Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 7 & 8 [Hybrid SACD]

Acclaimed performances, but is the SACD sound much better?

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 01/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The 1962 cycle of Beethoven symphonies from Karajan has been DG's standard for four decades, and every time there is a tchnological advance, the set is remastered. The latest remastering into SACD surround sound is an automatic choice for people who have converted to SACD. However, the vast majority of music lovers haven't converted, so the question is whether the new sonics, as played through 2-channle CD, are better.



They certainly are in this pairing of the Seventh and Eighth, two of the finest performances in the whole cycle. Gone are the wiry strings and the "crunch" at loud climaxes. Inner detail is improved, and the bass,w hile dialed back a bit, is considerably less boomy. I was so impressed that I intend to replace my whole cycle. Here we go again, but this time it's worth it."

Terrific recording of the 7th and 8th

James I. Nie | Beloit, Wisconsin USA | 09/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I grew up with these recordings. I wished the Karajan did not become so self-indulgent in later recordings. The tempi of both symphonies, with the exception of the second movement of the 7th, seem to be just right. The adagio of the 7th appears to be a little too quick. (I refer to Fürtwangler's and Giulini's 7th as a more reasonable representation of the adagio movement.) Sonically, the re-mastering is quite superb; there is tape hiss that is still present but this is a small price to pay for such a great performance. It is my hope that the other recordings of this re-release is as good. I look forward to listening to the other CD's."