What is your all-time FAVORITE symphony?

[-Jar-]

I've always liked Beethoven's 5th the best but until recently I've only owned mediocre quality recordings that didn't do it justice.
But I just purchased Beethoven's 5th and 7th conducted by Kleiber performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on the Deutsche Grammophon label the other day and I'm absolutely blown away by the quality. Finally...
The 5th is probably my favorite symphony and I dare say could be the best ever. It's certainly the first I recommend to others, and I think was even the first that I was introduced to years back.

So I'd just like to know, what are some of your favorite symphonies and which recordings of these would you recommend. Are there any other versions of Beethoven's 5th worth a listen?

First of all, I'd like to 2nd that the Kleiber 5th/7th combo is one fantastic cd. Definately belongs in any classical cd collection. That said, it's very difficult for me on this Monday morning to actually come out and say what my favorite symphony is.

I've often said this (my opinion of course): the Mahler 9th is the "greatest" (whatever that means) work ever composed in the history of music. It's not even 100 years old yet, but I think time will be kind to it and future generations will come to appreciate it's power even more. That said, would I call it my favorite? Not sure. "My favorite" might mean what symphony I am enjoying the most currently. That could include several. It might also include that work which moved me the most in a live concert. I saw Mark Wigglesworth conduct the Cleveland Orchestra a few years ago in Cooke competed version of the Mahler 10th. Amazing.. just.. that's what music making is all about. Totally involving, soul shaking, tear jerking music. I can't say I've ever had a musical experience quite like that one. Though about 12 years ago a concert by the same orchestra under Dohnanyi totally destroyed me with their take on the Mahler 9th. As far as Mahler's earlier symphonies go.. my favorites change as the years ago by. For a while I was more obsessed with the 5th. I can't say right now I'm more into any one Mahler symphony just because I don't have a lot of time right now to sit down and listen. As far as recordings of the 9th go, there are a lot of great ones.. Guilini and Karajan are my favorite two, though Karajan has a couple to choose from, some prefer his later live recording from the early 80's, I own the 70's analog version, which isn't quite as intense.

Another long-time favorite of mine is a Teldec recording of Mistislav Rostropovich conducting the Shostakovich 5th. I think in time this will be known as one of the greatest works of the 20th century. It's power is just overwhelming. I'd love to hear Rostropovich conduct it live someday but I doubt I'll have the chance.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...ce&s=classical

And, another one that's been a long time favorite of mine is the Bruckner 7th. My current favorite recording of the work is by Karajan and the Vienna Philharmonic, which, just happens to be the last recording of Karajan's career. From the Amazon website:

"This recording of Bruckner's Seventh Symphony was Maestro Karajan's very last recording. Karajan, of course related to Bruckner more than with any other composer, so what a great recording to go out with. This album is truly majestic. Karajan, like no other, is able to bring out the mystical aspects of Bruckner's symphonies that make them so unique"

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...sical&n=507846

-jar

[Mr MidFi]

Interesting...I just went to a Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance of the 5th last night, at the outdoor Ravinia Festival venue. It's one of those big fancy-ass, grassy picnic zones where you can't even see the stage (unless you spring for pavillion seats), but it was a beautiful night and a very robust performance. Very assertive and up-tempo.

I also love the 5th, but have to give his 9th a slight edge. But I'm far from knowledgeable. My current disc of the 5th is less than great. It's Leonard Bernstein conducting (I forget) on the DG label. When I was younger, I loved my vinyl record of Eugene Ormandy and the Philly Orchestra. I'll have to look out for that Kleiber disc.

And, of course, I look forward to Pat_D's contribution to this thread.

[kexodusc]

Interesting...I just went to a Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance of the 5th last night, at the outdoor Ravinia Festival venue. It's one of those big fancy-ass, grassy picnic zones where you can't even see the stage (unless you spring for pavillion seats), but it was a beautiful night and a very robust performance. Very assertive and up-tempo.

I also love the 5th, but have to give his 9th a slight edge. But I'm far from knowledgeable. My current disc of the 5th is less than great. It's Leonard Bernstein conducting (I forget) on the DG label. When I was younger, I loved my vinyl record of Eugene Ormandy and the Philly Orchestra. I'll have to look out for that Kleiber disc.

And, of course, I look forward to Pat_D's contribution to this thread.

Yeah, the 9th is another great, and I too am a fan of Mahler. I don't mean to use this thread to determine the greatest symphony ever...we'd be here an awefully long time and someone would probably end up bloody. Besides, it's quite subjective. Favorites should suffice.

I also have an excellent version of Holst's "The Planets", but I can't recall the conductor or orchestra at this time...I seem to recall it's an SACD/CD hybrid though...could be wrong. That's another one of my all-time favorites. I have to say, of the few symphonies I have been fortunate to see performed "well", "The Planets" is probably one that benefits the most from the live venue. More than any Beethoven symphony I've seen. Especially the power in "Mars" and "Jupiter". I'll have to report back as to which recording I have.

[Dusty Chalk]

Dvorak's 9th, by far. Every single movement is beyond compare. It really "takes me there". A good rendition is better than sex.

