) and Sixth (1080i; 57:54) in incredible detail. Even more remarkably, the two discuss other conductors' interpretations (Bernstein, von Karajan, et al.) and show excerpts from those versions and then contrast them with Thielemann's own approach. This is some of the most fascinating and in depth musical conversation you'll ever experience, and it will probably intrigue and entrance you at least as much as the symphonies themselves, which is really saying something.
It's easy to become blasé when confronted with yet another Beethoven symphony release. Well, to paraphrase a certain actress in Moonstruck, "Snap out of it!" This is one of the most exciting new releases of the year, augmented by a simply fantastic set of documentaries that is both instructive and completely entertaining. I can't wait to hear the other six symphonies in this cycle. Very highly recommended.
Christian Thielemann / Wiener Philharmoniker
2008-2010
Christian Thielemann / Wiener Philharmoniker
2008-2010
(Still not reliable for this title)
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