Best symphony recordings

Dvorak's 9th is best performed by Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Nikolaus Harnoncourt on Teldec. Bethoven's 5th by Berlin Philharmonic Herbert von Karajan. If you want good sound, get the new issue of Beethoven's symphony cycle on DEUTSCHE GRAMMOPHON.

Critics and listeners in general have praised the Kleiber recording of LvB's 5 on DG. I found it almost unlistenable. Sonically, it sucks. Performance is frantic. I have Kurt Masur on Philips and believe it to be better proportioned, if that's the right word. It just sounds more like what an early romantic might have wanted to hear, and the 70's recording simply glows. Dvorak 9 is a lovely piece, especially as performed by Fritz Reiner on RCA. The XRCDII is probably even more beautiful, as these CD's are works of art in themselves. If only all CD's were produced with such care! You must also check out Dvorak symphonies 7 & 8. I suggest Mercury Living Presence, conducted by Antal Dorati. Performance is totally invigorating at times, heart breakingly tender at others.

As far as Madisonears comment on the Kleiber, if he is referring to the "DG Originals" release, I agree somewhat. I don't like the sonics of many of those CDs. I have an earlier CD release of that 5th, and have it on LP.

There is a recording of the 5th by Ben Zander that has a bonus CD where he gives a lecture on the music and Beethoven. An interesting listen.

Thank you, guys. Great responses. I'll look into these recordings. Could you also give some advise on Beethoven's Symphony No. 9?