Beethoven Symphony No.5

[Mr. Darcy]

I apologize in advance if this is a redundant thread, although I could not find any matches using the search function (and I freely admit that I have not been able to master this function...).

I've always liked Beethoven's Symphony in C minor, despite it's "Pops" status. But a recent recording made me listen with fresh ears and now I LOVE it. I'm not sure where or how I got it, but it's a live recording from 2005 with Eschenbach and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Lately I've preferred listening to Beethoven HIP and/or on period instruments. This recording, however, features a modern, full-size orchestra, but the textures are just so clear, and the articulation so crisp. And the tempo just "feels" so right. I've surveyed the other recordings of this symphony I own and none quite compare to the Eschenbach. Granted, I'm certainly lacking in many historical recordings, and I trust that there's much more out there for me to hear (like I said, I've never been enamored with this work until recently), but here's what I've got so far:

Eschenbach/Philadelphia O (Live, 2005)
Zinman/Tonhalle O (1997)
Vanska/Minnesota O (2004)
Kleiber/VPO (1975)
Salonen/LAPO (Live, 2006)
Karajan/BPO (1963)
Schwarz/LSO (1995)
Walter/Columbia SO (1958)
Norrington/London Classical Players (1989)
Haitnink/LSO (Live, 2006)--This one is new to me and I'm listening to it right now; I think it might be among my favorites!

Anyhow, I'm seeking suggestions for further listening. Thank you so much in advance!

[JoshLilly]

I notice the Gardiner/ORR is not on your list. I think it's the best version of all.

[Drasko]

http://www.amazon.fr/Beethoven-Symphonies-Nos-5-8/dp/B00004VL54

[Que]

Never knew that Markevitch had done Beethoven.
That must be special, thanks.

My favourites...no Furtwängler this time....

The Klemp:                                                Kleiber senior:


HIP and brand new - Bruno Weil:


Q

[Harry]

Yes where is Gardiner?
Okay that one and Norington, and Karajan in the sixties and seventies.

[hautbois]

No Harnoncourt/COE?!!?? 10 Beethoven 5ths....

Howard

[head-case]

Never knew that Markevitch had done Beethoven.
That must be special, thanks.

Actually you can hear a clip on the web site.  It's quite routine, even weak, I'd say.

[Mark]

Favourites here include:

Blomstedt/Staatskapelle Dresden

Abbado/BPO

Zinman/Tonhalle

[sperlsco]

...I'm not sure where or how I got it, but it's a live recording from 2005 with Eschenbach and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Lately I've preferred listening to Beethoven HIP and/or on period instruments. This recording, however, features a modern, full-size orchestra, but the textures are just so clear, and the articulation so crisp. And the tempo just "feels" so right. I've surveyed the other recordings of this symphony I own and none quite compare to the Eschenbach.

...Haitnink/LSO (Live, 2006)--This one is new to me and I'm listening to it right now; I think it might be among my favorites!

I've downloaded three of the symphonies from the Eschenbach/Philly cycle (from the Philadelphia Orchestra website): the 5th, 6th, and 9th symphonies.  Indeed, the clear textures are a strength in each of these performances.  I may not be quite as blown away by this 5th as you are, but I agree that it is quite impressive.  OTOH, the 9th is easily one of the best in my collection.  BTW, my benchmark for the 5th is Bernstein/NYPO.  I also quite like the SACD of the Haitink/LSO 5th.  It is quite an intense performance and also has the clear textures about which you speak. 

[Holden]

but my favourite is the 1977 HvK/BPO (on CD)

but just as rivetting a performance is

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhcR1ZS2hVo    the other three movements are there as well. (Sorry, I forgot how to do the youtube thing).

[Renfield]

Favourite 5ths? Tough question... Off the top of my head:

1) Toscanini/NYPO (Naxos)
2) Karajan/BPO (1960's - DG)
3) Erich Kleiber/Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra (Medici Masters)
4) Vänskä/MSO (BIS)
5) Szell/Cleveland Orchestra (Columbia/Sony)

Though both of Klemperer's Philharmonia 5ths (EMI, and live on Testament) and both of Karajan's other DG 5ths are also definitely worth a mention, as are both of Toscanini's NBC 5ths from the '39 and '51 cycles; Gardiner/ORR as well, maybe.

(As far as my 5ths of preference go. Because otherwise, yes, Carlos Kleiber too, Furtwängler, etc. )

Edit: Actually, that recent Haitink/LSO 5th was also quite excellent, and also deserves a mention, IMO. Ditto the Harnoncourt/COE 5th, which I forgot above.

[Mark]

Edit: Actually, that recent Haitink/LSO 5th was also quite excellent, and also deserves a mention, IMO. Ditto the Harnoncourt/COE 5th, which I forgot above.

It's not bad, but it's not distinct, either.

[MishaK]

http://www.amazon.fr/Beethoven-Symphonies-Nos-5-8/dp/B00004VL54

What orchestra is this? The print is almost invisible and the Amazon.fr info is incomplete.

[Drasko]

What orchestra is this? The print is almost invisible and the Amazon.fr info is incomplete.

Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureux (october 1959, stereo)

[Renfield]

It's not bad, but it's not distinct, either.

As is the whole Haitink/LSO cycle. But the 5th is a high point of it, and rather well executed (which is not all that common an occurrence, if you ask me): hence my thinking it "deserves a mention".

[MishaK]

Orchestre des Concerts Lamoureux (october 1959, stereo)

Yikes. How is the performance. Is anyone actually together?

[Harry]

Just ordered this set, any comments on the fifth, or the rest for that matter?

[Drasko]

Is anyone actually together?

From time to time, they are French, you know.

I'll upload first movement later.

[Brian]

Just ordered this set, any comments on the fifth, or the rest for that matter?

I've only heard the Fourth, which was fantastic. My mother heard the Fifth on the radio and reports that she's never heard it played so well (though her only recordings are Karajan 63 and Ozawa/Boston).

[Harry]

I've only heard the Fourth, which was fantastic. My mother heard the Fifth on the radio and reports that she's never heard it played so well (though her only recordings are Karajan 63 and Ozawa/Boston).

Thanks, that is encouraging.