The best recordings of Beethoven's Symphonies 1-9

[Audiophilehi]

Can some recommend for me the best recordings of Beethoven's Symphonies 1-9 for both performance and sound quality.

[audioguy3107]

Michael Fremer did an Analog Planet video on a few of his favorite sets not too long ago..focus on vinyl of course. Based on his recommendation I purchased the Simon Rattle Berlin Philharmonic Vinyl Box. It’s one of the better sets I’ve heard for a combination of performance and sound quality.

[Audiophilehi]

Thanks....I’ll definitely check it out.

[Puma Cat]

In my opinion, the 1963 cycle of Beethoven's Symphonies by Herbert von Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker on Deutsche Gramophon is by far the best I've ever heard. Even better than the 1976/1977 cycle also by the Berliner Philharmoniker and Von Karajan.

These are still available on Discogs and Amazon.

Here is a pic attached below for reference.

Here is a photo of the series on DG from the "1963" cycle.

[Audiophilehi]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

In my opinion, the 1963 cycle of Beethoven's Symphonies by Herbert von Karajan and the Berliner Philharmoniker on Deutsche Gramophon is by far the best I've ever heard. Even better than the 1976/1977 cycle also by the Berliner Philharmoniker and Von Karajan.

These are still available on Discogs and Amazon.

Here is a pic attached below for reference.

Here is a photo of the series on DG from the "1963" cycle.

Thanks Stephen.....I’ll check this out as well. As luck would have it both sets that are recommended are listed on Tidal so I can try before I buy.

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by Audiophilehi

Thanks Stephen.....I’ll check this out as well. As luck would have it both sets that are recommended are listed on Tidal so I can try before I buy.

[Antonmb]

Stephen’s recommendation is spot on - Karajan’s 60s recording, not the later one. Other great performances and recordings (and there are a lot out there):

- Daniel Barenboim and Staatskapelle Berlin on Warner
- Charles Mackerras and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra (live from the Edinburgh Festival) on Hyperion
- Claudio Abbado and the Berlin Philharmonic on DG
- Gunter Wand and the NDR Symphony on RCA
- Osmo Vanska and the Minnesota Orchestra on BIS

[tima]

Originally Posted by Audiophilehi

Can some recommend for me the best recordings of Beethoven's Symphonies 1-9 for both performance and sound quality.

Everyone (except maybe Tony) thus far seems to think only a single conductor can deliver "the best recordings of Beethoven's Symphonies 1-9 for both performance and sound quality." Convenience? I don't think you asked for that.

A single set of all 9 from a single conductor with the same orchestra in a particular time period could be a way to gain your very first exposure to Beethoven if you have none.

But before you go buy something, consider another approach.

If you truly want the best recording of each symphony, choose individual performances. No single conductor is the best for all of them. This approach will expose you to a variety of performances and interpretations. Perhaps you'll learn more about Beethoven and gain a greater appreciation for his greatness.

You can google "best recordings of beethoven symphonies". This will take you out of the audiophile world and into the musical world. Also you can ask folks here to suggest the best recording for each. It's okay to go for a vinyl only, digital, or mix. If you use a streaming service that will let you sample. Across these choices I suspect you'll find some smattering of consensus or winnowing down to 3-4 recording for each symphony. While there is no single conductor set that is the best for all, the best for you may be the set you build yourself.

[Robert_Anderson]

I'm a Solti man. I grew up listening to them, and they are my standard, even though there are better recordings. The Chesky 9th is good, as well as the Abbado collection.

[clpetersen]

Originally Posted by tima

Everyone (except maybe Tony) thus far seems to think only a single conductor can deliver "the best recordings of Beethoven's Symphonies 1-9 for both performance and sound quality." Convenience? I don't think you asked for that.

A single set of all 9 from a single conductor with the same orchestra in a particular time period could be a way to gain your very first exposure to Beethoven if you have none.

But before you go buy something, consider another approach.

If you truly want the best recording of each symphony, choose individual performances. No single conductor is the best for all of them. This approach will expose you to a variety of performances and interpretations. Perhaps you'll learn more about Beethoven and gain a greater appreciation for his greatness.

You can google "best recordings of beethoven symphonies". This will take you out of the audiophile world and into the musical world. Also you can ask folks here to suggest the best recording for each. It's okay to go for a vinyl only, digital, or mix. If you use a streaming service that will let you sample. Across these choices I suspect you'll find some smattering of consensus or winnowing down to 3-4 recording for each symphony. While there is no single conductor set that is the best for all, the best for you may be the set you build yourself.

Gramophone Magazine (UK based) is a good resource, focused on performance.