Herbert Von Karajan - His Legacy for Home Video - Beethoven Symphony No. 9
by Herbert von Karajan, Ernst Wild
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DVD details
Actor: Herbert von Karajan, The Berlin Philharmonic OrchestraDirector: Ernst Wild, Herbert von Karajan
Brand: Sony
Cinematographer: Ernst Wild
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 5.1; French (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo; English (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Dutch (Subtitled); Dutch (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
Format: Classical, Color, Dolby, DVD, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 67 minutes
DVD Release Date: 1998-12-08
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Sony
DVD Reviews of Herbert Von Karajan - His Legacy for Home Video - Beethoven Symphony No. 9
DVD Review: Compelling Camerawork and Focused Rendition
Summary: 5 Stars
Some are under the impression that there is only one way to film a concert. In fact, depending how one is treating the source material, there are many ways, each with its strengths and weaknesses, to film a concert piece. The producers of this filmed 1983 rendition of Beethoven's Ninth by Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic chose to focus on the individual sections, instead of the whole orchestra. Thus, we get many profile shots of the players and their instruments, of the singers in the fourth movement, and of Karajan. This technique shows clearly the movement of the players' hands and thus allows one to more easily follow melody throughout and to clarify the differences in melodic lines taken by the different soloists and instruments during fugal parts of the symphony. The picture quality is likewise excellent.
The performance itself is breathtaking in its purity, clarity, and beauty. The first movement is filled with fire, the second is energetic, and the third sparkles. The fourth makes use of some amazing talents in bringing to life the words of that dead poet Schiller and issuing a definitive rendition of the Ode to Joy for the 20th century. This performance is conducted by the assured hand of a consummate master and the entire production is seemingly etched in stone. If there is a perfect way to conduct Beethoven's Ninth, this is very close to what it might sound like.
DVD Review: Man, oh man: What a version of Beethoven's Ninth!
Summary: 5 Stars
This towering version of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony was recorded near the end of Herbert von Karajan's illustrious career, in 1983. Still, he is at the top of his game. I had seen earlier versions of the Ninth under his baton--and this is very typical. His video representations of Beethoven were very stylized. This version may not tell us anything new about Beethoven's Ninth--but is attractively rendered. I enjoy the micro-level viewpoint, as opposed to seeing the whole orchestra t once (although, obviously, others disagree).
The First Movement begins with von Karajan in profile (very typical of his videos). These foreboding, mysterious opening chords. . . . The subsequent crescendo is well and crisply played by the Berlin Philharmonic. There is a good tempo, with nice tension and pace. The camera moves from conductor to orchestra. I find the camera work compelling--including capturing entire rows of players and their instruments, whether strings, horns, wind instruments, or voices. Some reviewers want to see the whole orchestra. I find this approach more dynamic.
The second movement is the scherzo (normally appearing in the third movement of symphonies by Beethoven's contemporaries--including Beethoven himself). The scherzo begins at a good pace, with the various instruments heard pretty distinctly. The Berlin Philharmonic is a great instrument here--in concert with von Karajan's still superb conducting--performing this movement in excellent fashion. It's fun watching the conductor's minimalist baton technique when the pace is slower and the sound lower (as Fritz Reiner?).
The Third Movement is elegiac and stately as composed by Beethoven. The orchestra does this movement considerable justice. There is a nice seamless sound from the orchestra.
In my humble opinion, the Fourth Movement is one of the grandest, most compelling and most glorious artistic achievement in human history. It represents an act of genius by Ludwig van Beethoven. The cacophony of the opening moments, the playing of themes from earlier movements, the exploring of the "Ode to Joy" theme come at the outset. Then, another raucous sound. And the vocal rendition of the "Ode to Joy." And on it goes, from one wondrous moment to the next, all well played by the Berlin Philharmonic and well sung by the singers and chorus. Finally, the manic presto at the end--well and compellingly done, leaving goose bumps aplenty. One nice thing to watch: von Karajan singing along!
Overall, a classic version. As music, von Karajan ranks with Toscanini and Solti as interpreters of Beethoven's symphonies. The Ninth Symphony is one of the great artistic achievements in human history. And this version captures the magic of Beethoven most nicely. Technical quality of sound and video? I don't know and I don't care. I care about the music--and that is ethereal.
DVD Review: These reviews are insane
Summary: 5 Stars
I have heard all of the great recordings of the 9th, and this is the best. The soloists are perfectly controlled, they make other recordings sound bombastic. If you are into camera work, well, who knows, but this is the best musical performance. After hearing this, I don't even like the 1962 recording anymore.DVD Review: Is it really live show?
Summary: 1 Stars
I doubt if it is really a live performance recording. It is quite impossible to have those angles taken if it is really a live performance... If it is the case, it won't be difficult to understand why we cannot see the whole orchestra and audience. It is totally unacceptable to buy a dvd without the chance to see the whole orchestra. DVD Review: This DVD is only for Karajan fan.
Summary: 2 Stars
If you're a serious Karajan fan, this DVD maybe for you. It's just another Karajan's conducting show. But if you're a regular classical listener/watcher, you'll be very disppointed as I am. You can see at most 15 players/singers only. But hey, this is Choral Symphony! There're 200+ people on stage. The sound quality is also so-so. I would suggest the DVD Kurt Masur conducting Gewandhaus Orchestra. This DVD is much better for your ears and eyes. And you'll get idea why Choral is so splendid before you go to a concert.
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