Complete Symphonies : Barenboim / West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, Harteros, W.Meier, Seiffert, Pape (Koln 2011)(5CD)

Beethoven For All: The Symphonies

Symphony No. 1 in C, op. 21
Symphony No. 3 in E flat, op. 55 - Eroica
Symphony No. 2 in D, op. 36
Symphony No. 4 in B flat, op. 60
Symphony No. 5 in C minor, op. 67
Symphony No. 6 in F, op. 68 - Pastoral
Symphony No. 7 in A, op. 92
Symphony No. 8 in F, op. 93
Symphony No. 9 in D minor, op. 125 - Choral

Soprano: Anja Harteros
Mezzo-Soprano: Waltraud Meier
Tenor: Peter Seiffert
Bass-Baritone: Rene Pape
Chorus: Vokalensemble Kolner Dom
West-Eastern Divan Orchestra
Daniel Barenboim, conductor

Recorded: 08/2011

The release of the complete Beethoven Symphonies under the banner of Beethoven for All will launch a unique recording and performance project for 2012 in which, in his 70th year, the tireless Daniel Barenboim will also release the complete Piano Concertos and Piano Sonatas.

'I think the Beethoven symphonies with the Divan orchestra is different in the sense that there is a terrific amount of energy because of the youth of the people - but there is just as much rigour. The combination of rigour with youthful energy is very strong' (Daniel Barenboim, speaking in the TV documentary on this project).

The Symphonies were recorded in August 2011 in Cologne, the glorious instalment of a worldwide tour that began in August 2010 at the legendary Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires and will cover four continents by 2012. The orchestra's 2012 engagements include a European tour culminating in the performance of all Nine Symphonies at the BBC Proms.