Picked up Kajaran's 1977 recording with the BPO of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony yesterday from a charity shop. Now, I'm not saying I didn't enjoy it, but it wasn't terrific. Odd recording balance, I felt, particularly between chorus and orchestra in the finale. And those timpani: they sounded 'dead', with no real impact where normally I feel this. Might've been the transfer to CD that caused these perceived imperfections. Or the original engineering. I know not ...
Anyway, I think I'm right in saying Karajan made four recordings of the work - one in the 50s, two in the 60s (?), and the 1977 one which I now have. Please correct me if I'm wrong. But which one do most of you think is best? And for a bonus question, which cycle of the symphonies by Karajan overshadows the others he recorded?
Your responses will be, as ever, greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. :)
I'm not much on Karajan, but the concensus seems to be for his '63 cycle.
Quote from: dtw on September 27, 2007, 11:42:10 AM
I'm not much on Karajan, but the concensus seems to be for his '63 cycle.
Oops. You said "9th," not cycle.
Never mind. ;D
I have two Karajan Beethoven Ninths--1963 and 1977--and prefer the earlier one. Like you, I seem to recall some sonic weirdness in the later recording, but mostly I just like his slate of soloists in the 1963 one. (Can't help in verifying the four performances. And although I have not heard the complete cycle from either period, comments from friends suggest the 1963 set is the one to get.)
--Bruce
Quote from: Mark on September 27, 2007, 11:40:08 AM
Anyway, I think I'm right in saying Karajan made four recordings of the work - one in the 50s, two in the 60s (?), and the 1977 one which I now have. Please correct me if I'm wrong. But which one do most of you think is best? And for a bonus question, which cycle of the symphonies by Karajan overshadows the others he recorded?
I think there is a fifth one from his 80s digital cycle. I don't know the 50s Philharmonia version, nor the 77 or 80s versions. The two 60s versions are the one from the DG 1963 cycle and a live performance from the opening of the new Philharmonie in Berlin recorded around the same time, but with an inferior set of singers and in the somewhat unkind (to recording engineers) acoustics of the Philharmonie. The latter was issued by the BPO as part of a 12 CD set celebrating the orchestra's 125th anniversary. As a performance, the 1963 DG version is clearly superior in every way, though the live version has more "grit" and shows better how the orchestra sounded under Karajan under live conditions without the intervention of recording engineers.
Mark, you really need the HvK LvB 1962. I've never heard a better Eroica, and the rest (especially the penultimate 9th) are excellent as well. I'm actually shocked that you don't have this.
There is a sixth one, 1947 Wiener Philharmoniker on EMI (Karajan Collection)
I have Karajan's '63 9th which I like a lot. However, I have not heard his others, so I cannot say it is my favorite. (Or can I? ;) )
Quote from: Keemun on September 27, 2007, 01:22:12 PM
I have Karajan's '63 9th which I like a lot. However, I have not heard his others, so I cannot say it is my favorite. (Or can I? ;) )
War time Furt 1942 March Berlin LvB 9th is considered the finest ever. Not just on record, ever played by human beings in the entire western civilization history.
Quote from: Bonehelm on September 27, 2007, 01:52:50 PM
War time Furt 1942 March Berlin LvB 9th is considered the finest ever. Not just on record, ever played by human beings in the entire western civilization history.
But this thread is limited to Karajan's recordings of Beethoven's 9th. :P
Quote from: Bonehelm on September 27, 2007, 01:52:50 PM
War time Furt 1942 March Berlin LvB 9th is considered the finest ever. Not just on record, ever played by human beings in the entire western civilization history.
According to whom?
The fifties recording is the best imo.
Quote from: Bonehelm on September 27, 2007, 01:52:50 PM
War time Furt 1942 March Berlin LvB 9th is considered the finest ever. Not just on record, ever played by human beings in the entire western civilization history.
That
is a really good one. But it's Furt, of course!
Quote from: DavidW on September 27, 2007, 02:09:29 PM
The fifties recording is the best imo.
Haven't heard that one.
Better than the 60's or '70's Hvk or Furtwangler? I like the Gardiner sometimes as well.
Just don't get the Muti or Bernstein "peace-seeking" 9th.
Quote from: Haffner on September 27, 2007, 02:20:13 PM
Haven't heard that one. Better than the 60's or '70's Hvk or Furtwangler? I like the Gardiner sometimes as well.
