Beethoven: Symphony No 9 / Overtures

In the latest instalment of the decca ansermet legacy, decca eloquence introduces the swiss conductor's recordings of beethoven - his symphony cycle, overtures and the rare weingartner arrangement of the grosse fuge. They are issued as three 2cd sets. Ansermet delivers a lean, muscular performance of the ninth with a slow movement of cool beauty. The youthful choir adds real zest to the finale and aided by a quartet of star soloists (this was joan sutherland's first recording for decca) ansermet gives the choral finale real nobility. Cd2 of this set includes beethoven recordings (selected overtures and the weingartner arrangement of the grosse fuge) by ansermet being released for the first time. Artists: joan sutherland - soprano, norma procter - contralto, anton dermota - tenor, arnold van mill-bass