David Harbin ([log in to unmask]) wrote:

>I would not want to restrict myself to any one conductor for this great
>cycle.  I would build a collection based on performance per symphony and
>would go for:
>
>1.  Furtwangler/VPO (live NOT STUDIO) 1951

According to both Hunt and Tremine there are 5 Furtwaengler 1sts:

   Concertgebouw 13/7/50
   VPO (studio 11/52)
   VPO 30/11/52
   SDR SO 30/3/54
   BPO 19/9/54

I presume you mean the 1952 VPO on M&A...

>2.  Wand/NDRSO
>3.  Furtwangler/BPO 1950

The dating of the 1950 and 1952 Furtwaengler Eroicas is horrbly
confused on CD. Which label do you have this on?

I'd go for his VPO/1944 BTW.

>4.  Unsure

C Kleiber on Orfeo

>5   Furtwangler/BPO Live 1942

1943.

>6.  Bohm/VPO DG
>7.  Furtwangler/BPO 1943 Live (again!)

Godd though this is I've always preferred his 1950 studio recording.

>8.  Swallish/RCOA live EMI

Scherchen, Barbirolli.

>9.  Furtwangler/BFO 1951 (again! again!) EMI

The Bayreuth? For me the 1942 BPO has more angst and the 1954 Lucerne
(Philharmonia Orchestra, the TAHRA issue sounds good enough to eat)
grander.

>Having said that, I seem to have gone pretty much for one conductor ...
>Let's face it, in Beethoven Furtwangler blows Karajan (who so many people
>recommend) right out of the water.

Well, no argument from me there.

Deryk Barker
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