Which Beethoven cycle to listen to next?

[kishnevi]

I'm finishing up the "Unbekannte Beethoven" box now, and it's time to pick the next Beethovenia to listen to. Order is based on seniority in the listening pile--I just received the last two options today.  So which would you pick?

[mc ukrneal]

I really enjoyed the Endellions, so I voted for them. But I think I'd happily listen to any of them...

[Sammy]

I'm currently more interested in the Violin Sonatas than the other options, and a period instrument set is a nice bonus.

[kishnevi]

But I think I'd happily listen to any of them...

That's the root of my problem (would that my problems all be that serious!)

Interesting kink about GMG's software. Because of the viewing option I chose,  I can't see the results unless I myself vote.  So please understand that one vote for the Wind Chamber Music is really a phantom.

[San Antone]

You did not include the set of works I would suggest next: the Cello Sonatas.

These works come from all periods of his life and represent a nice progression of his development as a composer.  They are also some of his best compositions, imo.  There are many good-great recordings of them, but the Bylsma/Bilson recordings I think are my favorite.

[mszczuj]

You did not include the set of works I would suggest next: the Cello Sonatas.

These works come from all periods of his life and represent a nice progression of his development as a composer.  They are also some of his best compositions, imo.  There are many good-great recordings of them, but the Bylsma/Bilson recordings I think are my favorite.

I think the Karttunen/Hakkila interpretation is the best HIP Beethoven recording I have ever heard.

[Karl Henning]

I voted for the Endellion Quartet because they appear in In Search of Haydn.

[Scarpia]

I voted for the Endellion Quartet because they appear in In Search of Haydn.

I've been listening to this set recently (starting with the late quartets) and find it refreshingly vital.

[Brian]

You did not include the set of works I would suggest next: the Cello Sonatas.

These works come from all periods of his life and represent a nice progression of his development as a composer.  They are also some of his best compositions, imo.  There are many good-great recordings of them, but the Bylsma/Bilson recordings I think are my favorite.

The Hardy/Orkis cycle is pretty essential - a very prettily designed package containing two CDs on period instruments and two CDs on modern ones, for ease of comparison!

[San Antone]

The Hardy/Orkis cycle is pretty essential - a very prettily designed package containing two CDs on period instruments and two CDs on modern ones, for ease of comparison!

I've got that disc but forgot about it.  It is a good way to compare the MI to PI.  Also there are a couple recordings by Peter Wispelwey; the first one I like a lot.

[kishnevi]

Thank you for the cello sonata suggestions, but I'm focused on what's in my pile now, which is what's listed in the poll.

I've got at least three MI recordings of the 'cello sonatas--DuPre/Barenboim; Bailey/Dinnerstein; Maisky/Argerich.  Possibly a fourth that I simply don't remember?   I don't have any PI versions, so the suggestions all of you made have been duly noted, but only for future reference.

At this point, the Endellions seem slightly ahead. 

[kishnevi]

The votes are in.
Not including the vote I cast for the woodwind works (so I could actually see the results),
Danny Boy and the concertos got absolutely no votes.
The Endellions got three votes.
The sonatas for piano with violin got two votes, and the sonatas for piano without any other instrument got two votes as well, and so did the woodwind works.

So the winner, who gets to go to the top of the listening pile, is:
Endellion String Quartet--the complete String  Quartets, Quintets and fragments

Thanks to all who participated.