Also, it’s absolutely fantastic how you really appreciate and love the art of making these recordings and how they are presented. A kid in a candy shop! Never grow old !
Also, I remember as a young photo assistant walking into the studio and these cds were there - The great men of music. Wow! It opened up a whole new world for me. I bought a stereo and started to buy cd’s at tower records. The staff became my friends (Randy) for one. It was a magical experience to go alone and search for all this music I never heard before. I still have all my classical cds and still listen to the great men of music. And this is where I discovered Bach! Bach I listen to almost every day. Thank you for posting this video. These sets are very important and have exposed many of young and old to new music
Your presentation here reminds me of when I was a kid back in 1959 and started mowing lawns in the neighborhood for a buck a pop. As a result of that income I began to buy classical music albums out of the bargain bin at the local WT Grant Co 5&10 store for 50 cents a piece and no sales tax. I wore those albums out on an old cheap record player and never once was disappointed in the quality. The imagination of the composers and skill of the conductors and musicians always came through. Thank you Mike for triggering those old memories.
I was in college and one of the last Reiner recordings came out in the Readers Digest set. I wrote to Readers Digest and told them I couldn't afford the set. They sent me the recording of Brahms 4th symphony which did not appear again until they were redone by Chesky records in LP and CD. The quote was from Reiner that it was his most beautiful sounding recording.
Loved your comment about the audience on the Bernstein recording. I moved to Vienna a couple of years ago and a big part of my choosing to move to Austria was the music and tangible sense of walking in the footsteps of the greats. I go to the musikverein a lot and remember how into the music the audiences are here. It’s serious stuff here and it’s not just the rich. Classical music is for everyone and one can pay as little as €6 to see top class performers there. I also managed to finagle my way into some private concerts held in a small medieval palace here. It’s incredible a low arched room lit only by candle light and anything post baroque is considered modern! I don’t know if you have ever been here but you must come and if you do, let me know, if one of those concerts are on when you are here then I will take you along with me. Free wine and nibbles and a very very eclectic crowd. The first time I went I ended up in conversation with an Italian Count a Cardinal visiting from Rome and a Scholar on Shakespeare!
Earlier this year I did a major splurge (for me, a retiree on social security, dipped a bit into the nest egg) and bought the Bernstein Centennial half-speed remastered box set (1666/1750). I have a modest, but good, stereo system. However, I wanted to hear the premier playing of the Symphony No. 9 on a system worthy of this pinnacle music. The Sound Environment of Omaha, Nebraska graciously accommodated an old customer and played all three sides on their current top system (Lyra Atlas/Graham Phantom/TechDAS A. F. III/VTL phono and line preamps/Gryphon class A amp/Wilson Alexxes) in a good room (Peter McGrath approved). It was wonderful. Even close to the edge of the High Plains, there remain a few independent brick and mortar dealers that will let you listen to the good stuff even though they know it is way above your (former, see above) pay grade. p.s. Earlier today I stopped at a local used record store and found a copy of the 6 disk Solti Gotterdammerung, London ffrr OSA 1604. He let me have it for $10.00 plus tax. Haven't listened to it yet, but it looks to be in pretty good shape. Sometimes the muses smile on you.
I’m a week away from returning to Canada- after our regular stay with family in Vietnam, and our home and the music collection which contains several of your referenced ‘Readers Digest’ sets and can’t wait to spend some time with them. Absolutely appreciate your wonderful advocacy of the phenomenal gift of classical music - priceless. I’m also of the view that one can’t really have too many records, but my dear wife does not concur
Absolutely loved this edition, Michael. Learned so much. I would recommend Brahms 4 with Fritz Reiner and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Readers Digest. Reiner seemed slightly more relaxed in these sessions than he sometimes appeared with the Chicago Symphony and it has a lovely recording.
i know im asking randomly but does any of you know a method to get back into an Instagram account?? I was stupid forgot the login password. I love any help you can give me!
Mark - This is an eye opening video - I went to one of the local thrift stores the day after watching this and they were having a Spring Sale on all there books, cds & vinyl albums. I picked up the Readers Digest Beethoven Set, a London Haydn Piano Sonatas Box Set and EMI Karajan Beethoven 9th Box Set - all three for six bucks and they are in VG to Mint Condition. What a deal! That’s why you’re the man !
Can you make a video that goes a bit into depth on some record press companies as well as notable people in the industry. This would be great for new collectors, and I think you'd be a good fit to do a video like such Michael!
