"an incredible recording"
MusicOMH.com - September 2006
"enough orchestral punch to knock a listener senseless ... we are caught in the grip of a performance of quite uncommon fervour. Feel the warmth of Finley’s opening bass solo, marvel at the open throats of the London Symphony Chorus"
The Times - 1 September 2006
"a magnificent performance of the Ninth, done with total commitment under Haitink’s inspiring leadership ... with splendid chorus and soloists in full cry, and orchestra in blazing form, all is thrillingly right. Every detail of the ever-astonishing score is given its value in a reading of passionate conviction"
Sunday Times - 3 September 2006
"this recording has impressed every one of the CD Review team ... there is a feeling of immediacy and drama tempered with vision and maturity as though Haitink’s long career has been leading towards this time where he can combine impetuosity and youthful enthusiasm with the wisdom of age and experience
CD of the Week
BBC 3 CD Radio Review - 23 September 2006
"simply masterful Beethoven ... Capped by a magisterial account of the Ninth Symphony, this is the Beethoven set for our time. Even if you already have umpteen other recordings of these works, you really owe it to yourself to hear this new set. It’s a deeply satisfying musical experience"
Chicago Tribune - 13 October 2006