Nine Beethoven Symphonies. Symphony No. 4 op. 60 in B-flat 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. 4, Op. 60, in B-flat major is one of the rare lyrical works of large form by Ludwig van Beethoven, written in 1806. The symphony premiered in March 1807 at a private concert in the city house of Prince F. I. Lobkowitz in Vienna, dedicated to Count P. Oppersdorff. The public performance of the symphony took place in April 1808 at the Vienna Burgtheater.

Symphony No. 4, Op. 60, in B-flat major

Performers:

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Conductor – Claudio Abbado

National Academy of Saint Cecilia, Rome, Italy, 2001