Beethoven: Complete Symphonies

An orchestra that has Beethoven’s symphonies coursing through its collective veins signals a powerful start to the composer’s anniversary festivities—in the company of the most exciting of the younger generation of conductors. Andris Nelsons has a strong vision of these nine extraordinary works, rooted in the same tradition as the great Viennese orchestra. The highlights are a rich and dramatic Fourth, a punchy Fifth, a delightful “Pastoral,” a bouncy Eighth, and a suitably climactic “Choral” with a nicely matched quartet of soloists. A strong statement for Beethoven Year.