Beethoven Symphonies - best perf + sonics on CD

Goofyfoot,

I think you are right. I really like Pletnev, Horowitz and the latest find is the conductor Tugan Sokhiev with the Toulouse National Orchestra. He studied in Eastern Europe...I have gotten nearly everything he has done with that orchestra...his Pictures at an Exhibition is extraordinary in my opinion, mny favorite interpretation, and i have several at home and i consider Pictures one of my fav orchestral pieces of all time.

Thanks Lloydelee for the recommendation. I got started on this when I was in Odessa, Ukraine and I went to a piano recital in the Philharmonie. The pianist was superb and he had studied abroad at the Juilliard School in the early 1960's. Of course he went back to Ukraine because he had secured a position, probably teaching. I'll keep looking around in this realm for Beethoven but for other composers also.
By the way, I have a recording of Szell conducting the Coriolan Overture in 1959 at the Prague Spring Festival with the Czech Phil. It's a very satisfying live performance.

Gardiner's cycle is poorly recorded....I think they tried to put too much on each disc.

Stringreen, I agree. Everytime I play the gardiners I think I've got a tube going bad. Its a shame, because based on artistic merit these recordings are real winners. And his Missa Solemnis, despite the bad recoridng quality, is really the only one I listen to much. Speaking of the Missa, anyone heard Herrewhegge's account on Harmonia Mundi?

Brownsfan,

Good to know...i also like the Missa Solemnis by Gardiner. Have not heard the Herrewhegge...do post if you hear it.