Immerse yourself in the timeless genius of Ludwig van Beethoven with "The Essential Beethoven," a meticulously curated collection of his most profound and influential works. Released on September 29, 2025, under the prestigious Naxos Special Projects label, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 23 minutes, offering a comprehensive journey through the master composer's extraordinary career.
The album is a rich tapestry of genres, including classical, classical piano, and chamber music, showcasing Beethoven's unparalleled versatility and innovation. From the exhilarating energy of "I. Allegro con brio" to the serene beauty of "II. Adagio cantabile," each track is a testament to Beethoven's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and moods.
Highlights include the iconic "Bagatelle No. 25 in A Minor, WoO 59 'Für Elise'," a piece beloved by audiences worldwide, and the majestic "Leonora Overture No. 3 in C Major, Op. 72b," which underscores Beethoven's mastery of orchestral composition. The album also features lesser-known gems like the "Andante in F Major, WoO 57 'Andante favori'," offering a deeper exploration of Beethoven's musical genius.
Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Beethoven's work, "The Essential Beethoven" is a must-listen, providing an unparalleled opportunity to experience the depth and breadth of one of history's most celebrated composers.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia, Béla Drahos
I. Adagio sostenutoLudwig van Beethoven, Jenő Jandó
OvertureLudwig van Beethoven, Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia, Michael Halasz
II. Adagio molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Takako Nishizaki, Jenő Jandó
III. Rondo. VivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vasily Petrenko
IV. Alla danza tedesca. Allegro assaiLudwig van Beethoven, Tetzlaff Quartet
III. Scherzo. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Nicolaus Esterhazy Sinfonia, Béla Drahos
Bagatelle No. 25 in A Minor, WoO 59 "Für Elise"Ludwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg
Credo. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Lori Phillips, Robynne Redmon, James Taylor, Jay Baylon, Mary Kathryn Van Osdale, Nashville Symphony Chorus, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Schermerhorn
III. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Andris Nelsons, Arabella Steinbacher, WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln
II. Adagio cantabileLudwig van Beethoven, Jenő Jandó
OvertureLudwig van Beethoven, Madeleine Pierard, Claus Obalski, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
III. Rondo. Allegro vivaceLudwig van Beethoven, Gabriel Schwabe, Nicholas Rimmer
II. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Ib Hausmann, Maria Kliegel, Nina Tichman
Andante in F Major, WoO 57 "Andante favori"Ludwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg
III. RondoLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Vasily Petrenko
IV. Finale. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Gabriele Lechner, Diane Elias, Michael Pabst, Robert Holzer, Zágrábi Filharmonikus, Zagrebacka filharmonija, Richard Edlinger
IV. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Kodály Quartet
I. Allegro con brioLudwig van Beethoven, Boris Giltburg
Leonora Overture No. 3 in C Major, Op. 72bLudwig van Beethoven, Philharmonia Cassovia, Johannes Wildner
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