Beethoven: Symphony No. 9/Choral Fantasy in C Minor op.80

CD1

1. Symphony No.9 "Choral" Op.125 In D minor / D-Moll / RÉ Mineur: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Un Poco Maestoso
2. Symphony No.9 "Choral" Op.125 In D minor / D-Moll / RÉ Mineur: II. Molto Vivace
3. Symphony No.9 "Choral" Op.125 In D minor / D-Moll / RÉ Mineur: III. Adagio Molto E Cantabile
4. Symphony No.9 "Choral" Op.125 In D minor / D-Moll / RÉ Mineur: IV. Finale. Presto

CD2

1. Choral Fantasy Op.80 for Piano Choir and Orchestra In C minor / C-Moll / Ut Mineur: Adagio
2. Choral Fantasy Op.80 for Piano Choir and Orchestra In C minor / C-Moll / Ut Mineur: Finale. Allegro
3. Choral Fantasy Op.80 for Piano Choir and Orchestra In C minor / C-Moll / Ut Mineur: Adagio Ma Non Troppo
4. Choral Fantasy Op.80 for Piano Choir and Orchestra In C minor / C-Moll / Ut Mineur: Allegro

First and foremost, this double album enshrines the exemplary work of an ensemble whose designation ‘Baroque Orchestra’ by no means limits its excursions into later repertories: under the watchful eye of a gifted conductor, the ‘Freiburgers’ (and co.) offer us a profoundly renewed vision of the Ninth, that myth among myths, that touchstone of a genre in quest of the absolute – and the direct descendant of a much earlier ‘Choral Fantasy’. The latter work showcased one of Beethoven's most extraordinary talents: improvisation. Kristian Bezuidenhout has joined forces again with his concerto partners to let us experience this little-known score as if it had just been premiered . . . then transcribed by Beethoven himself!