Ode to Joy: Beethoven's Symphony No. 9

This PBS-aired concert was held on the campus of Princeton University in 2014 to celebrate the 100th birthday of William H. Scheide, an alumnus and heir to an oil fortune, who was one of the university's most generous benefactors. Scheide was also a prominent contributor to civil rights causes and a musician with a special love of Bach, which led him to found a Baroque Aria Group and write a brief Prelude for Piano Four Hands in the vein of the period (performed as one of the extras on this disc). The many facets of Scheide's life are detailed by narrator John Lithgow—backed by an expertly-chosen array of archival materials—who also provides background on Beethoven and the majestic final symphony that is here presented to recognize Scheide's many contributions to the university and the wider society. The actual performance of Beethoven's Ninth by the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, the Westminster Symphonic Choir, and four vocal soloists is solid but unremarkable, conducted without much imagination by Mark Laycock, longtime leader of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra. Apart from an occasional unusual tempo, this is a conventional reading of the score, which will certainly not displace classic recordings by more exalted ensembles under better-known conductors. So what we have here is a fine tribute to a philanthropist who used his fortune well, but a musical performance that is no better than adequate. Additional extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette, and a performance of Brahms's Academic Festival Overture. Presented in 5.1 surround sound, this is a strong optional purchase. (F. Swietek)