Quick (classical) music question: - Page 2

On August 27 2009 16:56 Spinfusor wrote:

Of Karajans 4 complete CD cycles, the 1962 is generally the most highly regarded (the '77 in that edition might be second best). I only have the '62 myself so I can't really comment from first hand. If you lived in Australia the obvious choice would be picking up the '62 Karajan cycle + Bohm's sixth symphony (the 6th in Karajan's set is mediocre) on the Eloquence label for $35AUD. Not sure how the price will work out for you, but you can check at Buywell.

The 2 most famous historical cycles would be Furtwangler's and Toscanini's. Naturally both have horrendous sound.
- Furtwangler's 'real' cycle on EMI doesn't include his greatest recordings and I'd recommend avoiding it. You can download his wartime recordings here (not the greatest mastering IIRC though): http://public-domain-archive.com/classic/?lang=eng . These are essential listening, but he doesn't have a complete cycle of wartime symphonies.
- Toscanini has two complete cycles: 1939 & 1952. As a general rule, Toscanini's recordings post-war seem much weaker than the pre-war recordings (and like with most classical musicians live > studio), and here is no exception. His 1939 recording is one of the greatest thing's ever made. I'd complement it with the NYPO disc of nos. 5 & 7 from 33/36 on Naxos (the no. 7 is absolutely legendary).
- Weingartner, Mengelberg, Jochum, Scherchen etc also have some of the best interpretations available

Historially Informed Performance-ish recordings:
- For a HIP performance on period instruments Gardiner is probably the most recommended performance. Between the Gardiner and the Norrington, I went with Gardiner on blind listening (more 'normal' to my ears). I didn't like either enough to buy though.
- For a 'HIP' performance on modern instruments, the two big cycles I've heard parts of are Mackerras and Zinman. I've only recently picked up the Zinman 3/4 disc. While I don't really care for it that much (seemed almost like he was avoiding making interpretive decisions and might lack a bit of energy), I appreciate how much more detail that comes through on the disc. I'll probably pick up one of these two cycles some time soon.
- The Harnoncourt, Bruggen Hogwood also have important cycles, but I haven't heard a bar from either of them. There seems to be alot of good things said about the Harnoncourt (/w the COE on modern instruments) though. All things considered, I'd say Mackerras or perhaps the Harnoncourt by reputation seem the most interesting for HIPish recordings.

Since this is getting out of hand, I'll just write briefly on the more common recordings you might come across:
Bernstein: the NYPO cycle is better than the VPO.
Bohm/VPO: underrated IMO, but I have first recording bias. Some of the sections with slower tempi might put you off.
Klemperer/Philharmonia: some would call it on the stodgier side of things, fans would call it magisterial.
Szell/Cleveland: on the pacier side of things IIRC. Precise playing, like all Szell/Cleveland, might be a bit dry.
Cluytens/BPO: has a good reputation. Not entirely consistant, 5 & 7 sticks out in my mind as good, 9 less so.
Walter: some amazing recordings (4th + 6th might be most famous) but you can probably find a better overall cycle. Walter was somewhat mellower in his later recordings.
Abbado/BPO: Never one of my favorite conductors, but perfectly solid. He has a number of recordings, the more recent having more HIP-like dedancies.
Wand/NDR: Could be more forceful maybe.
Monteux: One of my favorite conductors. Tell me how it is if you get it =].
Krips/LSO: Excellent conductor and set IMO. I've heard it called boring though.

Considering price, availability etc, I'd probably go the safe route (more along traditional lines, not as free as Furtwangler, but not as strict as Toscanini 52) with Karajan '63 + any more expansive 6th.

I'm happy to elaborate about any specific set if you ask.


I've never heard Mravinsky's Beethoven, but I can vouch that his Brahms is top-tier.


Not my favorite piece, but picking up any big name Czech conductor will probably give a good, idiomatic performance. Talich is, of couse, the legendary towering father of Czech conducting. Kubliek, Ancerl, Neumann etc are all great conductors. Among non-Czechs, Mackerras and Szell both put out recordings of Czech music that are top class, and probably would do a great job.


The easy choice would be Boult on EMI (strength filled recording). Maybe Levine or Dutoit would make a good complement.