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Beethoven Symphonies - best perf + sonics on CD

My CD's of Beethoven's symphonies were all issued in the late 80's or early 90's and sound flat and two-dimensional, with a back-of-the-house perspective. Vinyl is more dynamic but I can't tolerate the surface noise during the quiet passages. So, fellow A'gon members, I'm looking for your suggestions for the best sounding (good tone, big dynamics, front row perspective) and most thrilling performances of Beethoven symphonies on redbook CD. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
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goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
1,380 posts
 
Thanks Lloydelee for the recommendation. I got started on this when I was in Odessa, Ukraine and I went to a piano recital in the Philharmonie. The pianist was superb and he had studied abroad at the Juilliard School in the early 1960's. Of course he went back to Ukraine because he had secured a position, probably teaching. I'll keep looking around in this realm for Beethoven but for other composers also.
By the way, I have a recording of Szell conducting the Coriolan Overture in 1959 at the Prague Spring Festival with the Czech Phil. It's a very satisfying live performance.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,476 posts
 
Gardiner's cycle is poorly recorded....I think they tried to put too much on each disc.
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Stringreen, I agree. Everytime I play the gardiners I think I've got a tube going bad. Its a shame, because based on artistic merit these recordings are real winners. And his Missa Solemnis, despite the bad recoridng quality, is really the only one I listen to much. Speaking of the Missa, anyone heard Herrewhegge's account on Harmonia Mundi?
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Brownsfan,

Good to know...i also like the Missa Solemnis by Gardiner. Have not heard the Herrewhegge...do post if you hear it.
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