Just don't get the Muti or Bernstein "peace-seeking" 9th.
Not better than Furt I'm sure but I like it better than the later Karajan.
The problem with any HvK/BPO 9th is the 'wall of sound' effect that Fluffy managed to inculcate into the Berlin Phil. This just doesn't work with the LvB 9th which already has some quite congested choral passages and separating out the soloists is quite hard. To me, all the HvK 9ths I've heard from '63 onwards suffer from this problem and as I result I don't own a single one of them, nor do I wish to do so.
Quote from: DavidW on September 27, 2007, 02:28:55 PM
Not better than Furt I'm sure but I like it better than the later Karajan.
Why so David?
Quote from: Bogey on September 27, 2007, 03:10:29 PM
Why so David?
Maybe more intimate sound out of the orchestra. Maybe it's the sonics in the BPO recordings, I'm not sure but somehow the Philharmonia escapes the wall of sound effect.
Quote from: DavidW on September 27, 2007, 03:22:26 PM
Maybe more intimate sound out of the orchestra. Maybe it's the sonics in the BPO recordings, I'm not sure but somehow the Philharmonia escapes the wall of sound effect.
I'll be checking
that one out.
Quote from: DavidW on September 27, 2007, 03:22:26 PM
Maybe more intimate sound out of the orchestra. Maybe it's the sonics in the BPO recordings, I'm not sure but somehow the Philharmonia escapes the wall of sound effect.
I thought I had this one, but rather it is the '47 with the Philharmonia under HvK that drasko mentioned....however, it is on the Maestro History label.
Quote from: dtw on September 27, 2007, 02:06:29 PM
According to whom?
Me. And it's enough, because it's only my opinion that it's the best in the world.
Yeah well just keep in mind that I'm a fool when it comes to music. ;D
I used to not be into Karajan, but after a wider survey my opinion now is that he usually does have a compelling and nuanced reading of what he records, but the subtlety in his conducting being heard in the recording depends on strongly on the sound quality (especially miking), and dg has dropped the ball many times but not always. I'm not convinced that the wall of sound is the fault of the performance in other words. btw not using them as fighting words just my humble opinion. :)
Ah, here's an interesting topic! Alas, it has been a tiring day, and I am keen on getting some sleep, for now.
But when I've more time (and am more rested), I'll do a quick comparison of the three DG 9ths I am very well acquainted with. The Philharmonia 9th I haven't heard, nor the 1947 one which, from what I hear about it, is not in the same field as Karajan's later ones.
In any case, it's a DG comarison of Karajan Beethoven 9ths, "coming soon". ;)
Quote from: Bonehelm on September 27, 2007, 03:29:55 PM
Me. And it's enough, because it's only my opinion that it's the best in the world.
Gotcha. I do have that recording and it is intense.
Quote from: Holden on September 27, 2007, 02:29:07 PM
The problem with any HvK/BPO 9th is the 'wall of sound' effect that Fluffy managed to inculcate into the Berlin Phil. This just doesn't work with the LvB 9th which already has some quite congested choral passages and separating out the soloists is quite hard. To me, all the HvK 9ths I've heard from '63 onwards suffer from this problem and as I result I don't own a single one of them, nor do I wish to do so.
I find the '63 DG recording lesds wall-of-sound-y than many of his later efforts. But this is mainly due to engineering. The '62 liver performance, being live, does not have that problem. It does have some very small performance issues and an intolerably Italianate tenor, though. The '63 DG is just a great performance on any level.
1977.
I would prefer a 9th with a instrumental ending, but undoubtable the 1963 recording is the best of them all.
Quote from: DavidW on September 27, 2007, 03:30:18 PM
Yeah well just keep in mind that I'm a fool when it comes to music. ;D
I used to not be into Karajan, but after a wider survey my opinion now is that he usually does have a compelling and nuanced reading of what he records, but the subtlety in his conducting being heard in the recording depends on strongly on the sound quality (especially miking), and dg has dropped the ball many times but not always. I'm not convinced that the wall of sound is the fault of the performance in other words. btw not using them as fighting words just my humble opinion. :)
In a sense you are right about that soundwall, but not entirely though.
I noticed, that the better your equipment and acoustic surroundings, the better they sound, in other words not a sound wall at all.
