Australian World Orchestra brings to life Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 ‘Choral’ with unique passion, vivacity and skill.

The Ninth is Beethoven’s last symphony, with all the implications of ‘summit of his achievement’, ‘last testament’ and so on. It’s his longest symphony – almost a concert in itself. And it’s his biggest symphony too, not just in the number of performers it requires, but, many would say, in the scale of its utterance.

“This recording of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is magical, flawlessly smooth, electrifyingly intense and engaging. The final movement of the symphony is certainly the high point of the piece, played with heart and soul and is absolutely breath-taking… nothing short of perfect” – Alyce Rosentreter (Germany), The AU Review

“With total command and intelligent insight, Briger produced a remarkable concert (and thus CD recording) of extraordinarily powerful music, with playing that possessed the richness and assertiveness of a thoroughly seasoned orchestra” – Barry Wolmsely

“This thrilling concert, captured live on CD, represents a landmark in Australia’s cultural development and a sign of even greater things to come” – ABC Classics

Track Listing
LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN 1770-1827
Symphony No.9 in D minor, Op. 125 ‘Choral’ [61’50]
1 I. Allegro ma non troppo, un poco maestoso 14’22
2 II. Molto vivace – Presto – Tempo I 12’56
3 III. Adagio molto e cantabile – Andante moderato 12’33
4 IV. Presto – Recitativo ‘O Freunde, nicht diese Töne! – Allegro assai (Choral Finale on Schiller’s ‘Ode to Joy’) 21’44

Cheryl Barker soprano
Elizabeth Campbell mezzo-soprano
Steve Davislim tenor
Teddy Tahu Rhodes bass-baritone
Sydney Philharmonia Choir
Australian World Orchestra
Alexander Briger Conductor