Jaap van Zweden made the decision to conduct full-time in 1997, after performing as both violinist and conductor for several years.
Richard Wagner famously called Beethoven's Seventh Symphony 'The apotheosis of the dance,' praising its vibrant rhythms and energy.
Both symphonies on this album were recorded live in the McDermott Concert Hall of the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas in November 2007.
Jaap van Zweden has recorded all of Beethoven's symphonies and is currently recording all of Bruckner's symphonies.
This album presents Jaap van Zweden's inaugural performances as Music Director Designate with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.
Jaap van Zweden, the conductor, became concertmaster of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra at age 19.
Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is an iconic work, moving from struggle to triumph, and has inspired listeners for nearly two centuries.
