My favorite Beethoven pianists are Richard Goode (what a cycle!) and Kovacevich (his EMI recordings). I also enjoy Brendel's earlier recordings on Vox. Jando on Naxos is variable, but many of the performances are first-class. I really must say I don't like Kempff that much for the same reason I don't really like his Brahms---not enough pedal for me, but that's just a peronal opinion. For the symphonies I enjoy Szell's Cleveland cycle, Gardiner, and Mackerras (9th from EMI). These are all extremely exciting high-spirited accounts of these pinnacles of western art. I really appreciate all 3 conductors' abilities to make the music speak for itself and their general adherence to Beethoven's wishes. Marcus Maroney [log in to unmask]