Not long ago, I posted a thread about several new SACD's I'd purchased, including one of Beethoven's 9th Symphony with the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by Osmo Vanska. I had read several glowing reviews on the disc, and after it arrived, and I listened to it from start to finish, I had to agree this was indeed the "definitive" 9th that I've been searching for now for quite some time.

Vanska has recorded all of Beethoven's other symphonies, and those discs have also received very high accolades. I recently purchased three more: the Second and Seventh, the Third and Eighth, and the Fourth and Fifth (this is the manner in which they're recorded on each of the three discs).

From the very start of the first disc (all are BIS SACD's), it was apparent I was in for a treat: it's almost as if these familiar works have suddenly taken on an all new life and vigor. Vanska'' skill with Beethoven is simply outstanding, and his lively, spirited readings of all six of these symphonies is nothing less than outstanding, surpassing all of the previous recordings I have of these works.

A fine interpretation is one thing, but to have that combined with first-class, and truly outstanding sound quality is a rare combination for sure. Each and every one of these recordings is a testament to the outstanding capabilities of the DSD recording medium, and the SACD for playback of that medium. The sound on each of these discs is just plain glorious with superb clarity, fantastic imaging, deep, robust bass and a truly amazing dynamic range.

I have no doubt the CD layer of any of these discs will delight any owner of a super high-end CD player, with or without an outboard DAC. Nevertheless, as the SACD layer is so much better, especially noticeable in its dynamic range, playback on a quality SACD player (of equal, or at least, commensurate value to one's CD player) is essential for some of the best recorded sound to date.

I don't know why I left out the last disc in the series (the 1st and 6th), but that's definitely going to be my next purchase.

Vanska and the Minnesota Orchestra's recordings of Beethoven Symphonies are "must-haves" for any serious lover of this centuries-old glorious music.