Leonard Bernstein Beethoven Ode to Freedom Symphony No.9 in D Minor (2 LP)

Leonard Bernstein's legendary Beethoven performance "Ode To Freedom" (Symphony No.9) with a special orchestra formed by members from both German States and the four Occupation Powers, celebrating the fall of the Berlin Wall (30 years) and 250 years since the birth of Beethoven. A special release on 180g vinyl manufactured by Optimal from the original sources, presents this recording for the first time on two LPs instead of one for improved fidelity.
With the "Ode to Freedom" at Christmas 1989, Leonard Bernstein expressed the emotions, joy and overwhelming symbolism associated with the fall of the Berlin Wall. On the occasion of the thirtieth anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Deutsche Grammophon is releasing this legendary recording on 2 LPs, with a high-quality 180g pressing by Optimal. Leonard Bernstein was not only a committed and thrilling musician, he was also a politically committed person who never shied away from sending out clear signals in order to drive forward developments that were important to him. So he immediately agreed to participate when Justus Frantz suggested that Beethoven's Ninth Symphony be conducted at Christmas: united in music, which has always been that of the arts, which has made the most significant contribution to understanding between peoples. With this performance of Beethoven's most famous symphony, Leonard Bernstein did not so much want to mark a political event, but, as he himself said, to celebrate a feast, a "celebration of human freedom".

Features:

• 180g Vinyl
• Double LP
• Pressed at Optimal
• Mastered from original sources
• Marks the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall
• Optimized audio fidelity: first release across 2 LPs
• Made in Germany

Musicians:

• June Anderson, soprano
• Sarah Walker, mezzo-soprano
• Klaus Konig, tenor
• Jan-Hendrik Rootering, bass
• Bavarian Radio Chorus
• Members of the Rundfunkchor Berlin (DDR)
• Dresden Philharmonic Children's Chorus
• Wolfgang Seeliger, chorus master
• Members of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
• Members of the Staatskapelle Dresden
• Members of the Orchestra of the Kirov Theatre, Leningrad
• Members of the London Symphony Orchestra
• Members of the New York Philharmonic
• Members of the Orchestre de Paris
• Leonard Bernstein, conductor

Selections:

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony No.9 in D minor (Ode To Freedom)
Side A
1. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso
Side B
1. Molto vivace
Side C
1. Allegro molto e cantabile
Side D
1. Presto - Allegro assai

Live recording of the concert given on December 25, 1989, in the Schauspielhaus, Berlin