Beethoven: The Symphonies - Herbert von Karajan & Berliner Philharmoniker | 1977 Symphony Cycle 6-CD Box Set

Product Information

• UPC: 028947775782
• Product Type: Classical Music CD Box Set
• Genre: Classical (Romantic, Symphonic)
• Format: 6-CD Box Set (Hinged box design, remastered compilation)
• Catalog Numbers: Deutsche Grammophon 477 7578, 00289 477 7578
• Release Date: Reissue (Original recordings 1966/1970/1977)
• Publisher: Deutsche Grammophon (Universal Music Group)
• Series: Karajan Symphony Edition
• Performers: Herbert von Karajan (Conductor), Berliner Philharmoniker (Orchestra)

Overview

This prestigious 6-CD box set presents Herbert von Karajan's acclaimed 1977 Beethoven Symphony Cycle with the Berliner Philharmoniker, widely regarded as one of the finest interpretations of Beethoven's complete symphonies ever recorded. Part of Deutsche Grammophon's esteemed "Karajan Symphony Edition," this collection features all nine Beethoven symphonies plus six overtures in superb performances that, according to Gramophone magazine, "set new standards of orchestral playing." The 1977 cycle represents the culmination of Karajan's vision of Beethoven, combining technical perfection with profound musical insight, and features world-class vocal soloists in the iconic Ninth Symphony. This remastered edition preserves the remarkable sound quality of the original recordings while presenting them in a beautiful collector's edition package.

Product Features

• Complete Beethoven Symphony Cycle: All nine symphonies conducted by Herbert von Karajan
• Additional Works: Six overtures (Egmont, Leonore III, Fidelio, Coriolan, The Creatures of Prometheus, The Ruins of Athens)
• Premium Recordings: Highly acclaimed 1977 interpretations (with some overtures from 1966/1970)
• World-Class Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker at the height of its powers
• Distinguished Soloists: Anna Tomowa-Sintow (soprano), Agnes Baltsa (mezzo-soprano), Peter Schreier (tenor), José van Dam (bass)
• Renowned Chorus: Wiener Singverein directed by Helmut Froschauer
• Superior Sound Quality: Remastered analog recordings
• Historical Significance: Part of Karajan's third and final Beethoven cycle
• Elegant Packaging: Hinged box design with original photography by Siegfried Lauterwasser
• Comprehensive Documentation: Detailed liner notes by Richard Osborne (English) and Franz Endler (German)

CD Contents and Running Times

• CD 1: Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21; Symphony No. 4 in B-flat Major, Op. 60; Overture "Egmont", Op. 84 (Total: 63:15)
• CD 2: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 36; Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92 (Total: 63:11)
• CD 3: Symphony No. 3 in E-flat Major, Op. 55 "Eroica"; Overture "Leonore" III, Op. 72a (Total: 62:22)
• CD 4: Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67; Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93; Overture "Fidelio", Op. 72b (Total: 61:17)
• CD 5: Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68 "Pastoral"; Overtures "Coriolan", Op. 62, "The Creation of Prometheus", Op. 43, "The Ruins of Athens", Op. 113 (Total: 57:51)
• CD 6: Symphony No. 9 in D Minor, Op. 125 "Choral" (Total: 66:38)

Interesting Facts

Herbert von Karajan's 1977 Beethoven cycle represents his third and final recorded interpretation of these masterpieces, following earlier cycles in 1953 and 1962. Many critics and collectors consider this 1977 cycle to be the pinnacle of his approach to Beethoven, combining the energy of his earlier recordings with the polished perfection he achieved with the Berlin Philharmonic in his later years.

Karajan recorded Beethoven's symphonies more times than any other major conductor, reflecting his lifelong dedication to these works and his evolving interpretation of them. The 1977 cycle is noted for its remarkable orchestral brilliance, with the Berlin Philharmonic at the absolute height of its technical powers under Karajan's leadership.

The recordings were made in the Berliner Philharmonie, the orchestra's distinctive home venue, which was designed with cutting-edge acoustics when it opened in 1963. The overtures were recorded at the Jesus-Christus-Kirche in Berlin, a location famous for its exceptional recording acoustics.

Music critic Richard Osborne described this set as "remarkable" and noted that it "tells us something about the mystery by which a great orchestra and a great conductor together renew a tradition." This sentiment captures the historical significance of these recordings, which represent not just excellent performances but a culmination of the Austro-German symphonic tradition that Karajan embodied.

The recording sessions for the Ninth Symphony were particularly intensive, with Karajan assembling a stellar cast of vocal soloists and the renowned Wiener Singverein chorus to create what many consider one of the most powerful renditions of Beethoven's choral masterpiece.

Publishers

Published by Deutsche Grammophon, a Universal Music Company. Recordings made in Berlin, Philharmonie (1975-1977 for the Symphonies) and Berlin, Jesus-Christus-Kirche (September 1965 for Opp. 62, 72a, 72b; January 1969 for Opp. 43, 84, 113). Executive Producers: Dr. Hans Hirsch, Hans Weber, and Magdalene Padberg. Recording Producers: Michel Glotz and Hans Weber. Balance Engineer: Günter Hermanns.

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