BEETHOVEN: SYMPHONY NO. 9, OVERTURES - L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Ernest Ansermet (2 CDs)

In the latest installment of the Decca ansermet legacy, Decca eloquence introduces the Swiss conductor's recordings of Beethoven - his symphony cycle, overtures and the rare Weingartner arrangement of the grosse fuge. They are issued as three 2 CD sets. Ansermet delivers a lean, muscular performance of the ninth with a slow movement of cool beauty. The youthful choir adds real zest to the finale and aided by a quartet of star soloists (this was Joan Sutherland's first recording for Decca) ansermet gives the choral finale real nobility. Cd2 of this set includes Beethoven recordings (selected overtures and the Weingartner arrangement of the grosse fuge) by ansermet being released for the first time. Artists: Joan Sutherland - soprano, Norma Procter - contralto, Anton Dermota - tenor, Arnold Van Mill-bass.

..the depth and concentration of Ansermet shines decisively out... Ansermet's reading is taut and imposing... In fine, Ansermet's is a performance which can be commended to any Beethoven collector in search of a bargain. --GRAMOPHONE

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN
CD1
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 ‘Choral’

CD2
The Creatures of Prometeus Overture, Op. 43
Fidelio Overture, Op. 72c
Leonore Overture No. 2, Op. 72a
Leonore Overture No. 3, Op. 72b
Grosse Fuge in B flat major, Op. 133 (orch. Felix Weingartner)

Joan Sutherland, soprano
Norma Procter, contralto
Anton Dermota, tenor
Arnold Van Mill, bass

L’Orchestre de la Suisse Romande
Ernest Ansermet