Absolutely enjoyed this one, Mr Fremer...and I'm in complete accord regarding Reader's Digest box sets. The ones that I am buying in London charity shops (aka goodwills) indecently cheaply are splendid, and often come with expansive and novel packaging. May I also add, RD did some fantastic jazz boxes in the 1970s, early and swing jazz mostly. Although the graphics may look a little cheesy, the records are manufactured to a standard that compares well to any other label. Cheers from London, England!
I have the Music of the World's Great Composers set he showed. The recordings are not all my personal favorites, but not bad either. Very thoughtful gift from my wife since most of my classical library is on CD. I concur with his opinion on those box sets - maybe not life-changung performances, but well mastered and pressed, and a great introduction for someone that wants to get started with some of the heavy-hitters.
Thank you for locating the gems that are available in my local used record stores. After watching your video I decided that I had to get the Bruno Walter complete Beethoven symphonies recordings. I recently purchased a few box sets that looked like good bargains yet have not listened to yet. Turns out I did purchase the Columbia Symphony Bruno Walter recordings! I played symphonies 1 to 3 last night and your comments on Raiders of the Lost Beethoven symphonies are spot on. The music moves briskly and seems more engaging at least to me. Your videos are informative and entertaining! Thanks again!
I'm a new fan of your Channel. I'm a classical music lover a recording engineer and I think vinyl has the best sound. I love your wit and your presentation I can't wait to delve into more videos. Analog forever! And of course Beethoven isn't too bad :-)
I totally agree with the Beethoven recommendations. In the CD era the venue of Bruno Walter's Beethoven cycle was revealed as being recorded at Hollywood's Legion Hall, cited as "American Legion Hall'. I would also highly recommend the superb budget André Cluytens Beethoven cycle with the Berlin Philharmonic. It's contemporaneous to the Walter cycle and was produced by Walter Legge of EMI fame.
I was wondering if you knew if the new SACD release used the single Blumlein pair of mics recording to make them? I just purchased my last SACD/Cd player. P. S. I have the Karajan nine symphony set (tulip borders) in near mint shape with all the paperwork that came with it in mint condition. I paid a dollar for this from a resale shop a few blocks away . after cleaning (and recleaning years later on a Degritter) some of the sides don't even have a pop, tick, anything. I love it. Always love your videos and your takeaways. And your right. Since Covid19, I started watching UA-cam and there is a plethora of useless no nothing reviewers, influencers, opinionates, etc. who have filled the site who feel they have something of value to say . Water on a disc. I guess I missed that one.
Thanks for the lighthearted tutorial on classical box sets. You have a way to make any subject interesting. I once toured several Belgian breweries with a host that had so many great life stories to keep it enjoyable - at least until the tastings began! Big MFer fan.
I grew up with a set of RD's "Mood Music For Listening And Relaxation". I always thought they were some of the best-sounding records I'd heard. The music was well arranged and expertly played. I now have two sets, one in great shape with all the paperwork about various RD boxes. My choice of Beethoven-in-a-box is Szell / Cleveland SO, which I first heard when a friend wanted it taped on cassettes from his records. While I was at it, I made open-reel copies for myself. Years later I bought it on CDs.
I like to coat my stylus with a blob of Marshmallow Fluff. It allows the the stylus to coat the record with a sweet fluffy goodness. It's a counter to harsh sounding digitally sourced vinyl.
Just joined your channel, love it, great hints and tips, although I'm not a novice with vinyl, your shows are great, I know so many people who sold their vinyl records and are regretting it now, I'm so glad I kept all my records, never fell out of love with vinyl, just can't believe it's back, love from the UK 👍👍
As a massive jazz fan I love your collection of Mosaic box sets! Also, I smiled at the Dexter Gordon Blue Note box tucked way up on the shelf behind you! I bought that back when it came out in the 90s and still cherish it. Love your videos, thanks for sharing your amazing knowledge on all things music!
It was the Reader’s Digest boxed sets of “Eric Robinson’s World of Music” and “Music For You” both sets of Classical music, that got me into classical music. Dad bought them for us kids in 1968. I also have a Reader’s Digest boxed set of Handel’s Messiah conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent. All very good recordings and have great sleeve notes about the music. I enjoyed your presentation so I’ve subbed 👍😁.
Great video. That Leibowitz Beethoven cycle was reissued on CD and vinyl by Chesky. Just one small correction, the Bruno Walter cycle was not recorded at Royce Hall, they used the American Legion Post 43 Auditorium in Hollywood. The building is still there just as it was 60 years ago.
