Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 | Herbert Blomstedt and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig
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Published 2021-10-23
A key moment in history occurred in Leipzig – the former GDR’s second-largest city – on October 9, 1989, when some 70,000 Leipzig residents overcame their fear of their authoritarian state to demonstrate for freedom, and increased democracy. This ‘Monday demonstration‘ as it would become known ran peacefully, despite mounting political tensions, and would become one of the events that lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, one month later.
The demonstrators' rallying cry of "Wir sind das Volk!“ – we are the people – was picked up again for this concert, where the fateful turn of history was to be commemorated with this performance of Beethoven's Fifth, also known as his 'Fateful Symphony'. It‘s said to have received the additional epithet by way of a bon mot from the composer himself. Speaking of its four opening notes and their famous rhythm, Beethoven is reported to have said "Thus, fate knocks at the door!"
This interpretation by the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt, is positively ponderous in tempo, meaning one can listen intently to each twist and turn of Beethoven's symphony. In commemoration of that crucial day in Leipzig so shortly before the shift in the tide of world politics, this artistic choice certainly works to underscore the slow turning of fate.
(00:00) I. Allegro con brio
(07:45) II. Andante con moto
(17:49) III. Allegro
(26:21) IV. Allegro
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All Comments (21)
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I am sick, headache, a bad stomach and hurting body...This conductor, the orchestra and the fifth was a therapy. 👏👏👏👏👏
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This was October 1999, now it is October 2022, and Maestro Blomstedt is still conducting, now 95 years old. Whar a wonderful life together with music!
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The genius of Beethoven! A gift to humanity!
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This Fifth Symphony I will call it. The Symphony of JUSTICE! Beethoven was an absolute Philosophical Genius. Who put his Philosophical transcendental ideas into MUSIC! not WORDS! he was the Ultimate! The truly Guardian of the Classical Music. His face in Heaven, probably it's pure LIGHTNING! ⚡! 🙄
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Yesterday,February 12,2023 my wife Julie and I experienced the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra,conducted by 95 year old maestro HERBERT BLOMSTEDT.Magnificent.There were members in the orchestra who were yet to be born when he began his ten year tenure here in 1984.God bless you Maestro Blomstedt!!!!
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As a swede I have always admired Herbert Blomstedt. His conducting in this Beethoven is a show in itself, even if he is not aware of it. He only follows his intentions of how this music shall be played, he has no intention at all to take some place in advantage of the music he conducts, he is only a humble servant of this music. It is all in his head, and therefore no sheet music for him.
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Listening to Beethoven early in the morning to get your mind worked up and chilling with Mozart in the evening to cool things off
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Blomstedt always looks like he's having a good time when he's conducting.
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No matter how many performance will be performed and how many conductor will conduct this genius masterpiece no one will match and reach the level that only Herr Herbert Blomstedt reached because simply he is the only one that reaches the way that this Symphony should be and must be performed! I am very selective in a sense that's really hard and difficult to my ear can be pleased but he did it! Only him who did it.
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During his tenure in San Francisco in the 1980’s, I had the distinct pleasure of both hearing the Maestro’s work and personally connecting with him after performances. He was always gracious and happy to receive a dedicated public. Once, after a wonderful Bruckner 8th, we went backstage afterwards, and I told the Maestro that I had never heard a better Bruckner 8th. The Maestro seemed thunderstruck to hear such praise. He threw his head back, looked at me, and said, “Really?” Yes, really, Maestro. God bless you and your continuing good work.
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Oh ! beautiful Beethoven Sym.No.5 , I love this tempo so so so much, Blomstedt' s breathing, long note and rhythm articulation are veryveryvery easy to enjoy them.
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A genius beethoven. Your music are simply the best. Music very relaxing!
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The conductor is clearly enjoying himself. For good reason, this is an excellent performance. 🎉
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I love most of Beethoven's work especially this one and his 9th with choral. This is pure power.
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This is one of the best recordings and interpretations I know of, as I have come to expect from Blomstedt. The sound is wonderful.
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Blomstedt is one of my favorite conductors. His performances are perfect!
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I didn't know this orchestra and the director, it was a special surprise. Wonderful interpretation of one of the most famous pieces of music ever.
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waaaaw ... 15 years i hear this symphony .... its immortal for ever !
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In his apparition Herbert Blomstedt is the eagle watching over his domains. In his music he is the most understanding and supporting eagle we ever have come to know. Thank you maestro for your lifelong commitment to classical music. This Beethoven, symphony no 5, is the perfect example of how gorgeous this cooperation can be.
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L'ORCHESTRE FANTASTIQUE HISTORIQUE , LE DIRECTEUR GRANDIOSE, BEETHOVEN C'EST JUSTEMENT A GÉNIE MERCI PER ÇE PARTAGE !!!
