Whats on your turntable tonight?

@spiritofradio 

Beethoven
Piano Concerto No. 5 in Eb Major
Vladimir Ashkenazy
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Sir Georg Solti

As a member of the Berlin Philharmonic/Digital Concert Hall, I watched them live yesterday perform the ‘Emporer’ concerto. Paavo Jarvi conducted, Igor Levit, piano.

A wonderfully done performance of that concerto.

I checked, and of all the Solti I have, don’t have him conducting that piece.

@rcprince 

I've been going through a Beethoven Symphony box I didn't realize I had, the 1963 von Karajan cycle with the Berlin Philharmonic. Last few nights I've listened to symphonies 1-5 and 7; tonight it's symphony 6 and perhaps 8. I can see why many feel that this cycle is among the top performances of the works.

I have that cycle on vinyl too, (and two others on vinyl). Karajan’s 63 cycle is almost unanimously thought to be his best Beethoven cycle. It is a very nice set, but I do have a soft spot for my Szell cycle with the Cleveland Orchestra. And also have one with Bohm and the Wiener Philharmoniker. That also has a charm of its own.

The only cycle I have on CD is more modern by Paavo Jarvi and the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen. Although very good, I think I prefer the three sets on vinyl above.

@rcprince +1.   I don’t know that much but I do think that cycle is a good one, maybe kinda down the middle and, as such, a reference.  I have to say though, in my limited experience, I don’t think the sonics on those recordings are the greatest. 
My favorites are the Simon Rattle with the BP.  I also love the Järvi/Bremen (smaller orchestra) cycle. I think it’s unique and brilliant.  Another favorite Beethoven Symphony cycle for me is the Bruno Walter/Colombia. I find it especially romantic.  I have them on both mono and stereo and like to engage in comparative fantasies and mind wandering with those on. 
@bkeske,  yeah, I had a certificate for it, had it on my calendar, and when I remembered to look at the time I’d already missed 40 minutes of it.   Can one see a recording, do you know?  

The Mountain Goats / The sunset tree

@bkeske, as said, I don’t know much


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Beethoven 
Violin Concerto in D Major, OPUS 61
Arthur Grumiaux
Concertgebouw Orchestra 
Sir Colin Davis
Philips 1981 Redux

Aristocratic and transcendent.  With this there is something going on in the world that I can’t even imagine.