I don't like Beethoven so much -- I like the first movement of the 5th (you need to here PDQ Bach's/Peter Schickele's version), the second movement of the 7th, and the last movement of the 9th, and the rest are "okay", but bore me easily. Live is a different story. (Any recommendations on 3rd movements? I'd like to collect the complete set.)

I like some Rachmaninov and some Tchaikovsky as well.

[kexodusc]

Dvorak's 9th, by far. Every single movement is beyond compare. It really "takes me there". A good rendition is better than sex.

I don't like Beethoven so much -- I like the first movement of the 5th (you need to here PDQ Bach's/Peter Schickele's version), the second movement of the 7th, and the last movement of the 9th, and the rest are "okay", but bore me easily. Live is a different story. (Any recommendations on 3rd movements? I'd like to collect the complete set.)

I like some Rachmaninov and some Tchaikovsky as well.

Rachmaninov (and his 37 spelling variations) Piano Concerto's 2 & 4 are great works.

A bit more contemporary, I also like Gorecki's Symphony 3 (Symphony of Sorrowful Songs) with Johanna Kozlowska...Used in millions of movies, and "borrowed" by Hans Zimmer in "Gladiator".

[Dave_G]

I know very very very little about classical music, but I have 2 Rimsky-Korsokov titles that I enjoy a lot, and 1 disc called "Orchestral Favorites" or something like that by the Cincinatti Pops Orchestra or something (it's a Telarc disc). It's like rock and roll symphonic music.

But I rarely listen to this type of music, maybe I need to check more of it out.

Dave

[Dusty Chalk]

Rachmaninov (and his 37 spelling variations) Piano Concerto's 2 & 4 are great works.

Agreed. The only reason I don't get more enthusiastic about his orchestral symphonies is because I know of what he is capable. The only reason I don't like his symphonies more, is because they pale in comparison to his piano concertos. But if you listen to them on their own (the symphonies, that is), they really aren't half bad. I definitely enjoy them more than Beethoven's or Mozart's. I think it's the Russian in me.

Ditto Tchaikovsky (except replace "piano concerto" with "ballet music" -- Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet).

[Pat D]

Dvorak's 9th, by far. Every single movement is beyond compare. It really "takes me there". A good rendition is better than sex.

I don't like Beethoven so much -- I like the first movement of the 5th (you need to here PDQ Bach's/Peter Schickele's version), the second movement of the 7th, and the last movement of the 9th, and the rest are "okay", but bore me easily. Live is a different story. (Any recommendations on 3rd movements? I'd like to collect the complete set.)

I like some Rachmaninov and some Tchaikovsky as well.

Ah yes! Peter Schickele's "New Perspectives in Music Appreciation." I played this and my wife couldn't stand it--she would rather hear the music without those guys talking--she was doing other things and I don't think she caught the analogy with the sports play by play commentary.

Did you every hear Anna Russell's retelling of Wagner's Ring Cycle operas, all done in 20 minutes? And everything she says is true: "I'm not making this up, you know!"

[Dusty Chalk]

Ah yes! Peter Schickele's "New Perspectives in Music Appreciation." I played this and my wife couldn't stand it--she would rather hear the music without those guys talking--she was doing other things and I don't think she caught the analogy with the sports play by play commentary.

The funny thing is, I actually learned a few things from that commentary. It really did increase my appreciation of the work. "What does he think this is, a concerto?"

Did you every hear Anna Russell's retelling of Wagner's Ring Cycle operas, all done in 20 minutes? And everything she says is true: "I'm not making this up, you know!"

Not yet, but welcome to my wish list. I'll have to track that down. Hmmm...do you suppose I should look in "classical" or "comedy"? I'll start by finding out where PDQ Bach is categorized...

I find that most good music will tolerate many different interpretations quite well.

Quote of the day.

[Pat D]

Interesting...I just went to a Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance of the 5th last night, at the outdoor Ravinia Festival venue. It's one of those big fancy-ass, grassy picnic zones where you can't even see the stage (unless you spring for pavillion seats), but it was a beautiful night and a very robust performance. Very assertive and up-tempo.

I also love the 5th, but have to give his 9th a slight edge. But I'm far from knowledgeable. My current disc of the 5th is less than great. It's Leonard Bernstein conducting (I forget) on the DG label. When I was younger, I loved my vinyl record of Eugene Ormandy and the Philly Orchestra. I'll have to look out for that Kleiber disc.

And, of course, I look forward to Pat_D's contribution to this thread.

I haven't visited the Chicago area for several years, but I have gone to a number of concerts at Ravinia over the years. One can take the train north from Chicago right up to the entrance. I remember hearing a concert with soprano Sumi Jo some years ago.

I agree that Carlos Kleiber's performances of Beethoven's 5th and 7th Symphonies are great, but I find the sound mediocre. On the other hand, I have some others which I think are at least as good which are much better recorded, notably Karajan's 1962 version on DG (I have it on LP) and Leibowitz and the Royal Philharmonic on Chesky.

