Long regarded as the quintessential interpretation of the most popular and best-loved symphony ever written, this performance of the Fifth has everything: passion, precision, drama, lyric beauty, and a coiled fury in the first movement that sets your pulse racing from the very first note. Carlos Kleiber has made very few recordings in his distinguished career, but almost all are special. If you own no other copy of this symphony, this is the one to get. It comes with an exceptional performance of the Seventh--not quite as gripping as the Fifth, but definitely one of the great ones. There is classical music, and there are classic recordings of classical music. This one's a classic. -- David Hurwitz

This was one of the very first classical music CDs that I ever purchased. I was somewhat familiar with Beethoven's 5th, but not the 7th. Needless to say, I have acquired many more CDs since then. For Beethoven, I feel that I can never have too many recordings of his symphonies. I own the Zinman/Tonhalle set, the Krips/LSO set, Karajan EMI/Philharmonia set, Gardiner/ORR set, and the Cluytens/Berlin Phil. set. Of individual recordings of 5 and 7, I have this along with Reiner and the CSO, and Haitink with the LSO of 5/1 (LSO Live).

With all these recordings, what makes this one stand out? For me, its Kleiber's ability to let Beethoven speak for himself. Kleiber's interpretations are masterful in the way that they don't necessarily emphasize certain instruments, sections etc. In this way, Kleiber is similar to Reiner, but I feel that Kleiber, especially with the Vienna Philharmonic, is a lot more muscular. Reiner's interpretations let Beethoven speak as well, but he has a lighter touch than Kleiber, who adds force where needed.

Sometimes this technique works, but sometimes it does not. My main point for this is in the horn call of the 5th, first movement. This may be too powerful, but is certainly better than Reiner's (even though the CSO brass section is certainly better, though restrained). Kleiber could use some restraint in this sense, but this is a minor quibble. One other quibble I have is with the tempo of the Allegretto in the 7th. It seems a little fast, but I certainly enjoy how Kleiber shapes phrases and melodic lines. I feel that if it was a tad slower, it would have the ability to emote more pathos. Also, the tempo of the next movement (third of the 7th) seems a bit rushed in some spots, but this does not detract from the music like that of the Allegretto.

In all, Kleiber's Beethoven is similar to Reiner's, but the brass is not as restrained, which adds a great layer of color and excitement. Even with all my other recordings, Kleiber stands out as natural and muscular Beethoven, even if I have more 'correct' readings (Barenreiter, HIP etc.). Kleiber's Beethoven makes me not care if the tempos or whatnot are not 'historically correct.' It may not be historically informed, but it still sounds good to my ears.

Verdict: If you don't have this recording, you should do yourself the favor and pick up this classic disc.

This is the best modern recording of Beethoven symphonies. A collectors album of the highest quality.
R. Brown

Carlos Kleiber is known for his obsession for perfection. He made few records, but everything he recorded is in excellent quality. He has become a legend of the regency.

But this recording of Beethoven's 5 e 7 Symphonies is not only the apex of his career, but the classical and Imortal record of this works.

If you want one performance of this music, it's your choice.

I would order from this store again. Fast efficient service. What you look for online.

After seeing the 5th performed at Lincoln Center, I searched for a recording of it that was rated well. Definitely an up tempo interpretaion but I really enjoy it and thank others who recommended it.