An Introduction to BEETHOVEN The Pastoral Symphony

Written and narrated by Jeremy Siepmann

 

CLASSICS EXPLAINED

Each set offers a narrated introduction to the work and its background, and a detailed analysis of the work itself. After each movement is analysed, with musical examples, the whole movement is played. Through this ideal marriage of narration and music, Siepmann makes it possible to understand more about the way the work is put together without reading a score, enhancing the enjoyment and understanding of the music itself. The booklet contains the complete spoken text for further study.

 

PASTORAL

The ‘Pastoral’ Symphony is one of the most loved of Beethoven’s symphonies. In this latest release in the Classics Explained series Jeremy Siepmann carefully guides the listener through the piece from inside out in a relaxed and interesting narration puctuated by numerous musical examples. The entire symphony is also included on the recording and the boxed set includes a substantial booklet which is a valuable source of notes on the symphony, essays and also contains a complete transcript of the spoken word.

 

JEREMY SIEPMANN

American-born, Jeremy Siepmann has been long resident in the UK where he has contributed to many leading music journals, including The New Statesman, The Musical Times, Gramophone and the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians. He is equally well known as a broadcaster on both sides of the Atlantic, and especially on BBC Radio for whom he has presented more than 1000 programmes. He was Head of Music at the BBC World Service.

 

Naxos Classics Explained 8558034-35                      

2 CDs + 136 page booklet