Thanks for hipping me to the Bruno Walter Columbia stuff. I grabbed my father in law’s original white promo 6 eye label of him doing the 7th symphony with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra several months ago when he let me pick through his LPs but I had never gotten around to listening to it till this morning.. The performances of the New York CSO stuff by Stravinsky, Bernstein etc are great but I always found the sound a bit dry. I had no idea there was a west coast version. Good god!!! This thing sounds glorious!!!! The cool thing is that as a jazz musician I’ve gotten to play in Royce hall a number of times... what a sound.
At 6:42 - Oh my gosh! When you pulled out Music of the World's Great Composers and Festival of Light Classical Music I immediately recognized them! My parents had those. I even played them myself on occasion when I was a kid. Hmmm....I wonder whatever happened to them...
Music of the Worlds Great Composers is the set that got me back onto records a few years ago. I've been all in on digital since the early '90's, and my wife gave me that box set and a terrible Closley table for Christmas. I ditched the Crosley and bought a rebuilt Sanyo with a nice Grado cartridge and have really enjoyed the slow journey back from the dark side.
I first viewed this video when it was uploaded and enjoyed it but I came back and gave it another watch. So much good information. I only have the Bernstein, Jarvi, Karajan and Rattle boxes; love them all. I don't have a favorite but keep going back to Bernstein. So exciting and captivating!
WONDERFUL topic and video (again)! I have found some great jazz compilation boxes as well as the Reader's Digest stuff and 99% of the time they're absolutely UNPLAYED and pristine. Pennies per side.
I grew up with TWO copies of the Toscanini/NBC Symphony box set of the 9 symphonies, along with lots of other records, mostly of American orchestras, the great Reiner/Chicago Bartok Concerto for Orchestra and a ton more, NYPO, Philadelphia, Boston, etc., with Munch, Stokowski, Bernstein, Ormandy, etc. In fact, they're all sitting in the console not 10 feet from me right now (along with a cheap stereo and some Bose 301s my parents got in the 80s). It really cemented how great classical music is in my mind. I must have played some of those dozens, hundreds of times after school when I was home alone. Later when I started collecting CDs I had some of Karajan's 70s Beethoven (and perhaps even more notably, some of his Bruckner and his 60s Sibelius). Bernstein's Brahms in Vienna is also spectacular, my favorites overall. If you can find the piano sonatas (full or partial) on vinyl from Annie Fischer, jump on it. Her Waldstein in particular is amazing, glorious. (I'm actually not sure they're available on LP, maybe CD/streaming only, but still very worth listening to.) Now I'm trying to start my own little boutique label for a wonderful, wonderful double bassist, and I do hope to do some vinyl for her (though all the sources are digital). Here on UA-cam I sometimes check out the various "reaction" videos, and it's fascinating to watch just how incredibly blown away hip-hop artists and metal-heads are when they first hear Beethoven, or Chopin, or first hear Pavarotti sing, or whatever. There is SO MUCH that would blow them away, Bach, Shostakovich, Berlioz, Brahms, Mahler, on and on and on. By and large, engineers and musicians in the classical music world are not so much purists about "analog only". They seem far more likely to happily work all-digital than people on the pop side, as far as I can tell, even on the highest-budget projects. Unlike pop/rock, they are not trying to modify the sound to make it warmer or smoother or anything, they just want it more accurate, more air, more realism, since the original sound of great musicians in a great hall is already so gorgeous. But thee is a certain solidity, certainty, about some of these old recordings on vinyl. You can hear it in Klemperer with the Philharmonia, so monolithic, granitic, just fabulous.
I bought the George Szell set back in the mid-1970s. It's got that gritty Columbia, early 60s sound, but great performances in my view. Perfect tempo, between the speedy Toscanini and the sometimes lugubrious Klemperer. But I also have others, Toscanini's early 50s recordings of the 7th, 4th and 8th, Bernstein's 4th and 5th and Reiner's 9th (Chicago Symphony). There's so much to choose from.
The best bargain in records is box sets at the Goodwill. The Goodwill near me only charges .99 cents for these beautiful mostly unplayed multi disk Classical records. I have to stop myself from buying them all.
I enjoyed this as I have what I would call a Library of music. I do have the first Beethoven you talked about and did enjoy that version over the rest of what I have. I have picked up the readers digest collections, a few and have enjoyed them. Love this kind of video, Thanks!
