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This spectacular set features revelatory readings of all nine of Beethoven's symphonies from the inspirational West-Eastern Divan Orchestra under their thrilling conductor, Daniel Barenboim.  Includes the ‘Eroica', the ‘Pastoral' and the mighty ‘Choral' symphonies.  

The release of the complete Beethoven Symphonies under the banner of ‘Beethoven for All' launches a unique recording and performance project in Daniel Barenboim's 70th birthday year.  Throughout his career Barenboim has defied expectations and broken barriers, fired by a need to communicate his love of music and its power to change lives. You can hear this sense of urgency in every note he conducts. Just listen to the blazing finale of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, and revel in the joy he creates. Or turn to the mad, whirling third movement of the Seventh Symphony, and feel the dance-like energy. If ever there were a conductor trying to tell us something vital, human and true, it's Barenboim. 

‘Beethoven's music is universal,' says Daniel Barenboim. ‘Everywhere in the world - it speaks to all people. I think the Beethoven symphonies with the Divan orchestra is different in the sense that there is a terrific amount of energy because of the youth of the people - but there is just as much rigour. The combination of rigour with youthful energy is very strong.' 

The Symphonies were recorded in August 2011 in Cologne, the glorious installment of a worldwide tour that began in August 2010 at the legendary Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires and has now covered four continents. Barenboim's partnership with the remarkable West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which he describes as ‘a project against ignorance', continues this year with engagements including a European tour culminating in the performance of all Nine Symphonies at the BBC Proms.