Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Bruno Walter, Columbia Symphony Orchestra :: Beethoven: Symphony No. 5

Brilliant 5th, but get it with the 7th!

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 01/08/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The marketing folks at Sony have left me scratching my head yet again, and the reason is the creation of the new "Masterworks Expanded Edition" series. Quite honestly this new series is nothing special -- it features mostly repackaged product, and performances that in many cases are still available in their original incarnation(s). Sure, these new ones are remastered with the latest technology (or gimmick depending on how you look at it), "Direct Stream Digital," but they are still analog recordings no matter how much "DSD" looks like "DDD." This vintage stereo recording of Beethoven's 5th Symphony by Bruno Walter is amazing regardless. The back cover of this newest reissue even features an amazon.com editorial review praising the performance. But let this amazon public reviewer give his two cents too -- pass on this title and get the old "Bruno Walter Edition" one while it's still in print. The reason is that that disc offers Walter's incredible account of the 7th Symphony as well, instead of the couple of Overtures and rehearsal outtakes featured here. In fact, I liked the 5th/7th coupling so much I bought Walter's entire Beethoven Symphony Cycle. Upon hearing these glorious renditions, you may want to do the same, but act quickly because the "Bruno Walter Edition" titles are beginning to disappear."

Rehearsal alone is worth the price

Henry Goodwin | 05/24/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This recording includes a 22.67 min. rehearsal of 1st mov. in stereo

You will hear Walter's directions to the orchestra. I find this to be very interesting."

Best Beethoven 5th ever,, monumental

Charles Oliver | 05/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"So many conductors just treat this old chestnut cavalierly or perfunctorily.. this one is of a different order. I heard it first whenI was a teenager.. it is still the best."