Beethoven Orchester Bonn, Stefan Blunier - Beethoven: Symphony No. 2; Various Overtures

Beethoven�s Second Symphony is not exactly one ofthe symphonic repertoire�s greatest hits. However, asthe latest release from the compositional Titan�s hometown demonstrates, it certainly has the stuff of greatness. It was here that Beethoven first prescribed a �Scherzo� in the movement slot traditionally occupied by the minuet, which automatically lends this work historical significance. The orchestra�s principal conductor Stefan Blunier inserts the symphony in a new context formed by carefully selected orchestral overtures in a program holding in store many amusical surprise.This recording also features a unique coupling of overtures: Name Day, The Ruins of Athens, The Creatures of Prometheus, Coriolan and Egmont.While most of the overtures penned by Beethoven can be assigned to a stage work, the Name Day Overture is a genuine all-rounder. It first inherited this title after the composer�s death on the Emperor�s name day; it is quite apparent that he was inspired by the hymnic quality of this special feast day.The orchestra, under their conductor Stefan Blunier, positively crackle and the flames glow on this three-dimensional recording by the Beethoven Orchestra of Bonn in the very best SACD quality � all in a performance that would have brought joy to Beethoven himself.Also Available:Symphonies No. 6 & 8MDG 9371883Symphonies No. 1 & 5MDG9371756Symphony No.. 9MDG9371899Symphony No. 3 op. 55 �Eroica�Overtures: �K�nig Stephan�, �Die Weihe des Hauses�MDG9371966 (Hybrid-SACD)