Karajan was obsessed by sound, and he bullied many a engineer into hysterics with his unrealistic demands.
When I met him, and talk a few moments to him, he told me, that he had a certain sound in his mind, but was often unable to tell the guys from the studio what he wanted.
Miking was one of the issues at hand.
Quote from: Harry on September 28, 2007, 12:26:34 AM
I would prefer a 9th with a instrumental ending, but undoubtable the 1963 recording is the best of them all.
A 9th without a choral ending would not be the 9TH!!! ;) 0:) :P :-*
Quote from: dtw on September 28, 2007, 04:29:45 AM
A 9th without a choral ending would not be the 9TH!!! ;) 0:) :P :-*
Well, Beethoven considered this quite seriously! Should have written both. :)
Quote from: Harry on September 28, 2007, 04:32:52 AM
Well, Beethoven considered this quite seriously! Should have written both. :)
Actually, I'd be surprised that one without singing hasn't been recorded. Or, Harry, listen to the Liszt piano transcription. He did one, surely...
Quote from: dtw on September 28, 2007, 04:34:21 AM
Actually, I'd be surprised that one without singing hasn't been recorded. Or, Harry, listen to the Liszt piano transcription. He did one, surely...
I was always sort of hoping that someone talented enough would rewrite the ending and use the vocal material, to be transformed in a instrumental ending, but so far........
Gosh ,yes, the piano transcriptions are nice enough, but that is not quite the same, now is it? ;D
The Ninth ... without the chorale? Unthinkable! :o
Quote from: Mark on September 28, 2007, 04:41:44 AM
The Ninth ... without the chorale? Unthinkable! :o
Well Beethoven had serious doubts about the choral ending, very serious.
I think the choral ending apart from the words quite terrible. :P
Quote from: Harry on September 28, 2007, 04:58:45 AM
Well Beethoven had serious doubts about the choral ending, very serious.
I think the choral ending apart from the words quite terrible. :P
Well, there we must agree to disagree. Few pieces of music fill me with such immense emotion as that finale, chorale and orchestral playing combined.
Quote from: Harry on September 28, 2007, 04:38:26 AM
I was always sort of hoping that someone talented enough would rewrite the ending and use the vocal material, to be transformed in a instrumental ending, but so far........
Gosh ,yes, the piano transcriptions are nice enough, but that is not quite the same, now is it? ;D
No, it is not the same. You are correct. But, as they say, it ain't bad. ;)
Quote from: Mark on September 28, 2007, 05:00:16 AM
Well, there we must agree to disagree. Few pieces of music fill me with such immense emotion as that finale, chorale and orchestral playing combined.
I fear there will be many to disagree with me................
The soprano fugue toward the end of the 9th is one of the most Affirming, Angelic sounds ever. Just my opinion.
Quote from: Mark on September 28, 2007, 04:41:44 AM
The Ninth ... without the chorale? Unthinkable! :o
I'd go so far as to call it blasphemous! Remember, Wagner 0:) saw in Beethoven's 9th Choral justification or affirmation to his music dramas......simply put, Wagner saw the genesis of his music dramas in Beethoven's 9th Symphony that combined vocals with a symphonic score in way never before heard. Oh yes the 9th is a VERY significant symphony indeed!!
My recommendation: the 9th with Karajan and the BPO 1963.
marvin
Quote from: marvinbrown on September 28, 2007, 06:31:04 AM
My recommendation: the 9th under Karajan with the BPO.
marvin
Yes, yes - but which one?
Quote from: marvinbrown on September 28, 2007, 06:34:45 AM
1963 of course
This does appear to be the top choice, judging by responses so far to this thread. Seems I'll need to spring for the whole cycle from that period.
Quote from: Mark on September 28, 2007, 06:35:59 AM
This does appear to be the top choice, judging by responses so far to this thread. Seems I'll need to spring for the whole cycle from that period.
