The Best Recordings of Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

Gil Zilkha, singer/collector/music enthusiast
In this installment of Essential Classical Music, I cover the best recordings of Beethoven's Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2. This video is taken from my larger video covering more of the major symphonies and their best recordings. Featured conductors include Bernstein, Beecham, and Jochum among others.

[@ulfwernernielsen6708]

I have to add Bruno Walter for the 2. Symphony. I think no other conductor have done the 2. movement of the 2. Symphony with such intensity ,empathy and warmth as he,especially in the second recording with Columbia Symphony Orchestra.

[@GedankenzurMusik]

Regarding the result of Symphony 2 I agree with you. But the kind you listen and suggest I have a different opinion: For me it is important to look at the score! How the orchestra and the conducter follows the score and how is the sound they "produce". Is it transparent? Can you hear all the instruments that the composers wantet to sound? A sym-phony should not only/mostly perform strings (Violins and Cellos) but also the winds and brass and not to forget the timpani in an equal manner. And: tempo, dynamic and phrasing are more basic elements to compare recordings. You can find this, if looking at the score and try to find out what the cpmposers intention was. Regarding these elements I can suggest Roger Norrington in many ways.

[@andrewashdown3541]

Szell!

[@trialman121950]

Jochum, absolutely! Norrington, absolutely not!

[@josephlow1102]

touche!

[@Jaso839]

Roger Norrington? You cannot be serious.

[@GilZilkha]

I am serious

[@GilZilkha]

And don’t call me Shirley

[@adesiana2]

@@GilZilkha I agree with you. Thanks for the video's.