Mariss Jansons, the conductor, has received numerous accolades including a Grammy for Shostakovich's Symphony No. 13 and the Ernst von Siemens Music Prize for his life's work.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven generally adhered to the traditional four-movement form for his symphonies, with the 'Pastorale' Symphony being a notable exception with five movements for programmatic reasons.
Composer Biography
Beethoven's progressive deafness deeply influenced his work, with the 'Heiligenstadt Testament' being a profound expression of his spiritual crisis, which also inspired Rodion Shchedrin's commissioned piece.
Compositional Technique
Each of Beethoven's nine symphonies is a highly individual work, with no repetitions of piece or movement ideas, constantly redefining the genre's framework.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's use of additional instruments, such as reinforced horns in the 'Eroica' or choir and soloists in the Ninth, was always tied to the individual concept of each work, not a general expansion of orchestral forces.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Beethoven's symphonies are seen as 'Janus-faced', looking both to the past by continuing classical heritage and to the future by shattering conventions and opening doors to Romanticism.
Album & Artwork
This album combines Beethoven's symphonies with newly commissioned works by contemporary composers, each reflecting on a specific Beethoven symphony.
