Jeff Grossman wrote: >Hello, everyone. I was hoping that I could get some thoughts from the list >about a generally good set of the Beethoven symphonies. I bought a cheap >set a few years ago, but I'm now at the point where the interpretations and >quality of the set consistently disappoint me. I want to get a full-priced >set, but there are so many options, I have no idea which to choose. Do you want period instrument performances? Or Historically-informed whether on modern instruments or no? I don't know Harnoncourt's, you'll have to take someone else's word there. I have the Gardiner, which is certainly acceptable. I also have most of Norrington's (bought singly). I liked them at first but they didn't wear well. For standard performances, Szell would be a good choice. There is a complete set offered with Klemperer conducting. Bernstein (VPO) and Karajan have their admirers--if the latter has any recorded with the philharmonia orchestra those would be preferable. His 1963 set with the Berlin is well-regarded also. Bruno Walter is the old reliable in this repertoire, unfailingly melodic with still a sense of structure and taste. Lots of choices! Chris Bonds