Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies / (5) Overtures, Opp. 43;62;72b,c;84
Leonard Bernstein's Beethoven cycle for Deutsche Grammophon has remained  one of the best around for nearly three decades. It was the first large project  that Bernstein recorded live--or mostly live, there were patch-up sessions after  each concert--and these performances really do capture the inspiration of the  moment. Particularly outstanding are the versions of Symphonies 3, 6, 7, and 9,  though reaction to Bernstein's Fifth is a matter of taste. On balance, though,  this is an excellent set.--David Hurwitz