The Reference for all Beethoven Symphoniesby Anonymous

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January 03, 2009: There is little debate that Beethoven is one of the greatest composers, and his music is in no better hands than German born Wilhelm Furtwangler. Of all the recordings I have heard in my short but music filled life, ranging from Herbert von Karajan to Leonard Bernstein, the Symphonic Cycle of Beethovens Symphonies is best under the baton of Furtwangler.

There is no best of the cycle, because Furtwangler brings the passion that he is well known for to the symphonies. However, the best of Beethoven, the 3rd, 5th-9th, are without question, some of Furtwanglers best recordings; with the exception of his April 19th 1942 recording of Beethoven's Ninth, required by Hitler to be played before his birthday, however Furtwangler was never a Nazi.

The Third Symphony brings the full majesty and heroicism that ushered in the Romantic Era in music, bursting forth with long armies ready to fight and cannons ready to fire.

The Fifth, there are few recordings that can contend with Furtwanglers recording of the Fifth. It is full of the fire and passion that is demanded from the symphony, and even then, the Wiener Philharmoic (Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, or VPO) helps Furtwangler bring the fire to white how heat allowing it to contrast with the last movements joyous, powerful, and heroic ending.

The Sixith shows the piety for nature that Beethoven wrote about and that few composers are really able to put forth, while the Seventh and Eight show Furtwanglers fun side as well as his lyrical side.

However, the last symphony is the best of all the recordings. Considered the definative recording of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, this is something to treasure for the rest of your life. The Ninth Symphony, conducted by Furtwangler at the reconsecration of the Bayruth Festival House in August 1951, the full power of the entire piece brings you to your knees and shows the beauty and madness that is Beethovens Ninth Symphony. Again, other than Furtwanglers 1942 recording of the Ninth, there is no better recording of the Ninth on the market or ever played.

Overall, this is perfect for anyone who loves Beethoven.

I Also Recommend: Beethoven, Mendelssohn: Violin Concertos, Mozart: Don Giovanni.