Beethoven 7th

I'm relatively new to the world of classical music. I'm trying to decide on which version of the 7th I'd like to purchase.

I've read recommendations of Karajan (some of which are long out of print), Norrington, Stoli and many others. Looking at the usenet archives, I saw a long discussion almost 10 years ago in r.m.c regarding tempo accuracy and variations among the different interpretations (esp. involving the 2nd and 4th movements). I came out of this reading completely undecided [up until that point, I had decided on the Karajan Gold release by DG (439003) recorded in '83] .

I would like to buy something currently available and somewhat definitive (but not some Toscanini recording from half a century ago; I would like something of the sound quality afforded over the last few decades).

Can anybody give me their recommendations? Input would be much

You may want to try the Deutsche Gramophone recording with the Vienna Philharmonic and Carlos Kleiber. As a bonus, it is coupled with what may be the best recording ever made of the Fifth Symphony.

I agree. This is a great recording.

Well, I wouldn't go that far...

Fritz Reiner on RCA Living Stereo. 5th, 7th, and two ouvertures, all waiting to be improved.

I would recommend Barenboim on Teldec. His 7th and 8th symphonies from his complete cycle are really exceptional. Ideally paced, with violins placed left and right and very well recorded. In my opinion the second movement of his 7th is the best I've heard so far. You can find this on a CD (coupled with the 8th) or DVD Audio.

The Kleiber 7th is also good but there are better versions available (Blomstedt's and Mackerras's to name a few). Generally I think Kleiber's recording is a bit overrated. Especially his 5th has nothing memorable.

I'll second the recommendations for Carlos Kleiber/Vienna Philharmonic (DGG Originals) or Daniel Barenboim/Staatskapelle Berlin (Teldec). Kleiber is coupled with a superb 5th, Barenboim is coupled with a superb 8th. Barenboim has exceptionally good digital sound, Kleiber has fully acceptable analog sound. Kleiber is midprice, Barenboim is full price. I would not recommend the Reiner for you, because the sound is a little dated.

Tony Movshon

If you want Karajan, 1963; if you want period instruments, Brueggen not Norrington. For an exciting, brassy performance with fairly central tempi, Blomstedt; for a tonally spare, exhilirating first movement and very good everything else, Kleiber/DG (though the video with the Concertgebouw is better in iv); and....

Neither would I. Not by a long shot. The 7th is better, though.

-david gable

The Carlos Kleiber disc with 5/7 is a good choice.

I'd also recommend Monteux and the LSO on Decca

Kleiber on DG or another favourite of mine Harnoncourt (Teldec).

Do you prefer Brueggen to Gardiner?