London Symphony Orchestra & André Previn - Beethoven: Symphony No. 5, Op. 67 & Prometheus Overture (Remastered) (2019) [Hi-Res]

The Fifth Symphony was finished in 1808, although its composition had occupied Beethoven's attention for many years before. At its first performance, at Vienna, it was numbered on the program as the Sixth ; and the Pastoral appeared as the Fifth. Both were finished in the same year, but the priority of the C minor is clearly established by Beethoven's own numbering in the autograph. The C minor Symphony is probably the best known and most admired of the nine, perhaps because it is the most human in its qualities. Beethoven himself has left us a clue to its meaning, namely, that it pictures the struggle of the individual with Fate, the alternations of hope and despair, and the final triumph. In speaking of the first four notes of the opening movement, Beethoven said, some time after he had finished the symphony : "So pocht das Schicksal an die Pforte" ("Thus Fate knocks at the door"). In the Fifth, as in the Third Symphony, we find that concentration of the thought and labor which makes these two musical poems so all-powerful and overwhelming in their effect. It is not marked by a spontaneous flow of musical phrases lightly strung together, or by mere toying with musical forms; but each motive represents a concentrated essence of thought which, once heard, makes an indelible impression, and apparently admits of no change. We give only a few quotations, but bearing them in mind, the listener will be able to follow the development of this passionate outpouring of a passionate mind while brooding over its fate...quote from musicwithease.com

London Symphony Orchestra
André Previn, conductor

Digitally remastered