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Excellent soundtrack for a wonderful film   October 2, 2003

This CD deserves the 5-star rating that it has received and will be receiving from me, an excellent selection of the most powerful, heartwrenching, peaceful, exhilirating and glorious works ever written by the one composer: Ludwig van Beethoven.


Great album for the beginner.   March 10, 2003
  15 out of 17 found this review helpful

If you are just entering the world of Beethovens' works, this might be just the ticket for you. From the familiar opening bars of Symphony # 5 to the majestic 'Ode To Joy', this is a fantastic overview of his music. Sir Georg Solti is joined by the London Symphonic orchestra with guests such as Yo-Yo- ma, Murray Perahia, etc. Should you want a great recording of Beethovens' 9 symphonies, try the 5 cd set by Karajan.


Beethoven's Spirit Lives On   September 1, 2002
  15 out of 15 found this review helpful

As Amadeus praised and popularized the music of Mozart, which triggered a cd chalk-full of his greatest moments, Immortal Beloved has created a cd which captures the very spirit of Beethoven. He is long dead, but we hear his soul speak again to us through his music. The film, starring Oldman and Rossalini, centered on the mysterious love letter Beethoven wrote at the end of his life, to an "Immortal Beloved", whose love he carried with him throughout his life. This woman is either one of three women Beethoven was involved with, a widowed Countess of great fortune, a pupil of his and his brother's own wife, the blonde beauty he had loved in his youth. Only if you saw the movie do you know who this Immortal Beloved was, but the music set to the film, all works by Beethoven, capture not only the romance, but the genius, intensity, even pain that Beethoven experienced throughout his life. As a result of his deafness, he was only able to hear music in his head, music which we have come to know and love, works like his Ninth Symphony, a powerful, dynamic choral symphony that evokes liberty and universal love, the Eroica Symphony which he had written in honor for Napoleon until he discovered "he made himself an enemy to all " by crowning himself Emperor, the Moonlgiht Sonata which rumor has it he meant to musically describe what the moon looked like to an old blind woman, the Allegretto of his Seventh Symphony has an airy, somber and majestic beauty that fills us. The Kyrie of his Requiem is masterfully performed here by choral singers, including opera star Renee Fleming. The piano and violin pieces, Ghost Trio and Kreutzer Sonata, are all brilliantly performed by violinist extraordinare Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emmanuel Ax. The music is a must have for all Beethoven fans, and I mean all. If you are a true Beethoven afficionado, this cd will become your trophy. Enjoy and listen to the music of a man whose genius touches us to this day


Wonderful movie, wonderful soundtrack   November 13, 2001
  3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I don't claim to be well-versed in classical music or even in Beethoven's works. I do know that I love and admire his music and this "sampler" is a great way to introduce newcomers to it. The movie, too, is excellent and greatly increases the enjoyment of the sountrack and of his music. It helps the listener understand the man and what went on in his life that helped shape who he was and what he wrote. Although this review is for the sountrack, I can't mention one without the other.


Masterful Works of Beethoven In A Single CD   August 5, 2001
  5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Where else but in the soundtrack to Immortal Beloved (Gary Oldman, Isabella Rosselini) will you find spectacular works by Beethoven ? George Solti at the baton, with the forces of the London orchestra provide a soundtrack rich in color and dynamics. Highlihgting various parts of the film, such as Beethoven teaching his nephew Fur Elise on the pianoforte, the triumphant Ode To Joy as an elderly Beethoven stands before a vast audience and the tempestuous allegro from his fifth symphony. Wonderful performances by violinist Yo-Yo- Ma and incredible vocal talents of soprano Renee Fleming in the Kyrie from his Missa Solemnis. The soundtrack is definately partial to Beethoven lovers and lovers of great music. A good collection. Also here is his incredible Piano Concerto 5 "Emperor" played in the film's closing credits and his Moonlight and Pathetique sonatas, all wondefully rendered. A must have. "Thus he lived, thus he died and thus he will for all time."