Mark I believe that the 1963 recording has been remastered and repackaged and is part of the DG collectors edition as follows:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GDB0G4AEL._AA240_.jpg)
or you could always buy the original recording.
marvin
The '63 (actually recorded '62) 9th is also available singly thus:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/4141ZZPHGZL._AA240_.jpg)
...and the full set is still around in its original incarnation thus:
(http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GGE4XT54L._AA240_.jpg)
...and in SACD format thus:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/412GK8NYSKL._AA240_.jpg)
The 1977 9th looks like this:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XAM5SH1VL._AA240_.jpg)
...and is also available in this remastering (which I am told is sonically superior):
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21X2KVT1A2L._AA180_.jpg)
...and as a SACD release:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21%2BtMGoKHSL._AA130_.jpg)
...and this is the complete 77 cycle:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YH8M3QYRL._AA240_.jpg)
And the '80s digital cycle looks like this:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/31mrfi%2BcfBL._AA130_.jpg)
...and the single 80s digital 9th looks like this:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GRHRQDGBL._AA240_.jpg)
This, meanwhile, is the 50's Philharmonia cycle:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41DB5ZJVQ1L._AA240_.jpg)
This is the 1947 Vienna 9th:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/61699YSBG8L._AA240_.jpg)
Absolutely fascinating to see all the versions that are in my collection. ;D
Quote from: O Mensch on September 28, 2007, 02:36:19 PM
The '63 (actually recorded '62) 9th is also available singly thus:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/4141ZZPHGZL._AA240_.jpg)
...and the full set is still around in its original incarnation thus:
(http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GGE4XT54L._AA240_.jpg)
...and in SACD format thus:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/412GK8NYSKL._AA240_.jpg)
The 1977 9th looks like this:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XAM5SH1VL._AA240_.jpg)
...and is also available in this remastering (which I am told is sonically superior):
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21X2KVT1A2L._AA180_.jpg)
...and as a SACD release:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21%2BtMGoKHSL._AA130_.jpg)
...and this is the complete 77 cycle:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YH8M3QYRL._AA240_.jpg)
And the '80s digital cycle looks like this:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/31mrfi%2BcfBL._AA130_.jpg)
...and the single 80s digital 9th looks like this:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GRHRQDGBL._AA240_.jpg)
This, meanwhile, is the 50's Philharmonia cycle:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41DB5ZJVQ1L._AA240_.jpg)
This is the 1947 Vienna 9th:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/61699YSBG8L._AA240_.jpg)
Thanks for putting it all together.
FWIW, and not much, the '47 can be found here as well:
(http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/graveyard_1966_13521051)
Right, well ... might as well lock this thread, then. ;D
Thanks for posting all those images, O Mensch.
Quote from: Mark on September 28, 2007, 03:05:04 PM
Right, well ... might as well lock this thread, then. ;D
Thanks for posting all those images, O Mensch.
Nooooooo! Would like to continue reading opinions here Mark, if you do not mind keeping it open.
Quote from: Bogey on September 28, 2007, 03:07:12 PM
Nooooooo! Would like to continue reading opinions here Mark, if you do not mind keeping it open.
Kidding around, Bill, kidding around. ;) ;D
Quote from: Mark on September 28, 2007, 03:07:57 PM
Kidding around, Bill, kidding around. ;) ;D
(http://c1.vse.lv/img/smiles/smileySweating.gif)
Quote from: O Mensch on September 28, 2007, 02:36:19 PM
The '63 (actually recorded '62) 9th is also available singly thus:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/4141ZZPHGZL._AA240_.jpg)
...and the full set is still around in its original incarnation thus:
(http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GGE4XT54L._AA240_.jpg)
...and in SACD format thus:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/412GK8NYSKL._AA240_.jpg)
The 1977 9th looks like this:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41XAM5SH1VL._AA240_.jpg)
...and is also available in this remastering (which I am told is sonically superior):
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21X2KVT1A2L._AA180_.jpg)
...and as a SACD release:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/21%2BtMGoKHSL._AA130_.jpg)
...and this is the complete 77 cycle:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YH8M3QYRL._AA240_.jpg)
And the '80s digital cycle looks like this:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/31mrfi%2BcfBL._AA130_.jpg)
...and the single 80s digital 9th looks like this:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41GRHRQDGBL._AA240_.jpg)
This, meanwhile, is the 50's Philharmonia cycle:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41DB5ZJVQ1L._AA240_.jpg)
This is the 1947 Vienna 9th:
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/61699YSBG8L._AA240_.jpg)
A buffet of Karajan masterpeices, thanks for picking up where I left off with all those images O Mensch :)!
PS: Mark please don't lock this thread.
marvin
And again I forgot to do that comparison I promised. My apologies... ::)
As far as the above "compilation" goes, and since I do have (or have heard) most of them, may I note that the best "incarnation" of the '77 9th I've heard is the one from the box set?
