Beethoven: The Nine Symphonies

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Monteux's Beethoven has been described as visionary. Respect for the spirit of the score, directness of expression, exceptionally well-drilled playing and a sense of untainted idealism that lay at the very heart of the composer's vision – these are the qualities that typify Monteux's interpretation of Beethoven.

Eight of the symphonies were recorded for Decca; the Ninth for Westminster; and the third (Eroica) again, for Philips. Together with the rehearsal for the Ninth and an impromptu in-studio performance of La Marseillaise, they form the most complete collection of Monteux's Beethoven recordings. Other conductors may have offered a more personalised take on the music, but none made it more universal or more human.

The fascinating accompanying notes to the set are by Rob Cowan and the recordings have been remastered for this release.