Rafael Kubelik, Bavarian Radio SO – Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 “Choral” (1975) [Reissue 2018] MCH SACD ISO + FLAC 24bit/96kHz

PentaTone’s fourth release from Rafael Kubelik’s acclaimed Beethoven cycle of symphonies in its Remastered Classics series is his commanding reading of the ninth symphony performed by the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks, joined by the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks and a quartet of outstanding soloists in the famous choral finale with the “Ode to Joy”.

Rafael Kubelik recorded his cycle of Beethoven symphonies in the 1970s for Deutsche Grammophon, each with a different orchestra, earning widespread praise. Although recorded in multi-channel sound, these unmissable performances have previously been available only in the conventional two-channel stereo format. Using state of the art technology which avoids the need for re-mixing, PENTATONE’s engineers have remastered the original studio tapes to bring the performances to life as originally intended: in compelling and pristine multi-channel sound.

Beethoven’s ninth is one of the best symphonies ever written, an autonomous work of art that transcends borders and sets new standards, which in its humanitarian thinking and belief in the progressive development of mankind towards freedom, powerfully appeals to the human heart. The combination of Romantic expression and modern transparency and clarity that characterises Kubelik’s Beethoven interpretations in general also defines this performance. His reading of the ninth brings together “sweeping grandeur, volatile energy and radiant emotion” with “crisp orchestral playing and fine articulation”. His “deeply felt rendition” fully lives up to the “human aspiration and cosmic majesty” of this exceptional work.

Tracklist:

01. Symphony No.9 in D minor, Op.125 – “Choral” – Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso
02. Symphony No.9 in D minor, Op.125 – “Choral” – Molto vivace
03. Symphony No.9 in D minor, Op.125 – “Choral” – Adagio molto e cantabile
04. Symphony No.9 in D minor, Op.125 – “Choral” – Presto – Allegro assai
05. Symphony No.9 in D minor, Op.125 – “Choral” – Presto – Allegro assai

Personnel
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks – conducted by Rafael Kubelik
Helen Donath – soprano
Teresa Berganza – alto
Wieslaw Ochman – tenor
Thomas Stewart – bass

Recorded in January 1975 at Herculessaal, Residenz, Munich.
Original Quadrophonic Recording. Remastered in 2017.

SACD ISO

mqs.link_RafaelKubelikBavarianRadiSBeethven.Symphny91975Reissue2018SACDIS.part1.rar
mqs.link_RafaelKubelikBavarianRadiSBeethven.Symphny91975Reissue2018SACDIS.part2.rar
mqs.link_RafaelKubelikBavarianRadiSBeethven.Symphny91975Reissue2018SACDIS.part3.rar

FLAC 24bit/96kHz

mqs.link_RafaelKubelikBavarianRadiSBeethven.Symphny91975Reissue2018FLACStere2496.part1.rar
mqs.link_RafaelKubelikBavarianRadiSBeethven.Symphny91975Reissue2018FLACStere2496.part2.rar