Favorite Classical Conductor Followup

For those interested in a sample of Kleiber's work, his recording of Beethoven's 5th symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic is a must have. The current CD reissue on the DG Originals label (catalog #447400) also has a great reading of the 7th symphony. It is currently on sale at TowerRecords.com for $8.99

Kleiber is a very exacting perfectionist who works and records when or where he feels like it. His great reputation also allows him to hand pick the repertoire, the orchestra, and soloists. He gives no interviews. He refuses to be tied to any one orchestra. He works at a pace that allows him to always have a top notch performances. All of these things put together makes each concert and recording "an event". He has been compared by critics with an expert art restorer; who takes the time to strip away centuries of "grime" (tradition), and expose the work of art beneath.

Zander's intent is to educate and enlighten, not to be the better than anyone else. Basically he feels the Beethoven we are use to has be romanticized by a century and a half of "tradition". He uses a Toscanini recording as an example of "tradition" and not following the score. Toscanini claimed he was being true to the score, and people took him at his word because of his reputation. Ben would love this discussion.....The Beethoven 5 & 7 CD of Ben's has the same extra CD with the lecture as the Mahler 9th. I agree his recording of the Beethoven 9th was just so so. I did not like the chorus. Zander is mentioned as a source of tempi ideas in the liner notes of some of Roger Norrington's original instrument recordings of Beethoven

I have had personal contact with Ben in the past on more than one occassion, and he can be hyperbolic in public, so in regards to hype I guess I agree. He is a real dynamo and his enthusiansm is too much for some. No one is neutral if you ask them what they think of him.

There is also a lot of information on Kleiber and many others at classicalmusic.com ---- Pls1 - Interesting comment. I've heard a few of the Baltimore Symphony/Temirkanov concerts I've attended played on NPR and enjoyed them just as much. I also bought my parents that Final Concert CD of Berstein's from Tanglewood for my parents when it came out specifically because they were there. My parents are not critical listeners like us, however.