Search - Ludwig van Beethoven, Michael Halasz, Richard Edlinger :: Symphonies Nos. 1-9

Generally solid, and a terrific price

steve | DeKalb, IL USA | 09/08/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This Beethoven set probably won't win any awards, but considering the price, it's surprisingly good. Richard Edlinger's conducting is straightforward and no-nonsense, and the Zagreb Philharmonic produces a solid, dark Beethoven sound. Unfortunately, two of the symphonies (3 and 6) are performed by the CSR Symphony Orchestra conducted by Michael Halasz, and are noticeably weaker. Halasz's conducting is perfunctory and the CSR, whoever they are, has a thinner-sounding string section. The recording quality is excellent, however, and the price is unbeatable. If you're a cheapskate Beethoven fan, grab it.



One minor point ... Amazon describes this as a "box set." It isn't; it's in a foldout cardboard container (which is slightly too large to fit into a conventional CD storage rack)."

Not entirely successful

laurence leabow | Simi Valley, Ca. | 01/09/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The performances on this set range from D- to B-. The best are the 5,7, and 8 and the worst the 3 and 6. It seems clear that Edlinger is an able Beethoven conductor and his orchestra is basically fine. His interpretations are also really good on the 7 and 8 though the 5 is a little fast and lightweight for my taste. The other conductor is just well..unlistenable. Maybe a set that is good across the board is not to be expected at this price. My recommendation would be to save for the Karl Bohm cycle on DG, which is available on three doubles(and includes overtures), and supplement that with Giulini's wonderful no.5 with the LA phil."

Excellent Beethoven!

Matt Barger | Little Rock, AR | 07/30/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having not spent my life in search for the "perfect" interpretation Beethoven's symphonies, I went with this satisfying set from Lydian. This is a very handsome collection with interesting notes on each symphony's creation and portraits of the master composer. The Zagreb Philharmonic proves themselves to be fine players with each passage clearly recorded and reproduced. The quality of sound is excellent! The tempos and interpretations feel appropriate. I have enjoyed getting to know each symphony through these recordings and anyone looking for a bargain price with quality performances will too. Fine music such as this will shine no matter who is playing. Bravo Beethoven! Bravo Zagreb!"