Symphonies Nos. 8 and 9 in Full Score

If Beethoven's Ninth symphony is acknowledged as one of the supreme achievements of the musical arts and had an almost immeasurable impact on the 19th century, his eight symphony is far too lightly regarded. You can examine these two works in this very nice edition of the works. As you listen to the eight you will notice all the subtle rhythmic devices Beethoven provides to work his magic. You will also find the Ninth a wonderful adventure. How are those mountains of sound built in the first movement out of nothing? How are the voices set in the last? What about those crashing tympani in the second? I appreciate the Dover edition of these works because the large format makes for easier reading and provides room for making notes while you are studying. For example, you might want to make something special or unique to one recording so that when you listen to another you can compare the two. And if you don't read music very well, these symphonies are a good place to start. You can listen to the music and what the shapes go by. And eventually you will get used to the link between the sound and what you see. These scores are not as dense as, say Mahler or Strauss or works with huge orchestras. So, the classics make a great way to get into the pool, so to speak. Honestly, even if you can't read the notes, you will notice things after a few listenings that you had not heard before because you see the `shape' in the score. The Dover editions are also very durable and will last for many years of use. These editions are nice and clear and easy on the eyes because the contrast between the dark ink and light paper is very good, but not blinding. Recommended. Expand your horizons!

Like the other two books in Dover's Beethoven Symphonies set, the score to the Eighth and Ninth are wonderful. The print is large and very readable. The best part is the low price. This is a must for the starving (music) student, teachers, listeners, and professionals alike. I highly reccommend it.

These scores (as well as those of the other symphonies) are worth having. Serious students of music can take invaluable lessons from Beethoven's knowledge of counterpoint, orchestration, dynamics, melody, harmony, notation, and form. Additionally these are great listening aids, pointing out "Nebenstimmen" ("secondary voices") that might not be noticed at first listen. This way one can learn to enjoy Beethoven (and other music) as many melodies intertwining into a larger fabric.

In response to the reviewer above, I find the comment absurd. These clefs are neither 'antiquated' nor are they 'obsolete'.These are the standard musical clefs in use today whenever the musical notes are extended far above the standard 5 bar staff. To save the musicians eyes, and nerves, rather than have the notes printed with an unending series of bar marks underneath them so that they no longer become readable, the composer uses the shorthand method of moving the notations downward in an easily learned symbol of clefs that make reading music easy and fun for the player, but have no effect on which notes are to be played.I say keep up with the clefs. It makes life easier. For the above reviewer -- go back to class and study up on musical clef signs. I much perfer them over the alternative.

This accessible and comprehensive edition of Beethoven's late symphonies is trusted by professional and student conductors as well as orchestral players interested in seeing the ways in which their parts fit into the whole.Easy-to-read, clear printing with helpful (never overwhelming) notes on discrepancies within the music, choral text for the Ninth Symphony.