Most Sublime Beethoven Symphony

Hi Cwlondon,

I am hardly a guru of Beethoven, I'll leave that to the more learned critics of Fanfare, Gramophone, etc...but I strongly encourage you to listen to Carlos Kleiber's (with Vienna Philharmonic, on DGG) recordings of the 5th and 7th symphonies. The performances are superb and have been in the catalog for many years. They are now available together on 1cd. He also has a live performance (only know of them on a Philips laser disc) with the Concertgebouw Orchestra of the 4th and 7th, which are also very fine. Also enthusiastically recommended is a live recording (used to be available on an Orfeo cd) of the 4th, with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Herr Kleiber's papa (Erich) recorded the 3rd (also with Vienna) that is also a must-hear.

I hope you get to know Carlos Kleiber's work, both in symphonic as well as operatic repertoire. He is trully "legendary."

With best wishes,
Santiago

I second the recommendation of Carlos Kleiber's performance of the 5th and 7th - truly outstanding.

If you have an interest in exploring some "original instrument" performances of the symphonies, try Roger Norrignton on EMI - particularly his performances of the 2nd and 4th.

Yes the Kleiber are worth getting. Also fun is the 5th and 7th by Benjamin Zander and the Philharmonia Orchestra that has a companion CD lecture by Zander of both symphonies. (Ben Zander also praises Kleiber in his lecture).

I've heard all the complete sets, and my favorite Beethoven symphony complete cycle is a rare unheard one to most. It is with the City of Birmingham Orchestra conducted by Walter Weller; on the Chandos label. It even has the first movement of what historians think is a draft of the 10th symphony.