Play Beethoven

Celebrating the 250th anniversary of his birth, Sony Music Entertainment presents four major reissues devoted to Ludwig van Beethoven in its series of Classical Masters. Among the treasures in these new budget-priced CD box sets are the complete symphonies, string quartets and violin sonatas performed by illustrious musicians of the past century.

Finally, a widely varied 5-CD box of chamber music, recorded in the 1990s by two outstanding period-instrument ensembles. L'Archibudelli, performing on gut strings, are heard in Beethoven's 3 Trios, op. 9, where "the playing could scarcely be more sprightly and volatile ... They communicate their own relish of the music" (Gramophone), as well as in the famous "Ghost" and "Archduke" Piano Trios - with noted fortepianist Jos van Immerseel - and numerous lesser-known yet fascinating works. The American wind ensemble Mozzafiato is directed by the outstanding clarinettist Charles Neidich. Their single disc features the Octet op. 103, in which Gramophone praised the group's "robust, full-bodied tone-quality ... The oboe and bassoon solos which open the Andante second movement sound heavenly; the Minuet and Trio is cheerfully witty ... and, in the Rondino, WoO 25, they deliciously reveal the music's textural diversity." In the Sextet op. 71, "Neidich's clarinet playing, in particular, is absolutely stupendous ... and his mellifluous virtuosity ... is well matched by the other performers to demonstrate this group's fine soloist skills as well as their strong corporate identity. Enchanting performances of the March, WoO 29 and the Duo for clarinet and bassoon, WoO 27 No. 1 complete Mozzafiato's delightful and immensely enjoyable concert."