The legendary conductor Felix Weingartner was renowned for his interpretation of the classical repertoire, particularly the music of Beethoven, and was the first to conduct all the Beethoven symphonies on record. The present release includes the Seventh and Eighth symphonies performed by a pre-War Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, whose guardianship of Beethovenian tradition lends these readings special authority and force. Two of the more memorable movements from Egmont add context to the dramatic overture.