The producer, Stephan Reh, masterfully captures the specific acoustical qualities of each historic venue used for the RESOUND Beethoven recordings.
Critical Reception
During the 1824 premiere of the Overture Op. 124 alongside Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, critics rated it as 'unquestionably among Beethoven's most accomplished works'.
Composition History
Beethoven was commissioned by Joseph Hartl, director of the Imperial Court Theatres in Vienna, to compose incidental music for a new production of Goethe's 'Egmont' in 1809.
Performer Biography
John Malkovich, who narrates the English version of 'Egmont' on this album, has collaborated with conductor Martin Haselböck and director Michael Sturminger on several music-theatre projects.
Interpretation
The RESOUND project aims to perform Beethoven's orchestral works in the original Viennese halls and theatres where they premiered, using period-appropriate ensemble sizes and instruments.
Composition History
Beethoven's Overture to 'Die Weihe des Hauses' (The Consecration of the House), Op. 124, was written for the reopening of the Theater in der Josefstadt on October 3, 1822, and he conducted the opening performance himself.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven's incidental music for Goethe's 'Egmont' resonated with his political leanings, as the drama's theme of the Netherlands' struggle for independence mirrored Austria's occupation by Napoleonic troops in 1809.
