Beethoven’s Second Symphony is not exactly one of the symphonic repertoire’s greatest hits. However, as the latest release from the compositional Titan’s hometown demonstrates, it certainly has the stuff of greatness.

It was here that Beethoven first prescribed a “Scherzo” in the movement slot traditionally occupied by the minuet, which automatically lends this work historical significance. The orchestra’s principal conductor Stefan Blunier inserts the symphony in a new context formed by carefully selected orchestral overtures in a programme holding in store many a musical surprise.

This recording also features a unique coupling of overtures: Name-Day, The Ruins of Athens, The Creatures of Prometheus, Coriolan and Egmont.

While most of the overtures penned by Beethoven can be assigned to a stage work, the Name-Day Overture is a genuine all-rounder. It first inherited this title after the composer’s death on the Emperor’s name-day; it is quite apparent that he was inspired by the hymnic quality of this special feast day.

The orchestra, under their conductor Stefan Blunier, positively crackle and the flames glow on this three-dimensional recording by the Beethoven Orchestra of Bonn in the very best SACD quality – all in a performance that would have brought joy to Beethoven himself.