Thank you so much for this Michael, I'm starting into vinyl and I was avoiding classical vinyl at thrifts not because I hate them I'm a big fan specifically of Beethoven works but heard that classical is not great on vinyl and better on cd. A 99 cent scheherazade's korsakov totally changed my mind.
Great video Michael! I got a sealed copy of the 1977 karajan Beethoven box set for 17 bucks on discogs. Probably the best value buy ever for me. Listen to classical kids it's good for you.
Agreed! I like pure classical, early music predating what people generally call classical, such as Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, as well as contemporary classical-style works such as neo-classical. I for one like Yngwie Malmsteen and have an appreciation for Mark Wood of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. There's also a joke on the internet that classical is metal before electricity, and in a sense, that is true in my opinion.
I love your reviews Michael. I have a Readers Digest box set of classical music that my wife brought me many years ago. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality. It did introduce me to composers that I had not heard of as a young man and the recoding sounded pretty good on my Thorens belt drive deck with an SME arm and a Shure V15 cartridge. We are talking 1973 here. I still have the same box set. Talking about Simon Rattle, he was a big fan of Mahler I was told which is why he moved to Germany and accepted becoming the principal conductor of a German orchestra.
Great Video! I have many of these box sets! Recently opened read! cleaned and Listened/Listening. Some never played since 1958! I Enjoy the Listening! Have so many left to Open! Read! Clean! then Listen!
Just discovered your channel - very nice! Great presentation and looking forward to searching out some your featured LPs. BTW I've got every one of the Beethoven cycles you have mentioned here except for the Walter. Just a few 2-cents from me - the Von Karajan is exactly "classical music" in a nutshell. The Leibowitz is Lvb on crystal meth - insane and pedal to the floor - great. Leibowitz was big into avant-garde music. Jaarvi - OMG - if you are a young person who only knows rock and jazz, then this is the gateway drug. The Jaarvi versions are very much how LvB himself heard them - small, tight, intimate. I saw Jaarvi with this ensemble in Vianna live and it was like the Ramones at CBGBs. Bernstein (please pronounce as rhyming with "learn fine") - the Vienna is big and broad and gooey but I like the NY Phil because its like a New York minute. Anyways - I can blab forever - thanks!
I can't believe it...I thought when Mr. Fremer showed the Karajancollection "Oh, I would like that conducted by Leibowitz"...and then it came! Just compare the start of the 7th between Leibowitz and Karajan...Leibowitz is so precise, Karajan not really.
I have all Beethoven Symphonies by Bruno Walter but in separate récords. AFAIK what they called Columbia Symphony Orchestra, was essentially members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra plus some sessions musicians. That was the ensemble that Bruno Walter uses for his releases. When the recordings where made in the east cost, musicians came from NY Philharmonic plus free lance players, that was the ensemble used by Igor Stravinsky and Robert Craft for the complete recording of Webern's Works.
Thanks, that was so informative. It's such a pity so few vinyl lovers appear to be interested in classical music-or maybe they are just not interested in posting on UA-cam. Those RD boxes are phenomenal value. Classical music with it's wide dynamics lends itself perfectly to vinyl, though it needs to be mint or near mint in condition so the quiet bits are not affected by too many pops and clicks. Just my personal opinion but I don't think CD' s did any favours for classical music lovers in terms of sound quality.
Great review. The early 60s Von Karajan boxset is a classic that even Karajan himself could not beat with the recordings of the nine later on. Performance and recording were just perfect. The other boxes you mentioned are also of great quality, except the Jarvi efforts perhaps, this conductor just can't compete with giants like Bernstein and Walter.
I have a theory that coughing people in classical recordings were people who decided to smoke a joint in the car before the concert and, being novice smokers, forgot to bring water.
