beethoven 9th..which recording

far and away the Karajan 1963 - or 1977, no equal

Solti and the Chicago are really good. The chorus is awesome.

Tim the Karajan 63 & 77 recordings have some noticeable differences, as does the entire Beethoven symphony cycle
recorded then. I much prefer the 1977 9th, it is a more inspired reading and the closing of the final movement has a passion and fury rarely seen by Karajan, thrilling experience! With very good recording quality this has to rank near the top of any list......Although DG must not agree with me as I believe they chose the 1962 version to remaster as "DG Original" series

furtwangler's 1942 performance...the best of the best...if you don't mind mono recording...otherwise try Klemperer or Celibidache...

Jdwek

I have possibly six or seven different versions of this work, but I also am partial to the Karajan 1977 one.