Impassioned orchestral playing, rich recorded sound, and Claudio Abbado’s titanic interpretation make this a Beethoven Nine for the ages. The conductor’s vision of the work rises from a first movement hallmarked by its enormous architectural strength and concentrated expressive gravity. This is no ordinary performance: here is a life-or-death battle in which life wins but only after an epic conflict, one to which Abbado gives his heart and soul. Along the way, there’s room for playfulness in the “Molto vivace,” a state of grace in the slow movement, majestic choral singing, and a final triumphant vision of Elysium.