Beethoven Symphonies Cycle: Which is your #1 pick?

[Daverz]

(no hissy mono recordings for me no matter how historically great.)

That's sad.

I don't understand complaints about hiss on analog recordings.  It's never been an issue for me.  People must have overly bright sound systems.  Or maybe it's tinny computer speakers.

[George]

That's sad.

I don't understand complaints about hiss on analog recordings.  It's never been an issue for me.  People must have overly bright sound systems.  Or maybe it's tinny computer speakers.

The hiss was the first thing I noticed (and didn't like) when I started listening to classical recordings, but I quickly got used to it.

I have since learned that you can't remove the hiss without dulling the overall sound.

[kishnevi]

That's sad.

I don't understand complaints about hiss on analog recordings.  It's never been an issue for me.  People must have overly bright sound systems.  Or maybe it's tinny computer speakers.

I think it depends on when the original recording was made.  For me,  almost everything recorded before 1950 (a very approximate date) is too "hissy" to be interesting as anything other than its historical interest.    For whatever reason,  recordings in the '50s (and a couple in the late 40s) seem to have overcome that problem, and while the sonics may seem dull on some of them,  a number of mono recordings from the late 50s actually sound better to me than some early stereo recordings.

[Daverz]

I think it depends on when the original recording was made.  For me,  almost everything recorded before 1950 (a very approximate date) is too "hissy" to be interesting as anything other than its historical interest.    For whatever reason,  recordings in the '50s (and a couple in the late 40s) seem to have overcome that problem, and while the sonics may seem dull on some of them,  a number of mono recordings from the late 50s actually sound better to me than some early stereo recordings.

There were improvements in recording techniques just before tape came in.  About 1944 on, I think.

I admit that I don't listen to pre-1950 stuff that often.

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

Is anyone else a fan of Haitink's LSO cycle? I got it because it fit what I was looking for (modern orchestra with some light HIP influence), and because of the SACD potential. I lost interest in the SACD part, but I still have and like the set.

[xochitl]

if im in the mood for big-band beethoven without frills, with good speeds and great sound, exactingly executed: haitink hits the spot more than pretty much anyone [including vanska and dohnanyi]

[Archaic Torso of Apollo]

if im in the mood for big-band beethoven without frills, with good speeds and great sound, exactingly executed: haitink hits the spot more than pretty much anyone [including vanska and dohnanyi]

Yeah. I think he's best in 4, 5, 7, and 8, but it's a good, consistent set throughout.

[DavidW]

Is anyone else a fan of Haitink's LSO cycle? I got it because it fit what I was looking for (modern orchestra with some light HIP influence), and because of the SACD potential. I lost interest in the SACD part, but I still have and like the set.

Yes but I prefer Vanska.

[Bogey]

Karajan/Berliner '62
Dohnányi/Cleveland (Telarc)
Hogwood/AAM

I am missing some of the Dohnányi, but I would be set with these three cycles as well....then it is cherry picking time!

[Karl Henning]

What is the consensus on the Hanover Band?  I see that the set of 9 symphonies is a cheap mp3 download . . . but I want opinions!

(I have an idea I may have heard a couple of these way back at the dawn of the compact disc era . . . but I may be mistaken.)

[Daverz]

if im in the mood for big-band beethoven without frills, with good speeds and great sound, exactingly executed: haitink hits the spot more than pretty much anyone [including vanska and dohnanyi]

I'm very fond of Blomstedt's Dresden set for "no frills" Beethoven.

[Karl Henning]

The main complaint I have is with the recorded sound - too reverberant.

Thank you!

[DavidW]

I'm very fond of Blomstedt's Dresden set for "no frills" Beethoven.

Yes that is terrific. 

The ones that xochitl mention are faster in tempo than the traditional performances (Blomstedt is middle of the road).  Kind of made his comment uninterpretable" what constitutes "good tempo"  for him?  I don't know, but based on what he likes I'm guessing he won't like Blomstedt, which is too bad.

[Karl Henning]

Is anyone else a fan of Haitink's LSO cycle? I got it because it fit what I was looking for (modern orchestra with some light HIP influence), and because of the SACD potential. I lost interest in the SACD part, but I still have and like the set.

Yes but I prefer Vanska.

Thanks, gents . . . I've been enjoying the samples of the Haitink/LSO set.

That said, when I saw how cheap the Immerseel is, I pulled the trigger on that one immediately.  (I know: no reason not to enjoy both!)

[DavidW]

Digital download Karl?  The Haitink set is cheap too (as a dd) but not as cheap as Immerseel.

[Karl Henning]

Aye . . . and heck, the Blomstedt/Dresden set is as cheap as the Immerseel.  This would be one heck of an atypical day if I buy multiple LvB symphony sets 

[George]

Thank you!

Dooooonnnttt yyyyoouuuuu mmeeeaaaannnn thhhhhaannnnnnkkkkk yoooouuuuuu?

[George]

Aye . . . and heck, the Blomstedt/Dresden set is as cheap as the Immerseel.  This would be one heck of an atypical day if I buy multiple LvB symphony sets 

Indeed. I had to check your avatar twice to make sure it was really you.

[Brian]

Aye . . . and heck, the Blomstedt/Dresden set is as cheap as the Immerseel.  This would be one heck of an atypical day if I buy multiple LvB symphony sets 

Those are just about as opposite as cycles get!

[Karl Henning]

Dooooonnnttt yyyyoouuuuu mmeeeaaaannnn thhhhhaannnnnnkkkkk yoooouuuuuu?

Why am I thinking Mrs Whatsit? 

There's no really good reason why I listen to LvB as infrequently as I do . . . .