Hi Cwlondon,
I am hardly a guru of Beethoven, I'll leave that to the more learned critics of Fanfare, Gramophone, etc...but I strongly encourage you to listen to Carlos Kleiber's (with Vienna Philharmonic, on DGG) recordings of the 5th and 7th symphonies. The performances are superb and have been in the catalog for many years. They are now available together on 1cd. He also has a live performance (only know of them on a Philips laser disc) with the Concertgebouw Orchestra of the 4th and 7th, which are also very fine. Also enthusiastically recommended is a live recording (used to be available on an Orfeo cd) of the 4th, with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Herr Kleiber's papa (Erich) recorded the 3rd (also with Vienna) that is also a must-hear.
I hope you get to know Carlos Kleiber's work, both in symphonic as well as operatic repertoire. He is trully "legendary."
With best wishes,
Santiago
I am hardly a guru of Beethoven, I'll leave that to the more learned critics of Fanfare, Gramophone, etc...but I strongly encourage you to listen to Carlos Kleiber's (with Vienna Philharmonic, on DGG) recordings of the 5th and 7th symphonies. The performances are superb and have been in the catalog for many years. They are now available together on 1cd. He also has a live performance (only know of them on a Philips laser disc) with the Concertgebouw Orchestra of the 4th and 7th, which are also very fine. Also enthusiastically recommended is a live recording (used to be available on an Orfeo cd) of the 4th, with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Herr Kleiber's papa (Erich) recorded the 3rd (also with Vienna) that is also a must-hear.
I hope you get to know Carlos Kleiber's work, both in symphonic as well as operatic repertoire. He is trully "legendary."
With best wishes,
Santiago