Nine Beethoven Symphonies. Symphony No. 2 Op. 36 in D major

The Beethoven symphony cycle marks the culmination of Claudio Abbado's relationship with the Berlin Philharmonic and his twelve years as chief conductor of the orchestra.

The first recording of the cycle was the Symphony No. 9, Op. 125, in D minor in 2000. It was performed in the Berlin Philharmonic, one of the most famous concert halls in the world. A few months later, eight symphonies by Ludwig Beethoven were recorded in Rome, in the hall of the ancient Accademia di Santa Cecilia in 2001. Shortly thereafter, in 2002, Claudio Abbado left his post as chief conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic.

Symphony No. 2, Op. 36, in D major was written by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1802 and dedicated to Prince Karl Lichnowsky, a Viennese patron of the arts, a student and friend of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and an ardent admirer of Ludwig Beethoven. Its public premiere took place under the baton of the author on April 5, 1803, in the Vienna Opera. The symphony immediately received recognition and was greeted with stormy ovations.

Symphony No. 2, Op. 36, in D major

Performers:

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Conductor – Claudio Abbado

National Academy of Saint Cecilia, Rome, Italy, 2001