The 1962 recordings of the Beethoven cycle of symphonies are widely considered to be Herbert von Karajan's finest creative achievement. The power of these celebrated recordings is demonstrated by these evocative interpretations of symphonies 1 & 2. Public recognition of the excellence exhibited in these recordings soon followed with the award of the coveted Grand Prix Du Disque. Symphony No. 1. The symphony is clearly indebted to Beethoven's predecessors, particularly his teacher Haydn as well as Mozart, but nonetheless has characteristics that mark it uniquely as Beethoven's work, notably the frequent use of sforzandi and the more independent use of wind instruments. Sketches for the finale are found among the exercises Beethoven wrote while studying counterpoint under Johann Georg Albrechtsberger in 1797. Symphony No. 2. Beethoven wrote the 2nd Symphony without a standard minuet; instead, a scherzo took its place, giving the composition even greater scope and energy. The scherzo and the finale are filled with Beethovenian musical jokes, which shocked the sensibilities of many contemporary critics. Track Listing Symphony no. 1 in C major 1. First Movement – Adagio molto - Allegro con brio 2. Second Movement – Andante cantabile con moto 3. Third Movement – Menuetto. Allegro molto e vivace 4. Fourth Movement – Adagio - Allegro molto e vivace Symphony no. 2 in D major 1. First Movement – Adagio - Allegro con brio 2. Second Movement – Larghetto 3. Third Movement – Scherzo. Allegro 4. Fourth Movement – Allegro molto This product is manufactured on demand to a high-quality CDR and shrink-wrapped.