These are fabulous DVD videos! Claudio Abbado became Artistic Director of the Berlin Philharmonic in 1989 shortly after the death of Herbert von Karajan. His appointment was a surprise to many and there were a few unsettled years, but Abbado and the BPO soon became accustomed to each other and the partnership has produced countless superb performances. Particularly in the last few years they have been working together magnificently, evidenced in a number of their recordings. Abbado of course is an old hand at Beethoven; he has recorded complete sets of the symphonies with both the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonic Orchestras.

Sviatoslav Richter, Mstislav Rostropovich

Filmed during a rehearsal and performance of Beethoven's Quartet in B Flat Major, Opus 130, "The Juilliard String Quartet: Keeping Beethoven Contemporary" is an exciting portrait that explores the creation and history of the famed Quartet, offering a glimpse inside the world of its four current members. Founded in 1946 by Juilliard School president William Schuman and violinist Robert Mann, with the intent of pursuing the brilliant musicianship of the classical genre, the Quartet continued well beyond its original membership, bringing the music along into a new era. Opening up their dialogue to us, the members of the Quartet, Joseph Lin, Joel Krosnick, Ronald Copes and Samuel Rhodes, speak in detail about the string quartet as a musical genre, its vibrant history, and the significant contributions of Beethoven

Fist volume of the complete Beethoven String Quartets.

Second part of the complete Beethoven String Quartets.

The third and last part of the Beethoven String Quartets.

Daniel Barenboim conducts the Berliner Philharmoniker in performances of Beethoven's 'Triple Concerto' and 'Choral Fantasy'. Itzhak Perlman and Yo-Yo Ma are joined by Carola Höhn, Katherina Kammerloher, Andrea Bönig and Endrick Wottrich, amongst others.

Daniel Barenboim conducts the Beethoven and Brahms Violin Concertos with the soloist Itzhak Perlman.

What an Australian native, the blue-banded bees do when people can't see them. That's right, they perform symphonic musical parts.

Abbado – Beethoven: Symphonies 2 & 5

The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Claudio Abbado, Berlin Philharmonic

The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Claudio Abbado, Berliner Philharmoniker

Herbert von Karajan was famously passionate about the developments in recording technology. He insisted that his recordings at the highest possible fidelity. DG presents the very first DOLBY ATMOS recording on the label. Dolby Atmos expands on 5.1 Surround Sound and produces the most realistic sound ever. This 1978 Grammy Winner for Best Orchestral Performance in Dolby Atmos expands on the current 2.0 and 5.1 set-ups and adds an overhead dimension. The sound moves all around you. As close to live as possible!

Herbert von Karajan was famously passionate about the developments in recording technology. He insisted that his recordings at the highest possible fidelity. DG presents the very first DOLBY ATMOS recording on the label. Dolby Atmos expands on 5.1 Surround Sound and produces the most realistic sound ever. This 1978 Grammy Winner for Best Orchestral Performance in Dolby Atmos expands on the current 2.0 and 5.1 set-ups and adds an overhead dimension. The sound moves all around you. As close to live as possible!

Under the guidance of famed American composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, Polish classical pianist Krystian Zimerman and the Vienna Philharmonic deliver a rousing performance of Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Concertos nos. 3, 4 and 5. Premiered in 1808, Beethoven's fourth concerto marked the last time the composer would take the stage as a soloist with an orchestra.

Music & Musicals, Classical Music, Classical Instrumental Music - Classical pianist Stephen Kovacevich demonstrates why he is considered one of the premier modern interpreters of Beethoven's works in this performance recorded at La Roque d'Anthéron, France. The concert features the composer's sonatas for piano op. 110 and 111, as well as pieces by Schubert. With close-ups on Kovacevich's hands, face and feet, this presentation reveals how he creates such a powerful and moving sound.

Munich Philarmonic Orchestra, Friedrich Gulda conductor. (1989)

Brothers Russell and Ron Mael formed one of the most unique bands to ever grace the planet when they came up with Sparks (or Halfnelson as they were initially known) in 1968. Albums such as KIMONO MY HOUSE and NUMBER ONE IN HEAVEN spawned big hit singles, although the band continued to plough an often lonely furrow through the music world, seemingly oblivious to whether they were successful of not. In 2002 they released LIL' BEETHOVEN, another superlative addition to their catalogue. Here, they perform the album in its entirety for an expectant Swedish crowd, with songs such as "The Rhythm Thief," "Ride Em Cowboy," and "What Are All These Bands So Angry About'," illustrating their continued sense of adventure and fun in the pop medium.