Reviewed by Dave Massey

No classical overview would be complete without Beethoven and the disc brings together a collection of his finest works. One thing that does bother me sometimes about presenting listeners with introductions and odd movements from larger works is that it robs the music of its integrity. Who would slice up the Mona Lisa and offer the smile to prospective buyers as evidence that the painting is a great work? Word have brought together parts of five symphonies here including the fifth and the ninth and the Allegro from the "Emperor" concerto, but I do feel that it would have been better to include at least one complete work - CDs are big enough to accommodate it even as part of a collection.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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