content: I love the 9th more than any other Beethoven symphony! Why...listen to the 2nd movement "Molto vivace-Presto-Molto vivace-Presto". The 3rd movement is fantastic as well ! Then, add in the rest of the hair raising music, soloists, and chorus. This is like a four course meal! When this cd is over one is drained as from a day at a theme park.Interestingly, compared to newer renditions, the "Allegro assai vivace. Alta Marcia" falls short big in my opinion! This is the part most of us recognize !I believe works like this caused composers like Mahler to obsess on and try to equal works of Wagner and Beethoven's 9th! Mahler and others forever chase the dragon."The Schutz Choir" sparkled as did "The London Classical Players" led by Norrington! The solo vocalists all earned their pay with adulation. This is a total package with magnificent sound!Good day!