Beethoven symphony cycles (complete) in the best possible sound quality

[George]

And I was rightly nagged with a little doubt . . . we do in fact have six.

At least six.  Six which I can name right at the moment . . . .

Which six?

[Karl Henning]

Good morning, George!

Which six?

Masur (the later, which some do not prefer to the earlier)
Harnoncourt
Blomstedt/Dresden
Immerseel
Abbado/Berlin
Lenny/NY Phil

[XB-70 Valkyrie]

I bought the Barenboim, and so far, have listened to 1 and 2 (yes, I am going in order). So far, I think the sound quality is great, and the performances are enjoyable. Can't say too much until I get to 3/5/7/9 though!

I am still interested in all of the other suggestions here and will get around to buying at least some of them eventually.

[Walt Whitman]

Of all the Beethoven cycles that I have, I am fondest of Decca's Schmidt-Isserstedt / Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra cycle. It is marvelously recorded, wonderfully played by the VPO and Schmidt-Isserstedt's leadership brings out both great thoughtfulness and powerful emotional beauty of the symphonies. Sound quality is fantastic.

For reference, I have Skrowaczewski, Bernstein (Columbia), Szell, Blomstedt and von Karajan's cycles, along with the Schmidt-Isserstedt. It seems, though, that I'll have to add the Immerseel, as it is a favorite of many respected members of GMG.

[George]

Of all the Beethoven cycles that I have, I am fondest of Decca's Schmidt-Isserstedt / Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra cycle. It is marvelously recorded, wonderfully played by the VPO and Schmidt-Isserstedt's leadership brings out both great thoughtfulness and powerful emotional beauty of the symphonies. Sound quality is fantastic.

His PC set with Backhaus is excellent!

[bigshot]

I always thought that I would never find a Beethoven series where all nine symphonies were great. Inevitably one is not as good as another. Then I found Kletzki / Czech PO. It was recorded in 1967 at the peak of analogue recording quality. The performance is full of personality, and the sound of the orchestra is to die for. The Czech woodwinds are amazing. I have dozens of Beethoven symphony cycles, and this one is right at the top of the list.

[prémont]

I always thought that I would never find a Beethoven series where all nine symphonies were great. Inevitably one is not as good as another. Then I found Kletzki / Czech PO. It was recorded in 1967 at the peak of analogue recording quality. The performance is full of personality, and the sound of the orchestra is to die for. The Czech woodwinds are amazing. I have dozens of Beethoven symphony cycles, and this one is right at the top of the list.

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