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"... eagerly awaited ... the change (to period instruments) gives such familiar works as the Pastoral Symphony a lightness and clarity, given added emphasis by the fact that Shui adheres strictly to the composer’s instructions on dynamics and tempi. It's more like chamber music played by a full orchestra and it's thrilling, energetic and refreshing." - Classic FM "Lively speeds which never sound hurried. Sparky, well-articulated playing, the period brass adding a distinctive colour. Crisp, clear recording. All present. One of this job’s many pleasures is coming across a disc from an unexpected source which confounds expectations ... a Beethoven cycle from an orchestra and conductor I’d never heard of. It’s not damning with faint praise to say that I couldn’t believe how good this set is ... these discs are an utter joy ... Lan Shui’s Copenhagen players deserve to be up there with the best. Their performances are closest in spirit to Paavo Järvi’s superb RCA cycle, though with a smidgeon more impishness and sheer fun ... cheer yourself up. Buy this." - The Arts Desk Lan Shui and the Copenhagen Philharmonic Orchestra continue their complete series of Beethoven's symphonies, performed with a unique twist: the orchestra replaces modern timpani and brass instruments with copies of instruments from Beethoven’s time. When asked about the benefit of using these period instruments, Shui answers emphatically, “Lightness! It’s impossible to play heavily with these instruments. Suddenly there is much more clarity and everything fits together: the size of the orchestra, the forward motion, the clarity and lightness."