I like all the Beethoven symphonies, but my favorite is the Eroica, no. 3, with Ansermet, Leibowitz, or Schmidt-Isserstedt, although I have some other good ones (Karajan, Marriner). Other favorites are nos. 4, 6 , 7 and generally, I like Ansermet, Leibowitz and Karajan. Ansermet is not so good on no. 9, which is smooth but not exciting, and my favorites are Suitner on Denon and Leibowitz on Chesky.

[Walker]

Another long-time favorite of mine is a Teldec recording of Mistislav Rostropovich conducting the Shostakovich 5th. I think in time this will be known as one of the greatest works of the 20th century. It's power is just overwhelming. I'd love to hear Rostropovich conduct it live someday but I doubt I'll have the chance.

Do you know Shostakovich 5th by Semyon Bychkov? It's also great.
Walker

[-Jar-]

[
Do you know Shostakovich 5th by Semyon Bychkov? It's also great.
Walker

I think a friend of mine had that, but it's been years since I've heard it.

There are lots of great 5ths out there, and it's interesting how the impact of the work can change depending on how certain sections are handled. The ending can be triumphant (probably how the Russian government thought it was meant to be) or tragic or even extremely bitter. I have a video tape of Mistislav conducting the piece at a place called Wolf Trap. I wonder if it's available anymore. It's amazing watching him conduct. The end he's almost doing a Lenny immitation, as if his baton was a sledgehammer and he's beating those last final notes of the piece into submission, and the audience right along with them..


-jar

[Walker]

I'm just starting to enjoy classical music. I'm planning to buy more classical cd's but it's so hard to distinguish the cheap terrible ones from the good ones.
I need help, what should I buy (my favorite composer so far is Shostakovich).
Thanks,
Walker

[-Jar-]

I'm just starting to enjoy classical music. I'm planning to buy more classical cd's but it's so hard to distinguish the cheap terrible ones from the good ones.
I need help, what should I buy (my favorite composer so far is Shostakovich).
Thanks,
Walker

I know there are a million sub $5 a disc cd's out there.. you see them in stores all the time.. esp. in their own display cases. I don't have the answer as to the quality of these, as I haven't bought one in years. The one "cheapie" classical label that has a very good reputation for recording quality and performance integrity is the Naxos label. You will find their cd's for $5 or $6 a piece. Great way to start building a collection.

Until you get to know the reputations and sounds of the various conductor/orchestra combinations, it's hard to know what you're getting. It took me years to get familiar with the main group of conductors and orchestras, and now there is a whole new generation of younger conductors out there. I'll list a few that you might want to look out for, but so much of it depends on taste that it's hard to recommend one conductor as being good at "everything"..

The old guard (don't shoot me if I forget someone):
Bruno Walter
Otto Klemperer
Leonard Bernstein
Eugene Ormandy
George Szell
Georg Solti
Herbert von Harjan
Jasha Horenstein
Rafael Kubelik
Pierre Monteaux
Fritz Reiner
Erich Kleiber
Karl Bohm
Leopold Stokowski
Arturo Toscanini
Wilhelm Mengelberg
Antal Dorati
Ernest Ansermet
Charles Munch
William Steinberg
Erich Leinsdorf
Sir John Barberolli
Sir Thomas Beecham
Hermann Scherchen


The next generation:
Pierre Boulez
Klaus Tennstedt
Lorin Maazel
Kurt Masur
Claudio Abbado
Leonard Slatkin
Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Christoph von Dohnanyi
Herbert Bloomstedt
Zubin Mehta
Michael Tilson Thomas
Edo de Waart
Ricardo Muti
Eduardo Mata
Guiseppe Sinopoli
Seiji Ozawa
James Levine
Neeme Jarvi
Riccardo Chailly
Charles Dutoit
Sergiu Celibidache
Bernard Haitink
Simon Rattle
Nikolaus Harnoncourt

*whew*

then there are a ton of younger conductors.. though I'm not as familar with them as I am with those listed above.. most of the recordings in my collection are by those I've listed..
I can't say all their recordings are good, but if you're looking for classic performances, these are the names to look for, in my opinion..

-jar

[Walker]

Thank you so much.

[Rob B in CT]

I'm just starting to enjoy classical music. I'm planning to buy more classical cd's but it's so hard to distinguish the cheap terrible ones from the good ones.
I need help, what should I buy (my favorite composer so far is Shostakovich).
Thanks,
Walker

In addition to Naxos being an inexpensive way to build a classical collection, you might consider joining BMG. I know that they often get criticized here, but their 12 for the price of 1 offer is tough to beat. Once you become a full member, if you wait for their buy 1/get 3 free offers, discs average $7 or so. Their classical selection is better than most genres, too. Good quality labels that they often feature include Hanssler, Hyperion, DG, EMI, and London. Favorite artists I've purchased from them include Misha Maisky (Bach Cello Sonatas and Vivaldi/Boccherini cello concerti) and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (Haydn Symphony 22, Philosopher, as well as supporting Maisky on the concerti). Their catalogs are a useful way of introducing new composers and recordings, too. Enjoy your exploration! End of advertisement...