Benjamin Zander conducts Beethoven 5th, the way it was intended to be played

[TheFrancescaViolin]

Boy do I miss Mr. Zander. :(

[EddyScbr]

Most of the time, people play this piece as if something bad is following. As a prelude to a dark moment, or something like that. But this... Strangely, this version sounds... "Happy". As if something great and amazing is yet to come and it's preparing you for it (sort of like "Ride of the Valkyries", from Richard Wagner).

[hczxp91]

@EddyScbr Absolutely right. I can't help but feel as though this is the soundtrack as you walk past the gates of Heaven and stand before God. Brilliant rendition.

[FraserGoodTimes]

I still think I like the traditional pause on the first two bars ("knock" motif)... Sounds like the piece is tripping over itself without it... Aside from that, this rendition is bang-on; love it.

[diegosgc]

Beethoven must be thinking: FINALLY, SOMENODY PLAYED THIS RIGHT

[diegosgc]

@diegosgc Somebody*, sorry

[BIGGrobb]

This reminded me that Beethoven was meant to be experienced live and not on a studio recording.

[alisonruby1]

masterfull!!

[monokuruboo123]

there's something soothing about watching a group of people perform the same action in uniform and producing this masterpiece at the same time.

[classiccandle27]

The asian girl sitting 2nd chair 1st vln is pretty

Oh, wait, the music was incredible too :)

[teensylover]

I am not a musician and have very little experience with classical music. I have, of course, heard Beethoven's 5th, but it never made me cry, until today. Wow is all I can say! Thank you for sharing this video, it moved me more than I can say.

[kingfaicl]

A gripping student performance. But doesn't Zander prefer to have his 2nd violins seated on the right?

[tj21bem]

Breathtaking. It makes me want to go out in the sun and catch grasshoppers in the field. Weird. I feel alive and jumpy.

[Kaeralho]

world's troubles would simply not exist if people who can't appreciate this after they're 20 simply disappeared

[Farrm]

This version reflects Zander's personality perfectly - exuberant, passionate and exciting! And what a wonderful group of young talented musicians to perform it beautifully. Bravo!

[ABWatt]

This is rich, fluid and delicious. I could really dive into this.

[garyokee]

Golly.

The performance may reflect Beethoven's markings on the score, but it does sound rather, uh, manic, doesn't it?

Zander is a brilliant man - and musician. But his conducting style is rather Helfgottian. It does make me a bit apprehensive about his Tallis and Britten next month though. But come May - Prokofiev and Shostakovich - OH YEA -