Beethoven's 7th 2nd Movement: "Allegretto"

Puma Cat

Puma Cat

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Just wanted to share this with the gang: When you have a spare 7 1/2 minutes, my thought is taking some time to listen to this absolutely beautiful performance of the 2nd Movement of Beethoven's 7th Symphony, "Allegretto" may be appropriate as we reflect back on the year just past and look towards the year about to come.

Here's a summary by Google AI of Beethoven's 7th:

"Beethoven's 7th Symphony is widely considered to be a very beautiful piece of music, particularly praised for its second movement, the "Allegretto" which many consider to be one of the most beautiful melodies ever written; it is often described as having a joyful and uplifting quality, with a captivating rhythm that deeply moves listeners.

Key points about the beauty of Beethoven's 7th Symphony:
The Allegretto movement: this slow movement is particularly renowned for its exquisite melody and rhythmic structure, often described as "magical" or "transcendent."

Sense of spontaneity: Many critics consider the 7th Symphony to have a particularly spontaneous and lively feel, with the notes seeming to flow freely.

Overall positive emotion: While Beethoven's music can be dramatic, the 7th Symphony is often interpreted as expressing a sense of joy, celebration, and exuberance.

Link to an absolutely wonderful performance of the Allegretto by Paavo Järvi and the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen. Enjoy and Happy New Year.

 
Thank you Puma Cat. After watching the video, I asked ChatGPT for recommendations of performances of that symphony. Here is what it replied:
Beethoven’s 7th Symphony is a masterpiece, and there are many legendary performances that are widely considered among the best. Your preference may depend on your taste in tempos, intensity, and interpretation. Here are some notable performances:

Classic Recordings

1. Carlos Kleiber with the Vienna Philharmonic (1976)


• Highly regarded for its energy, precision, and emotional depth. Often considered one of the greatest interpretations.


2. Herbert von Karajan with the Berlin Philharmonic (1962)


• Part of Karajan’s famous 1960s Beethoven cycle, this performance is powerful and polished, with his characteristic intensity.


3. Leonard Bernstein with the Vienna Philharmonic (1978)


• Bernstein’s rendition is dramatic and full of life, emphasizing the rhythmic vitality of the symphony.


Modern Performances


4. Simon Rattle with the Berlin Philharmonic (2008)


• Known for its clarity and modern sound quality, Rattle’s interpretation balances energy with a more analytical approach.


5. Riccardo Chailly with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra (2011)


• A faster, historically informed interpretation with extraordinary precision and detail.


6. John Eliot Gardiner with the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique (1994)


• A historically informed performance on period instruments that captures the rawness and vitality of Beethoven’s time.


Live Performances


7. Claudio Abbado with the Lucerne Festival Orchestra (2005)


• Abbado’s live performance is deeply emotional, with a luminous and transparent sound.


For Audiophiles


8. Carlos Kleiber (live performance with Bavarian State Orchestra, 1982)


• A legendary live performance with incredible tension and a slightly freer approach compared to his studio recording.



If you are exploring recordings, Carlos Kleiber’s Vienna Philharmonic version is a safe starting point. For modern sound and dynamic interpretation, Chailly or Rattle might be ideal. Let me know if you’d like help finding a specific recording!
 
Thanks. For me personally, my favorite is Von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic 1962 cycle. I have a boxed set of the original DG LPs of this cycle.
 
I vote for the third movement in Beethoven's 9th Symphony, the Adagio. It has an ethereal quality rarely heard in Beethoven's music. My wife, who is not a classical music fan, remarked on this when she first heard it. A good example beginning at the 29:50 mark:
 
I like the version by the OP lots. I have the DSD file 4th and 7th by the artist. I also have the DSD file of Vanska and the Minnesota Orchestra as well as the DSD file of Kleiber and the Vienna Philharmonic as well as a few others.
 
A beautiful piece indeed. I get this feeling as the movement progresses that hope is building, and that the end result will be triumph (everything's going to be OK). To "joyful and uplifting" I would add comforting.
 
well since we're on Beethoven, the opening of his 5th is what letter in CW (Morse code) ?
 
During a trip: I bought all the symphonies at the warehouse Galeria-Karststadt in Bremen.

The version is recorded in 2007 on SACD from The Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen directed by Paavo Järvi

I really love this set, and this performance got a phantastic review by SA-cd.net

Is someone able to compare this version from the Beethoven Symphony?
 
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