Symphonies Nos 1 & 5

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Beethoven again raised the expressive force of the symphony with the Fifth and introduced a theatrical element to it. Beginning with the most famous phrase in classical music and one of the most joyous, uplifting movements as a finale it is an exhilarating experience.
Beethoven didn't complete his first symphony until he was almost 30 and it marks the beginning of his remoulding of the Symphony away from the Classical ideals of Haydn.


Concert Reviews:

'His Fifth was a knockout … Beethoven's Fifth has become so familiar that sometimes such innovative ideas can pass unnoticed, but not here. Haitink seemed in a state of exaltation throughout the final allegro …he is a different, energised man, caught up in the thrill of the moment, on thepodium'
Sunday Times (UK), 30 April 2006

'allied to Haitink's undeniable structural reasoning in symphonic canvases, there are also vital qualities of rhythmic impetus, textural elucidation and natural, shapely phrasing that attest to his seasoned skill in making even themost familiar scores sound fresh … what did emerge fromthis outstanding performance was the much more important way in which he can harness the music's energy so securelyand to such gripping effect … Beethoven's majesty as a symphonist is by no means in need of special pleading, but Haitink's interpretations authoritatively underline the substance, strength and span of utterance that make these works so great'
Daily Telegraph (UK), 26 April 2006