2013

Beethoven: Cantata on the Death of Emperor Joseph II and Symphony No. 2

San Francisco Symphony

Beethoven's colossal Cantata on the Death of Emperor Joseph II for chorus, soloists, and orchestra and his playful, upbeat Second Symphony combine on this powerful new recording from Michael Tilson Thomas and the Grammy Award-winning San Francisco Symphony and Chorus.

One of the best releases of 2013.

- Blair Sanderson, AllMusic.com

Rarely performed and recorded, this gripping and profoundly moving funeral cantata proved a revelation during the Symphony’s May 2013 Beethoven Project. The recording features the Symphony, Chorus, and a glorious solo quartet – soprano Sally Matthews, mezzo-soprano Tamara Mumford, tenor Barry Banks, and bass-baritone Andrew Foster-Williams – all conducted by MTT. Presented as a premium audio hybrid SACD, this album is the latest addition to the San Francisco Symphony’s ever growing collection of Beethoven recordings.

This album continues MTT and the San Francisco Symphony’s ongoing exploration of the music of Beethoven. Previously SFS Media released Beethoven: Symphony No. 9, Beethoven: Leonore Overture No. 3 and Symphony No. 7, and Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 and Piano Concerto No. 4 with Emanuel Ax. MTT also led a journey through Beethoven’s music in Keeping Score: Beethoven’s Eroica.

Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)

San Francisco Symphony
Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor

Sally Matthews, soprano
Barry Banks, tenor
Tamara Mumford, mezzo-soprano
Andrew Foster-Williams, bass-baritone

San Francisco Symphony Chorus
Ragnar Bohlin, director

Cantata on the Death of Emperor Joseph II
Symphony No. 2

Stay in Touch

Newsletter

Social Media