The Karajan Collection one is re-equalised, but in a very sloppy way, on occasion. And the individually-released one, although it should be the same remastering with the box set, sounded a bit "weak" to me, when I listened to it at a friend's house.
(Although it could be said friend's listening equipment to blame, for that one. Otherwise, the '77 performance sounds excellent.)
I still owe you a comparison of the three DG 9ths, though, Mark! :)
No hurry, Renfield. When I do decide which Karajan Ninth (and indeed, which Karajan cycle) to go for next, I'll be sure to check here first. ;)
Quote from: Renfield on September 28, 2007, 04:36:05 PM
And again I forgot to do that comparison I promised. My apologies... ::)
As far as the above "compilation" goes, and since I do have (or have heard) most of them, may I note that the best "incarnation" of the '77 9th I've heard is the one from the box set?
The Karajan Collection one is re-equalised, but in a very sloppy way, on occasion. And the individually-released one, although it should be the same remastering with the box set, sounded a bit "weak" to me, when I listened to it at a friend's house.
(Although it could be said friend's listening equipment to blame, for that one. Otherwise, the '77 performance sounds excellent.)
I still owe you a comparison of the three DG 9ths, though, Mark! :)
Karajan The Collection, the 2003 reissue of 1977's 5, 6, 9 was newly remastered at 96/24 from the original master tapes by Emil Berliner Studios. No finer-sounding 1977 5, 6, 9 exists.
The corresponding box set I am familiar with was a 1990 reissue.
A couple of years ago I compared the 1977 and 1963 DG versions and came up with this:
1977 - Has better slow movement (more concentration, less audible editing). Better, more modern sound.
1963 - Much better (more intense, raw energy) first two movements. Better acoustics. Better bass sound from the strings.
1963 - Better overall.
Mark - If you don't have the 1963 cycle by HvK, I suggest you ask your wife to get it for you for Halloween and if it arrives early, make her a nice Turkey dinner and when she goes to bed early, transfer it to high-bitrate MP3. ;D
Quote from: George on September 28, 2007, 05:27:32 PM
A couple of years ago I compared the 1977 and 1963 DG versions and came up with this:
1977 - Has better slow movement (more concentration, less audible editing). Better, more modern sound.
1963 - Much better (more intense, raw energy) first two movements. Better acoustics. Better bass sound from the strings.
1963 - Better overall.
Mark - If you don't have the 1963 cycle by HvK, I suggest you ask your wife to get it for you for Halloween and if it arrives early, make her a nice Turkey dinner and when she goes to bed early, transfer it to high-bitrate MP3. ;D
The newly remastered 1963 set helped, but I still can't hear the detail to my satisfaction. Obviously, a great performance.
Of the 3 DG Karajan 9ths, I have the '63 and the '77 (early on someone warned me off over the all-digital '80's version so I have no opinion on it). The '63 is clearly my favorite, and one of the few "traditional" (i.e. - post-Romantic) versions of this work that I really like. It has great playing, great sound, great soloists &c. One of the few other versions of that style that I like as much: London SO / Jochum. :)
8)
----------------
Now playing: Grieg & Nielsen - Herbert Blomstedt - Maskarade - Overture
Quote from: BorisG on September 28, 2007, 05:26:36 PM
Karajan The Collection, the 2003 reissue of 1977's 5, 6, 9 was newly remastered at 96/24 from the original master tapes by Emil Berliner Studios. No finer-sounding 1977 5, 6, 9 exists.
The corresponding box set I am familiar with was a 1990 reissue.
Perhaps I wasn't clear: I wasn't doubting the fact that the Karajan Collection issue is a remastered one. It was the balance in the remastered performance that I found inferior to the previous version.
Oh, and as far as the '80s 9th goes, it's like most of that cycle, in a nutshell - some superb parts, and some rough-as-it-goes ones. Do listen to the superb Eroica from that cycle if you get the chance, however! Overall, my favourite recording of the work. :D
Quote from: Renfield on September 29, 2007, 05:11:29 AM
Perhaps I wasn't clear: I wasn't doubting the fact that the Karajan Collection issue is a remastered one. It was the balance in the remastered performance that I found inferior to the previous version.
