Symphony No. 5 in C Minor, Op. 67
Symphony No. 6 in F Major, Op. 68, “Pastorale”

TWO SIDES OF BEETHOVEN’S MUSICAL PERSONA

Maestro Marek Janowski and the WDR Symphony Orchestra present Beethoven’s Fifth and Sixth symphonies. Premiered during the same concert in 1808, these two symphonies present two sides of Beethoven’s musical persona. Whereas the Fifth is legendary for its drama and forward urge the “Pastoral” Sixth offers idyllic sounds, albeit shortly interrupted by a thunderstorm that resembles the tempestuous development of the Fifth. Programmed together, these two pieces constitute a fascinating portrait of Beethoven at the height of his creative powers.

Marek Janowski is one of the most celebrated conductors of our times, and enjoys a vast PENTATONE discography, including complete recordings of Bruckner’s symphonies and Wagner’s mature operas. This is his second PENTATONE collaboration with the WDR Symphony Orchestra, one of the most established radio orchestras of Germany.

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This album was recorded at Kölner Philharmonie, Germany, from 24 to 29 September 2018.