Beethoven symphonies
Tue, Oct 25 2011, 8:09PM
#2
RE: Beethoven symphonies
The Vanska/MO set on BIS is currently one of my favourite Beethoven cycles.
There are many other good sets out there, but the best that I've heard are:-
For traditional style performance and big sound: Barenboim/Staatskapelle Berlin (Warner); Davis/Staatskapelle Dresden (Philips); Klemperer/Philharmonia Orchestra (EMI) (stereo).
For modern style performance: Harnoncourt/Chamber Orchestra of Europe (Teldec); Zinman/Zurich Tonhalle Orchestra (Arte Nova).
For HIP on period intruments: Immerseel/Anima Eterna (Zig Zag Territories).
For unusual interpretations: Pletnev/Russian National Orchestra (DG).
Other really goods sets include Karajan/Berlin Philharmonic (DG) (1970s) and Mackerras/Scottish Chamber Orchestra & Philharmonia Orchestra (Hyperion).
The Pletnev and Immerseel (which is superb) make interesting alternatives to the standard sets and are worth exploring.
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I always had a weakness for Paul Kletzki with the Czech Philharmonic on Supraphon. They were (and are) a cracking band with an inherent strong rhythmic inner sense and dark hued sound which distinguish them from all other orchestras that I am aware of. Pair them with a solid conductor of the old school, Paul Kletzki, who like Furtwangler, Klemperer, Kubelik display a natural affinity with this music, and you have a fab cycle. When listening, I love my feeling of absolute certainty that nothing will go wrong, no detail ignored though still closely knitted into the overall context (I think this was what Furtwangler called 'Fernhoer'). The recording has that gentle warm feeling that Sip and Burka managed to get from the Rudolfinum in the sixties. A winner - and now at a low cost on a recently refurbished Suprahon re-issue.