Beethoven Symphonies 1-9 (1963 recordings) [Box set]

As to the 5th it is really an epic reading...no strange ritardando or even any affectation. Szell is let down by a recording that sounds monochrome in comparison to this one. The artistry of Karajan is that he tends to be lean and lithe, and he avoids excessive shaping of phrases but always has excellent rythmic playing. Never stodgy anywhere. As to dynamics his Sforznados are always a joy and yet he allows the music to breathe.

The 9th is really a very strong interpretation and leaves Szell and Toscannini in the dust...here we have gloriously warm tone from the strings and very polished brass. The solo team is first rate and and so is the chorus! This is one of the problems we encounter with a number of interpretations.

As to the 4th it is the best in the entire CD catologue..no where is anyone near Herbert in understanding this piece except form Klemperer...beautifully paced with wonderful nuance. Flute and horn work throughout this entire recording is incredible.

The 7th is among the very finest...the opening is truly exciting with a wonderful lilt to the 6/8. Karajan is really able to do things no one ealse could ever do...this is a fine interpretation.

The 8th in F Major is wonderful in the golden tone which permeates the playing...Berlin is on top form here. The finale has a lightness lacking in Szell in Cleveland.

the Eroica is intense and far more straightforward than Szell in Cleveland. No disdainful rallentando's when they are not called for...Karajn keeps close to the quarter note through the entire opening movement. The Finale is performed with the best horn work ever.

The 1st and 2cd are truly beatiful and given Mozartian elegance without bombast.

This is Beethoven!

I consider the 1963 Karajan to be among the best sets available. However, I feel the same about the sets of those conductors mentioned above. As for some other highly regarded conductors like Szell...well, let's just say it depends on my mood. Aside from his better moments, sometimes he gets a little too clinical and that tends to wear on me. I do admire Klemperer but there are times when I lose interest because of his slower tempos. The same is true for Furtwangler despite his fine moments.

In focussing on Karajan's individual performances, other than his partially misdirected "Pastorale" (where I feel Bohm reigns supreme), I have no glaring criticisms. The First is energetically paced, tuneful and nicely detailed. Though the Second is fine, there are moments when a little lightness in some spots would have helped. The Third is well paced and proportioned and powerfully executed. Very satisfying, except for the funeral march, which lacks real pathos. The Fourth is generally colorful and incisive. The Fifth is my favorite among Karajan's interpretations. It just seems right. Bold and grand, its tempos, pauses and inflections are on the mark. Especially satisfying is the way in which the horns are broadly and sonorously presented, though I wish the cellos in the third movement had more resinous bite. The Seventh is very good, but though emphatically stated and adequately charged, it remains earthbound, never really projecting that kind of Olympian quality found in the best versions, e.g. Reiner's with the Chicago Symphony. The Eighth is one of his best efforts. It is incisive and musical, with a nice third movement menuetto that is easy flowing and elegant. The Ninth, of course, is Beethoven's crowning jewel. After giving a good re-hearing to Karajan's reading, I still find myself impressed with its tremendous drive. Except for a few moments where things almost become a little hectic, I have little to criticize in the first movement. I find the second movement a shade too fast . The third is somewhat shallow in spiritual depth, a not uncommon characteristic of Karajan. Early in the last movement, the deep strings are not quite portentous enough. Otherwise, the last movement is very convincing, though it may lack the last bit of spirituality. This said, Karajan's Ninth remains one of my favorites. I also favor Klemperer's live stereo version on Testament (See my earlier review.) and Reiner's Chicago Symphony account (See my coming review.)

For those looking for a set, the task may take a while. If you wind up drawing firm conclusions after you've listened, that's fine. But try to go into the listening experience with as open a mind as possible. Some of you will feel the best approach is to avoid the boxed set and instead select single discs for the individual symphonies. Of course, there is no guarantee this will save you time and money or automatically reward you with "just what you were looking for". Happy hunting, though !