The LSO/Haitink live Beethoven symphony recordings conclude with this magnificent performance of the Ninth, done with total commitment under Haitink’s inspiring leadership. The one disappointment is that he shuns Beethoven’s headlong tempo for the recitative at the beginning of the finale and settles for the old, conventional treatment of this revolutionary passage. Otherwise, with splendid chorus and soloists in full cry, and orchestra in blazing form, all is thrillingly right. Every detail of the ever-astonishing score is given its value in a reading of passionate conviction. Four stars