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Date: | Sat, 24 Jun 2000 20:45:56 -0500 |
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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
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