Beethoven's 7th Symphony

[Renfield]

So what transfer of the '36 do you have?

The one I linked above: Mark Obert-Thorn's. My transfer of the '51 is RCA's, and my transfer of the '39 is the recent Music & Arts one.

Thanks for your impressions.

So I guess the question I should have asked is "if I have the '51 7th and the 5th from the same set, is the '36 7th and the 5th on the Naxos CD substantially better (or at least different) in your opinion?"

Confirming my answer to the specific question, the '36 NYPO 7th is indeed quite distinct from the '51 NBC one, and better in every department but that of recorded sound. Despite that, however, it "delivers" much more than the '51 could.

Also, the transfer I have of the '36 (see above) is one of the best I've heard, from that period; and if there is one case of a performance transcending the audio quality, this is pretty much it.

[George]

The one I linked above: Mark Obert-Thorn's. My transfer of the '51 is RCA's, and my transfer of the '39 is the recent Music & Arts one.


Confirming my answer to the specific question, the '36 NYPO 7th is indeed quite distinct from the '51 NBC one, and better in every department but that of recorded sound. Despite that, however, it "delivers" much more than the '51 could.

Also, the transfer I have of the '36 (see above) is one of the best I've heard, from that period; and if there is one case of a performance transcending the audio quality, this is pretty much it.

Thanks.

Just ordered it. 

[Renfield]

Thanks.

Just ordered it. 

I would say I'm honoured for the trust, but I do think The Maestro (you know, Arturo) was actually its prime recipient: and deservingly so!


You won't regret it, I think.

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Speaking of money, wow, what a bargain price! 

Yes, and that, too!

[Que]

Kletzki...again...

ehh..ehh....seconded! 
And Furtwängler's '53 recording with the Berliner is pretty good as well.
Third would be Jochum/RCO.

Bill,

Here are a couple more reviews of Kletzki's Beethoven.

Right on the money, I'd say!

Way to go donwyn!  Get the Kletzki going around here!

Thanks George.  I almost switched on the Alert Signal.  Phew,.......that was a close one.

 

[Renfield]

ehh..ehh....seconded! 
And Furtwängler's '53 recording with the Berliner is pretty good as well.
Third would be Jochum/RCO.

Way to go donwyn!  Get the Kletzki going around here!

Alas, the Kletzki cycle I ordered has yet to ship! And I feel like I'm missing on the fun every minute until it does.

[Holden]

Two posters have mentioned the Monteux/LSO recording and to me, while not quite definitive, this is the best recording of the 7th on record from those that I've heard (and thats' quite a lot). Every LvB 7th I've ever heard (with one exception) has always had one movement that was not as good as the other three and this includes the famous Kleiber. The beauty of the Monteux is that, while none of the movements rate individually as the 'best' IMO, as a set they are all very close. This is why I rate it so highly.

[val]

My favorite versions of the 7th Symphony (to me, the best of Beethoven's Symphonies):

Monteux, LSO.

Erich Kleiber, Concertgebow.

Carlos Kleiber, VPO.

Fritz Reiner, Chicago.

Fricsay, BPO.

Furtwängler, BPO (1943).

Karajan, BPO, 1962.

[Mozart]

Better than Karajan or Szell is:

[hornteacher]

Get the Abbado DVD!  Holy smoke its good!

[hornteacher]

Better than Karajan or Szell is:

Second this set!

Also the Mackerras CD set is fantastic for the entire cycle!

http://www.amazon.com/Nine-Symphonies-Bryn-Terfel/dp/B00006J3LK/ref=pd_bbs_4/105-4924212-6205218?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1192015363&sr=8-4

[Mozart]

Get the Abbado DVD!  Holy smoke its good!

Have this one too, I love the enormous bassoon!

[karlhenning]

Ah, I see. Thanks for clearing things up, Ren. So it IS commercially available.

Well, just connect the dots. Von Karajan? Out of print? Never bloody happen.

[karlhenning]

Get the Abbado DVD!  Holy smoke its good!

Note taken, thanks.

[Renfield]

Well, just connect the dots. Von Karajan? Out of print? Never bloody happen.

Actually, that's not always the case.

If it were, I wouldn't be beside myself with "HvK-fan" elation, after learning about this.

But do carry on. Just a short bout of pedantry, from my side...

[BorisG]

Better than Karajan or Szell is:WAND?

His Beethoven does not sound like Beethoven to me. He meddles when it is not needed.Yes to Bruckner and Schubert for him, but I do not think he is in the same Beethoven league with many of those mentioned, including Szell and Karajan. 

[Dancing Divertimentian]

Way to go donwyn!  Get the Kletzki going around here!

 

Converts...I'm lining up the converts!!

[rubio]

Way to go donwyn!  Get the Kletzki going around here!

I would like to sample the Kletzki cycle. Which disc should I start with as a taster? My favourite Beethoven symphonies (in given order) are 7, 3 and 4. Where is he most successful?

[MishaK]

A few outstanding 7ths I didn't see mentioned here:

Barenboim/Staatskapelle Berlin

Haitink/LSO

Haitink/Concertgebouw

The two Haitinks are interpretively very similar. The LSO version should be easier to find. In a similar vein to Carlos Kleiber but, I find, more convincing and better played.

[hautbois]

I am surprised no one mentioned Harnoncourt/Chamber Orchestra of Europe! Double the Haitink/Concertgebouw.

Howard