Beethoven: Symphonies Nos.3 & 5
This is one of those Decca Legends releases that's truly legendary. Erich Kleiber's recordings of these Beethoven symphonies were considered the best available in the LP era. They've held their own even through the stereo and digital eras and doubtless will still be at the top of the heap during the 21st century's new formats. TheEroicawas a longtime Kleiber specialty, and this 1950 recording is the tightest, most penetrating and powerful version of the work you're likely to hear, with a Funeral March movement remarkable for its intensity. Similar superlatives apply to the Fifth Symphony, recorded in 1953 in sound even more transparent and a wide dynamic range. Challenged by son Carlo's famous stereo record of the work, Erich's Fifth retains its capacity to engulf us in Beethoven's vision. This is a must-have, even for those leery of pre-stereo recordings.--Dan Davis