National Symphony Orchestra in Wahington, D.C., conductor Gianandrea Noseda - Ludwig van Beethoven - CD Review, 27th - 28th of November 2023

In 2020, National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, D.C. with its principal performing venue at John F. Kennedy Center of Performing Arts, has launched an ambitious project consisting of fully printing the nine symphonies by Ludwig van Beethoven. The renowned North American ensemble thus continues a rich discographic tradition that began in 1970. The first album of the new collection, recorded under the baton of conductor Gianandrea Noseda, was released in September 2022, featuring Beethoven's Symphonies No. 1 and 3; the second CD includes Symphonies No. 4 and 5. It is planned that by the end of this year and in 2024, the final records from the set dedicated to the complete Beethoven symphonies by the Washington Orchestra will also be released.

Conductor Gianandrea Noseda comments on his recent recordings of Symphonies No. 4 and 5, captured live in January 2022 at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall in Washington: "This recording is an argument for the universality of Beethoven's music. In this wonderful recording, we have the collective sense of gratitude and joy for reconnecting with the audience and ourselves during the first season after the pandemic. The recording also captures how Beethoven's music contains universal truths that continue to influence us, even though these works were written over 200 years ago.

"The musicians of the National Symphony Orchestra deliver an incredible interpretation", concludes conductor Gianandrea Noseda, who presents Beethoven's Symphony No. 4, Op. 60 in B-flat major in a vigorous version. Following the slow introduction of the piece, Noseda emphasizes the dynamism of the first part, Allegro vivace, the subtlety of the melodies in the second movement, Adagio, with its punctuated rhytms, and the overflowing energy and optimism characterizing the final two part- Scherzo trio and Allegro ma non troppo.In the case of Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, the Washington Orchestra's rendition boasts an impetuous and fluid discourse, with slightly brisker tempos than usual, especially in the first part, Allegro con brio, in sonata form. The second movement, Andante con moto, showcases remarkable homogeneity and expressiveness in the string section. The third part, Scherzo, characterized by charming dynamic contrasts, precedes the sumptuos final movement, Allegro, masterfully interpreted by the National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Gianandrea Noseda.

One of the most significant ensembles in North America, the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, was founded in 1931. Throughout its history, the orchestra has been led by notable conductors, including Antal Dorati, Leonard Slatkin, and Christoph Eschenbach. Since 2017, the ensemble has been under the baton of the renowned conductor Gianandrea Noseda, acclaimed for his work in both symphonic and opera repertoires. Currently serving as the General Music Director of the Zurich Opera, Principal Guest Conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, Noseda is known for his musical leadership.In 2020, this esteemed North American orchestra established its own record label, for which it has recorded notable works such as Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 9, the complete symphonies of George Walker, and all nine symphonies of Ludwig van Beethoven.