Customer Reviews

Symphonies Nos. 1-9

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This Beethoven set probably won't win any awards, but considering the price, it's surprisingly good. Richard Edlinger's conducting is straightforward and no-nonsense, and the Zagreb Philharmonic produces a solid, dark Beethoven sound. Unfortunately, two of the symphonies (3 and 6) are performed by the CSR Symphony Orchestra conducted by Michael Halasz, and are noticeably weaker. Halasz's conducting is perfunctory and the CSR, whoever they are, has a thinner-sounding string section. The recording quality is excellent, however, and the price is unbeatable. If you're a cheapskate Beethoven fan, grab it.

One minor point ... Amazon describes this as a "box set." It isn't; it's in a foldout cardboard container (which is slightly too large to fit into a conventional CD storage rack).

The performances on this set range from D- to B-. The best are the 5,7, and 8 and the worst the 3 and 6. It seems clear that Edlinger is an able Beethoven conductor and his orchestra is basically fine. His interpretations are also really good on the 7 and 8 though the 5 is a little fast and lightweight for my taste. The other conductor is just well..unlistenable. Maybe a set that is good across the board is not to be expected at this price. My recommendation would be to save for the Karl Bohm cycle on DG, which is available on three doubles(and includes overtures), and supplement that with Giulini's wonderful no.5 with the LA phil.

Having not spent my life in search for the "perfect" interpretation Beethoven's symphonies, I went with this satisfying set from Lydian. This is a very handsome collection with interesting notes on each symphony's creation and portraits of the master composer. The Zagreb Philharmonic proves themselves to be fine players with each passage clearly recorded and reproduced. The quality of sound is excellent! The tempos and interpretations feel appropriate. I have enjoyed getting to know each symphony through these recordings and anyone looking for a bargain price with quality performances will too. Fine music such as this will shine no matter who is playing. Bravo Beethoven! Bravo Zagreb!

Regardless of the comments of the reviewer above me (look up...if you dare) I must say this is a surprisingly good set of Beethoven's complete symphonies. Its true (as my above reviewer states) that some of the symphonies are taken at a fast tempo, but they are hardly "light". This set could very well be priced at three times as much as it currently is and still be considered a good deal. (I've learned that in the world of classical music, the most expensive CD is not ALWAYS the best)

In my other review of this set I singled out the 3rd symphony as being very poor and I want to set this right: IT IS VERY GOOD. I am sorry for misleading anyone and I apologize to the conductor and the orchestra as well!
I may have had some recordings mixed up, I was listening to a lot of Beethoven and, well, there is no excuse..
My review stands as written otherwise, but this 'eroica' is actually to be applauded for its energy and clarity.

Ever since I found this recording 9 years ago, these are the only ones I prefer. I just wish that the ensembles/conductors and soloists gained more notoriety for their superb performances!