Ludwig van Beethoven: Best of the Best

Best of the Best ·     Chamber ·     Concerti ·     Opera ·     Orchestral ·     Solo

Because Beethoven (1770-1827) has long been burdened with the epithet "the greatest composer who ever lived," it's easy to overlook how remarkably engaging his music is. His compositions transformed the classical style into expressions of revolutionary, heroic idealism and introduced radical innovations whose influence is still felt today. Here are his essential recordings.

	Beethoven: Symphonien Nos. 5 & 7 / Kleiber, Vienna PO
	Ludwig van Beethoven(Composer), et al Usually ships in 24 hours Click here for more information	Our Price: $11.97
Amazon.com essential recording Long regarded as the quintessential interpretation of the most popular and best-loved symphony ever written, this performance of the Fifth has everything: passion, precision, drama, lyric beauty, and a coiled fury in the first movement that sets your pulse racing from the very first note. Carlos Kleiber has made very few recordings in his distinguished career, but almost all are special. If you own no other copy of this symphony, this is the one to get. It comes with an exceptional performance...Read more
	Beethoven: Late String Quartets / Guarneri Quartet
	Ludwig van Beethoven(Composer), Guarneri String Quartet(Orchestra) Usually ships in 2-3 days Click here for more information	List Price: $31.97 Our Price: $30.37 You Save: $1.60 (5%)
Amazon.com essential recording The Guarneri Quartet has forgotten more about the late quartets of Beethoven than most other ensembles will ever know. They understand the profound lyrical impulse behind these works, and they manage the paradoxical feat of imparting a sublime sense of inevitability to the music while achieving spontaneity at the same time. The interpretations serve the music admirably, though the sound is somewhat veiled. Although the set is rather awkwardly laid out--Op. 127 is split between two discs, and the...Read more
	Beethoven: Symphonies no 3 & 9, etc / Böhm, Vienna PO
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Amazon.com essential recording This is one of the greatest recordings of the famous Ninth Symphony. It has long been overshadowed by Karajan's three recordings for the same label, as well as Bernstein's version with the same orchestra. But put them all on your CD player and compare, and this is the one you'll be coming back to. Böhm was the least glamorous of conductors, but he approaches the Ninth with messianic zeal and a fanatical gleam in his eye. The opening movement is a cataclysm, the sublime slow movement never loses...Read more
	Beethoven: "Moonlight" Sonata, etc / Rudolf Serkin
	Ludwig van Beethoven(Composer), Rudolf Serkin(Performer) Usually ships in 24 hours Click here for more information	Our Price: $9.97
Amazon.com essential recording Rudolf Serkin's early 1960s accounts of the most popular "name" sonatas, on a CBS "Great Performances" mid-price CD, are compellingly direct and offer excellent value. The playing is deliberate, but hardly theatrical: as always, the pianist emphasizes the virtues of literalism. The recordings are closely miked and sonorous, and convey good piano tone along with every breath, sigh, groan, and vocalization Serkin produces. The Adagio of the Pathetique is especially lovely. --Ted Libbey Read more
	Beethoven: Missa Solemnis / John Eliot Gardiner
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Amazon.com essential recording John Eliot Gardiner's interpretation of the Missa Solemnis stands as one of the crowning accomplishments of his career and one of the most impressive achievements of the period-instrument movement. The concept is grand and powerful, lively though not unduly brisk. The execution is simply electrifying: Gardiner has the orchestra on the edge of their seats, the chorus going all-out, and sparks flying everywhere. Excellent singing from the soloists and a vivid recording complete the triumph, and...Read more