What Is The Best Recording Of Beethoven's Symphonies?

[Tarser]

I want to buy a boxed set of all Beethoven's symphonies but can't decide on what to get. I don't know enough about how different they are, but I know what I like. Sorry if I sound a bit unsophisticated, but I like it loud, dramatic, emotional. I'm not bothered about period instruments. I just want my head blown off. What would be best? (Don't say 'a shotgun'...)

[shoota]

Herbert Von Karajan is an acknowledged Beethoven conductor and the set he did for Deutsche Grammophon are very good.

[shoota]

http://www.deutschegrammophon.com/gb/cat/4779830

[Calibax]

You probably can't go wrong with Herbert von Karajan conducting the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra (Deutsche Gramophon) although I'm sure there will be some who disagree. Try listening to a few versions on Youtube to see if you find a style you prefer.

[shoota]

Or, (if you don't want all the overtires, and concertos on the previous set):
http://www.deutschegrammophon.com/gb/cat/4777578

[lady-janine]

seconded shoota.

[shoota]

Seems like a consensus...:-)

[lady-janine]

btw - useless information - I used to be friends with his niece. but in the order of things we just drifted apart.

[shoota]

Who?

Beethoven?


Thought you was a youngster.....

[lady-janine]

you will just never know. I was thinking of h von k you cheekie little thing you.

[corylus]

What about Daniel Barenboim conducting them with the Staatskapelle Berlin, (6 cds on Warner Classics) pretty good too?

[The Builder]

Simon Rattle is usually pretty "muscular" in his recordings.
Try here (with Vienna Phil)..............

http://www.warnerclassics.com/shop/3255796,5099991562425/sir-simon-rattle-beethoven-complete-symphonies

[dannyk13]

Here IMO

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Beethoven-Complete-Symphonies-Ludwig-van/dp/B0000CNTLU