Beethoven - Symphony No. 5 in C Minor op. 67 & No. 6 in F Major op.68

"Norrington's thoughts and reappraisals always present plenty of fodder to chew on. Expect to be surprised, moved and, possibly, irritated."
(Music Web)

"It's hard to resist the force of Norrington's conviction or the sense of achievement at the end"
(BBC Music Magazine).

"This is Beethoven stripped for action" (Gramophone Magazine).

"What Norrington's performances bring out is Beethoven's
astounding joy, confidence and belief in humanity. I'm thrilled all over again by the magnificence of these works."
(Sunday Star Times)

During the 2002 European Musikfest, Sir Roger Norrington with SWR Radio Symphony Orchestra Stuttgart performed all nine symphonies of Ludwig van Beethoven. The present release documents the electricity of the live performances of the ever popular Fifth and Sixth Symphonies.
Once again, Sir Roger Norrington brings his lifetime of experience with these familiar scores to the fore and delivers a classically clean and precise interpretation with a modern symphony orchestra.

Through his experience with Historically Informed Performance Practice, Norrington carefully shapes each interpretation, focusing on the richness of the work's form without sacrificing phrasing, articulation, dynamics or intonation. Proving, that modern instruments CAN produce an historically accurate performance.

Each of the nine symphonies differs strongly from the others. The fifth is narrative/dramatic while the sixth is poetic/pictorial. Although they were composed simultaneously (and premiered at the same concert), the contrast could not be greater. Listen for yourself what Norrington has made of these "sister symphonies".