2. music
  3. 1360441496

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.
Ag insider logo xs@2xcrazee01
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Lowrider, I can't offer an opinion on the best sounding Toscanini. What I can tell you is that the RCA red seals I have of the Beethoven and Brahms symphonies are pretty decent. They have been remastered and are much better than the same recordings (vinyl) I had in the late 60's early 70's. You can get the 9 Beethoven symphonies for about $20 on Amazon now. That might be a good place to start. I don't own any of the Testament recordings or EMI's.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
thanks, Brownsfan... the reviewers on Amazon are also recommending the Red Seal. And since you are a gentleman and a scholar, I'll go for it.
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
1,380 posts
 
Lowrider, Brownsfan, I dare make mention of Josef Krips. Though not in anyway a household name such as von Karajan, a very intelligent and musical conductor. Of course it would be impossible to name everyone but he made some outstanding recordings. WWII was without question the cause for his tumultuous career. Any comments?
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
Goofyfoot, Krips---wow, that is a name I haven;t heard for years! Back in the day, I remember having had one Krips recording. I think it may have been Schubert. That is the sum total of my experience and memory. Too many tumbleweeds in the great synaptic expanse, I fear.
pgawan2b
122 posts
 
I had the 4th, 5th and 6th symphonies of Tchaikovsky on CD by DG. One of the pieces (I confess that I can't remember which one now) sounded like the trumpets were recorded in a studio and poorly mixed in. It just sounded unnatural and improperly balanced. Despite Ted Libbey recommending this CD, I was more than happy to give it away and find something else.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who didn't like a DG CD.
More to discover