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
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Wow! That was quick! I really look forward to your thoughts on it! I nearly bought it myself, but in truth would love to hear your impressions first. I already have 3 full cycles...only wish to get Gardiner if really good and also really different.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,492 posts
 
Lots of approvals for Gardiner, but I think for ME, the sound and the performance is not good. The 3,5,9, sysmphonies are the worst for me, but the others are better.
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Thanks, Stingreen...what Beethoven symphonies are your favorite?
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
1,387 posts
 
Sorry, a lot of things going on. Surprisingly, I found a Konica II rangefinder in excellent condition as someone was throwing it out. But anyway, I listened to Gardiner conducting the Beethoven 5th and have to say that either the hall and/or the miking is the culprit for criticisms surrounding this recording. It reminds me of when I saw Wozzeck at Avery Fisher Hall; the tympani heads sounded as if they were made out of paper and the woodwinds over powered the strings. From what I could tell with the Gardiner 5th, the brass was shrill and often overpowering, the oboes and bassoons could hardly be heard at all and the strings fluctuated between being dynamically balanced or washed out and behind the curtain. Staccato in the strings was for the most part unintelligible. What is most odd was the opening 4 note motive and that entire phrase by comparison to when it's repeated further along in the exposition. Why on earth is the introduction of that phrase softer with less emphasis than when it's played again later? I don't have the score on hand but the introduction should make a definite statement. The second movement was played and recorded beautifully. Any comments?
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Wow that was quick...may i interpret this is as an initial indication that this is NOT a must-have set? The opening criticisms did not seem minor (from an audiophile or pure music fan's standpoint)...obviously, you'll want to hear more of the set...nevertheless, not a particularly encouraging start.
Fair interpretation? Thanks for taking the time!!!!!
More to discover