Beethoven Symphony Cycles

[Opinionated Knowall]

Just as the first-rate BPO/Cluytens set was overshadowed by BPO/Karajan in the 1960s, I now discover that the contemporary Hungarian SQ's account of the quartets in this set (overshadowed at that time by the Amadeus) is absolutely top-flight.

Both were marketed at mid-price and damned with faint praise.

Should we be having a parallel thread on LvB's quartets?

Had that stereo 1960s Hungarian Quartet Beethoven set ever been out on CD? I had the LPs as a student, and they were the performances I 'learned' this repertoire from. The 1953 mono set is available, but from what I remember the stereo set is more vital and spontaneous.

[vinteuil]

Had that stereo 1960s Hungarian Quartet Beethoven set ever been out on CD? I had the LPs as a student, and they were the performances I 'learned' this repertoire from. The 1953 mono set is available, but from what I remember the stereo set is more vital and spontaneous.

I have an eight CD French EMI set here with the recordings of the quartets from December 1965 and April-June 1966

https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B000050470

and

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beethoven-String-Quartets-Piano-Archduke/dp/B000050470

These recordings can also be found in this extremely useful box (which, as discussed above, also has the Cluytens Symphonies) :

https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B01MPYGE07

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beethoven-Collectors-50-CD-Box-Set/dp/B01G65QTXE

.

[Barbirollians]

Prompted by this morning’s concert - anyone heard Andris Nelsons new cycle with the VPO ? Interesting review of it in November’s Gramophone and I am tempted to invest.

[Alison]

I’ve been streaming it and really enjoying it. Other than the disappointing Rattle I don’t have a VPO cycle.

Gramophone review spot on I would say though have only listened to first five symphonies so far.

[Petrushka]

I have VPO cycles from Böhm, Bernstein and Rattle and the Gramophone review has also made me interested in the Nelsons. Have some Amazon vouchers to spend so keen to know if this is worth a go.

[Lordgeous]

Diverting slightly I have fond memories of growing up with Beechan's "Pastoral" on a 10" Fontana LP. I know Sir Thomas was not particularily fond of LVB but finding this early 50s recording again on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkMdtloIqa0 - I was rather impressed. Gripping performance and great playing, especially from the wind. I guess I'm in a minority here?

[Dave2002]

I have VPO cycles from Böhm, Bernstein and Rattle and the Gramophone review has also made me interested in the Nelsons. Have some Amazon vouchers to spend so keen to know if this is worth a go.

Yes it is worth a go - but better if you can get it cheaply. Ah - I think I need to check the version you are considering - there are two conductors with very similar names.

However, do you have an aversion to HIPP or similar versions? I'd recommend the Immerseel or Krivine over these otherwise, as you seem to have other styles of playing quite well covered.

[Barbirollians]

I’ve been streaming it and really enjoying it. Other than the disappointing Rattle I don’t have a VPO cycle.

Gramophone review spot on I would say though have only listened to first five symphonies so far.

Thanks Alison - Monteux split his between the VPO and LSO I think but other than that I also have the Rattle which did not quite catch fire. The Schmidt-Isserstedt cycle is a joy however.

[jayne lee wilson]

Don't forget.......

https://www.qobuz.com/gb-en/album/beethoven-complete-symphonies-adam-fischer-danish-chamber-orchestra/f2vm9mn064yfa

....challenge and stimulation bar-to-bar (the modern Mengelberg, perhaps...), in really wonderful recorded sound.....

[Petrushka]

Don't forget.......

https://www.qobuz.com/gb-en/album/beethoven-complete-symphonies-adam-fischer-danish-chamber-orchestra/f2vm9mn064yfa

....challenge and stimulation bar-to-bar (the modern Mengelberg, perhaps...), in really wonderful recorded sound.....

Actually, Jayne, I've been meaning to get the 1940 Mengelberg cycle from Pristine Classical (on CD). Thoughts?

[jayne lee wilson]

Actually, Jayne, I've been meaning to get the 1940 Mengelberg cycle from Pristine Classical (on CD). Thoughts?

I'd refer you to RO's 4/86 review, where he describes the Philips issue of the cycle as sometimes "mannered and wilful" but "never dull" and above all always very alive and musically responsive. Technically the 1940 sound is uneven (No.4 especially) but very good for the time, and Pristine have done a wonderful job on the restoration. Marvellous orchestra, of course.
Personally, even where the rubato crosses the line into eccentricity I find the interpretations very compelling - and those wild Mengelbergian moments only add to the fun!

But Pristine are very generous in the free streaming they offer before you even need to consider signing up, so the best thing to do is listen to as much as you can for free, before deciding to acquire (or pay the modest fee to hear them all....)....

But forced to choose, I would say: go for the Fischer....

[cloughie]

I have VPO cycles from Böhm, Bernstein and Rattle and the Gramophone review has also made me interested in the Nelsons. Have some Amazon vouchers to spend so keen to know if this is worth a go.

I have these plus Abbado, Schmidt-Isserstedt and Thielemann. Do I need another - possibly - I have just bought LGO Chailly as it seemed good value.

[jayne lee wilson]

I do hope someone will be recording this one........

https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2020/series/sir-john-eliot-gardiner-beethovens-complete-symphonies

[Barbirollians]

I have these plus Abbado, Schmidt-Isserstedt and Thielemann. Do I need another - possibly - I have just bought LGO Chailly as it seemed good value.

Mixed reviews - i do not have it but I recall not liking the speedy Marcia Funebre from the Eroixacehen an excerpt was played on Radio 3.

[Barbirollians]

Having finished listening to Krivine - a bouncy refreshing Pastoral and a sound but unexceptional Ninth I have been listening to the Szell set . I knew and already liked the Eroica . So far a cracking 4th , a good 7th - a beautifully paced and played 1st and a quite lovely Pastoral - I thought this might be like Karajan a bit charmless but no way - wonderful playing and warmth and charm . Almost like hearing it for the first time again.

A good Seventh - what was I on about - it is terrific long time since the first movement had me dancing round the kitchen.

This cycle remains absurdly cheap at £12 on Amazon