Oh, and as far as the '80s 9th goes, it's like most of that cycle, in a nutshell - some superb parts, and some rough-as-it-goes ones. Do listen to the superb Eroica from that cycle if you get the chance, however! Overall, my favourite recording of the work. :D
For Eroica also check out Klemperer/Furtwangler. They are legendary, too.
Quote from: Renfield on September 29, 2007, 05:11:29 AM
Perhaps I wasn't clear: I wasn't doubting the fact that the Karajan Collection issue is a remastered one. It was the balance in the remastered performance that I found inferior to the previous version.
Oh, and as far as the '80s 9th goes, it's like most of that cycle, in a nutshell - some superb parts, and some rough-as-it-goes ones. Do listen to the superb Eroica from that cycle if you get the chance, however! Overall, my favourite recording of the work. :D
"No finer-sounding," I thought would cover everything including balance. If it did not to your satisfaction, then I clarify that now. No finer-sounding
including balance. ;D
I say "no thank you" to his last cycle
including the Eroica. ;D
There's also this
(http://g-ec2.images-amazon.com/images/I/21517DFXHFL._SS500_.jpg)
and this
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41KH9ARCBZL._SS500_.jpg)
Quote from: Bonehelm on October 02, 2007, 08:04:34 AM
For Eroica also check out Klemperer/Furtwangler. They are legendary, too.
Well, of course!
Klemperer's Philharmonia studio recording, Furtwangler's 1944 live recording with the WPO, the specific Toscanini/RCA recording whose date I keep confusing and so will look up before I post, and even Szell's Cleveland Eroica all find me most appreciative to have them in my collection, among other near-equally distinguished Eroicas which I might be forgetting.
My comment on the late Karajan's recording was more about personal (i.e. subjective, "emotional") preference, than an objective "best-of-ism". ;D
Regarding the last two 9ths posted (the DVD ones), which I have heard (and own, in the case of the DG), I don't think they really measure up to any of his currently available CD/SACD recordings. In fact, the "Karajan Legacy for Home Video" one is very likely the same as the 1980's recording on CD, but with picture; I've only seen it once, though, so I might be mistaken. :)
And as far as the comparison I was planning goes, I've just bought both the old WPO and the Philharmonia recordings, so perhaps I might compare across the board (bar the live 1960's BPO edition one), for Karajan's sake. 0:)
There are several readily available issues of Karajan's 1962 recording of the 9th:
(1) "The Originals" series (from 1995?) with "Original Image Bit Processing":
[asin]B000001GPY[/asin]
(2) SACD release from 2004:
[asin]B00029CX0E[/asin]
(3) Double CD release from 2008 coupled with the 8th symphony:
[asin]B001D7SZ6A[/asin]
4) From 2013 to "complement the release by DG and Touch Press of a Beethoven IX Symphony app...":
[asin]B00EKVSRQY[/asin]
I have (1) and love the performance, but am wondering if there is much (any?) difference in sound quality between that one and (2), (3) or (4) above. Note: I would only be interested in the CD layer for (2) as I don't have an SACD player.
Any opinions gratefully received.
Bluto
Quote from: bluto32 on July 11, 2015, 08:36:07 AM
There are several readily available issues of Karajan's 1962 recording of the 9th:
(1) "The Originals" series (from 1995?) with "Original Image Bit Processing":
[asin]B000001GPY[/asin]
(2) SACD release from 2004:
[asin]B00029CX0E[/asin]
(3) Double CD release from 2008 coupled with the 8th symphony:
[asin]B001D7SZ6A[/asin]
4) From 2013 to "complement the release by DG and Touch Press of a Beethoven IX Symphony app...":
[asin]B00EKVSRQY[/asin]
I have (1) and love the performance, but am wondering if there is much (any?) difference in sound quality between that one and (2), (3) or (4) above. Note: I would only be interested in the CD layer for (2) as I don't have an SACD player.
Any opinions gratefully received.
Bluto
I have only 2 of them, from "The Originals" series and the SACD, and they sound the same for me. Both of them are downsampling from 24/96 mastered edition , which is sold on hdtracks and qobuz now. The only different (and for me better) version is SACD layer of SACD disc.
Thank you, Trung - much appreciated.
Anybody got a view on (3) or (4) above?
Bluto
A new recording of the LvB Op.125 was just HvK's way of saying "Hello!"