Beethoven Symphonies - best perf + sonics on CD

Loydelee, what I've heard so far isn't sub standard by any stretch, in fact there are some beautiful moments but the things that stand out in my head are those things that I mentioned. I suppose that this is how I'm wired. Yes, of course I need to listen to the rest of the set. I now remember when this Gardiner set came out and I believe the Harnoncourt set came out right after. I ended up buying the Harnoncourt. Some nice things about this Gardiner set is the ensemble size in the sense that much of the instrumentation is revealing when its balanced. The musicians are capable and their tone is what I prefer. There is no falling out by strings, woodwinds etc... and there are no obvious blunders.

The sound on the Gardiner recording is not the best, no. However, the interpretations/performances are fantastic. The set is definitely a must have in that regard - it is by far the best performances on period instruments - much of the playing is really incredible.

Thanks Goofyfoot and Learsfool,

I am getting tempted now! I do like his Missa Solemnis.

Does anyone know if the Gardiner Beethoven 5 CD Collectors Edition Archive re-release is any different from the original?

These look nice;

http://www.arkivmusic.com/classical/album.jsp?album_id=733459

Always interested in groups in or around my former short term town of Köln, De.

Chewwwws!

I just listened to the Gardiner 'Eroica' and I must admit that it is a remarkable performance. I read some of Gardiner's comments online about the symphonies concerning authoritative sources and Beethoven's own markings and notes and the fact that throughout history, most of these documents were overlooked or ignored. I want to add also that most of the musicians available during Beethoven's lifetime were inconsistent when it came to their levels of technique and musicianship and that additional instrumentalists could be added to or taken away from a performance based on a performers ability. Adding in parts was often an undertaking that was done by the orchestra director. So, the hard and fast rules that we observe today were not really understood in either the 18th or the 19th century.