| Review by Oscar May 29, 2008 (3 of 4 found this review helpful)
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Performance:  Sonics: |
Karajan Beethoven cycle of the early sixties has attained something of a cult status. It has become a bestseller list in its various forms of issue, throughout the years.
He was still (at the time of recording) within the first period of tenure with the BPO, but it is obvious that conductor and orchestra had already a great rapport. During this period, the annoying (sometimes) mannerisms of Karajan had not yet crept-in, so these readings of the two Beethoven symphonies are quite straightforward.
Of course, in the last 20 years or so, scolarship and performance practice has pointed to a lighter more contrasted Beethoven. Anyway, these classic performances have retained their qualities: impeccable orchestral sound, very careful phrasing, strong forward impetus and non-exagerated intensity.
Symphony nr 3 has all these qualities, but for me, nr. 4 is the real winner in this disc, a classic account, beautifully shaped.
Good sound, a certain improvement from the former cd´s available.
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Sonics: 
