European Concert 2000: 10th Anniversary in Berlin - Berliner Philharmoniker DVD

Product Information

• UPC: 545027005062
• Product Type: Classical Concert DVD
• Genre: Classical
• Languages: Multiple (Documentary portions)
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese
• Format: DVD-9 (Single-sided)
• Running Time: Approximately 115 minutes
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (Letterbox)
• Audio: LPCM Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1
• Region Code: PAL
• Distributor: TDK Recording Media Europe S.A.
• Recording Date: May 1, 2000
• Recording Location: Philharmonie, Berlin

Overview

This DVD captures the prestigious 10th anniversary European Concert by the Berliner Philharmoniker under the direction of Claudio Abbado, recorded live at the Berlin Philharmonie on May 1, 2000. The all-Beethoven program features two masterworks: the Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major with acclaimed Russian pianist Mikhail Pletnev as soloist, and the monumental Symphony No. 9 in D minor "Choral" with a distinguished quartet of vocal soloists (Karita Mattila, Violeta Urmana, Thomas Moser, and Eike Wilm Schulte) joined by the Swedish Radio Choir and Eric Ericson Chamber Choir. In addition to the complete concert performance, the DVD includes a special documentary entitled "10th Anniversary in Berlin," providing historical context and behind-the-scenes insights into this significant musical event.

Product Features

• Format: DVD-9 (Single-sided) with PAL encoding
• Video: 16:9 Letterbox aspect ratio
• Audio Options: LPCM Stereo and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
• Subtitles: Six languages (English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese)
• Running Time: Approximately 115 minutes
• Special Feature: Documentary "10th Anniversary in Berlin"
• Complete performance of two major Beethoven works

Interesting Facts

European Concert Tradition

The Berlin Philharmonic's European Concert is an annual tradition that began in 1991, with the orchestra performing each May 1st in a different culturally significant European location to commemorate the anniversary of the orchestra's founding in 1882. The 2000 concert marked the 10th anniversary of this tradition, with the orchestra returning to its home venue in Berlin after performances across Europe in locations such as Prague, Paris, Rome, St. Petersburg, and Palermo.

Abbado's Beethoven

This concert took place during Claudio Abbado's tenure as the Berlin Philharmonic's chief conductor (1989-2002), a period known for his revolutionary interpretations of the core Germanic repertoire. His approach to Beethoven was characterized by lean textures, historically informed performance practices, and a focus on transparency that brought new life to these familiar masterworks, making this recording particularly valuable for collectors and music enthusiasts.

Historical Context

The year 2000 marked not only the 10th anniversary of the European Concert series but also the celebration of the new millennium and a decade since German reunification in 1990. The performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, with its message of universal brotherhood in the "Ode to Joy" finale, held special symbolic significance given these historical contexts and Berlin's own journey from a divided to a unified city.

Program

1. Ludwig van Beethoven: Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 19

   • I. Allegro con brio
   • II. Adagio
   • III. Rondo (Molto allegro)
   • Mikhail Pletnev, piano
   • Berliner Philharmoniker
   • Claudio Abbado, conductor

2. Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, "Choral"

   • I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso
   • II. Molto vivace
   • III. Adagio molto e cantabile
   • IV. Presto
   • Karita Mattila, soprano
   • Violeta Urmana, alto
   • Thomas Moser, tenor
   • Eike Wilm Schulte, baritone
   • Swedish Radio Choir
   • Eric Ericson Chamber Choir
   • Tõnu Kaljuste, chorus master
   • Berliner Philharmoniker
   • Claudio Abbado, conductor

3. Documentary: "10th Anniversary in Berlin"

Publishers

Released by TDK Recording Media Europe S.A. in 2000. Original recording © 2000 EuroArts/VIDEAL/brilliant media.

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#BerlinerPhilharmoniker #ClaudioAbbado #BeethovenNinth #MikhailPletnev #EuropeanConcert #ClassicalDVD #BerlinPhilharmonie #OdeToJoy