Information
Ludwig van Beethoven; composer
Herbert von Karajan; conductor
Anna Tomowa-Sintow, Agnes Baltsa, Peter Schreier, Jose van Dam; soloists
Vienna Singverein; chorus
Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Date of Recording: 1976
Stereo Recording
Review
There are a zillion and a half recordings of this symphony. Some are worth investigating, others are not worth their weight in dirt. In order to choose the best recording, there are several criteria to consider from an artistic, interpretative, and technical point of view.
1. The artists performing the music should be synonomous with Beethoven. This covers the first base, since the Berlin Philharmonic has been a 'Beethoven Orchestra' for quite some time. Not only that but Karajan is the most famous exponent of the orchestra's strengths.
2. The music must be shaped strongly but lithely, grand but supple.
3. The sound quality must be good. This recording is in stereo. It is crisp and clear. There is no muffling of the music's different dynamics.
About Me
- Badger
- Ardent admirer of Berlioz and his music! I love classical music, but especially the music and writings of this great French composer. I first "found" Berlioz in 2002. I have gone on to find nearly all his music (as much as is possible) on CD.