Great video Michael. I will be bin shopping all of those. Off to Music Direct to pick those newer releases. I have recently rediscovered my love for the classics. The wife is really opening up to classical music as well. She even cleans out any classical albums she finds at estate sales! Shwing
After inheriting many readers digest records , along with many Sinatra’s , perry como etc i discovered the quality of the digests and as suggested I’ve been collecting boxes sets of ‘digest’ releases including full Wagner operas which are mint quality- keep up the vids-David H 🏴
I heard that playing vinyl records wet was a common practice among radio djs in the 60s-80s, maybe through the 90s, as a quick and easy way to quiet surface noise for radio broadcast without a lengthy cleaning process
Michael, great introduction to classical music. I tell people who aren't into it to give it a try in a similar fashion as you. To not be intimidated by the whole aura of it. It's music. A music lover who in not into classical music is usually unconsciencely thinking that they might not understand the musical language. But that's rubbish. It's very easily decoded. It's just more music. BTW - Bruno Walter recorded a lot more with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra. He did the last 3 Mozart symphonies, which are phenomenal. Mahler 1 and 9. I've got a few of those Beeethoven box sets you mentioned (Leibowitz, Karajan). Why did you have to go and spill the beans on the Readers Digest boxes? Oh, forgot to say when I got my Karajan box, used, the previos owner was fortunate enough to get an autographed copy by Ludwig Van himself! :)
Great video as always. I just wanted to make some point about classical music recordings. The difference between classical music and other kinds of music is that classical pieces are recorded all the time by different orchestras and conductors etc. So it’s important to find an album that combines the best team of musicians with the best conductor in their best effort, along with the best recording and mastering process from the record label. Some times getting both parts (good emotional musicianship with a great recording) doesn’t happen and you might find that the first part is more important that the second.
Now that was entertaining, alive, fluid (as opposed to dry) commertary on boxed sets. You did a great job busting the myth of box set compilations in general. Along with the Readers Digest, I would've liked to hear your opinion on the Longines Symphonette bowed set
Very funny about the Indian Call Center scams. I get the exact same ones here in Australia. Normally I just hang up once I hear the "Microsoft computer" reference. But I too have almost blown up on legitimate callers with an Indian accent. That's an indication of how many of these scam calls I've had to answer. Yes, the Deutsche Grammophon Beethoven boxed selections are great. The DG Von Karajan Sibelius recordings are superb as well. Great video.
I have the Reader's Digest - Festival Of Light Classical Music boxset, I paid two dollars for it. It sounds GREAT! My box is red not blue, exactly the same picture though. Cheers
OMG why am I reading your comment from a thread I read last night on a totally different subject for a totally different video below this video about analog recordings of Beethoven? Weird!!
This was interesting... made me go and check out my boxed set of Karajan conducting BPO. I'm just getting into hi fi again after getting out of self employment. I had no time to listen to records for 20 years. I do remember the sound on this set as being amongst the best in my collection. It was from the seventies so analogue, whereas most of my classical was from mid eighties so recordings were done digitally and never sounded as 'full evelope.' Getting my turntable checked out before I turn it on for the first time in a decade, but looking forward to giving Beethoven a spin. I hope where I live there will be anything like the variety at the cost you seem to be able to get of old analogue recordings.
my brother got that Karajan set of Beethoven when I was 14 and I haven't turned back from classical since. It changed my life by waking up my mind. I thank the Lord for it as it was a true blessing. I studied composition and piano at the RCM in Toronto and at 62 years of age if I can just get the IV chord and the V chords straight in Jesus Loves Me, I just might get a gig playing for free somewhere !!! Seriously tho, it's the set to have.
HI loved your video very informative.i am old enough to remember Readers Digest lps never owned any but they were always about quality! having returned to vinyl in the last few years i will have to find some of these Classical sets alot of love,respect and talent went into these recordings.some of the recent boxsets you featured are of interest also! Cheers and thanks!
Michael your record collection is unbelievable! My wife thought and still does that my CD collection is nuts but your record collection trounces mine by a long shot!
Interesting video! I got the Beethoven Karajan set in a slightly battered box with records looking unplayed for 10€ a few years back. There also seems to be a newer box set, in which they mixed some of the older recordings with new ones. To me, Karajan buries the music under too much patina. I picked up a Klemperer set for 3€ at a local thrift store. I really recommend it. I only know the second Bernstein Beethoven cycle on BluRay audio, but it seemed amazing. I really like Thielemann, as a bridge between conservative and modern readings, but I think his recordings have only been released on CD, DVD and BluRay yet. And I am madly excited about Teodor Currentzis‘ upcoming Beethoven cycle, which is to be published on vinyl, as well. He performed some of them live at the Proms last year, and the broadcast was breathtaking. He is able to translate the original revolutionary essence of Beethoven‘s symphonies into today‘s world. Christopher Hogwood’s Beethoven was a bit like that as well, very fascinating, even though it wasn’t as radical as Currentzis. There was a minor error in the video: You talked about the Pastorale, it is the 6th symphony, not the 7th.
Dear Mr. Fremer, just wanted to add a comment about something you mentioned on the Simon Rattle version. You mentioned that it was faster than other versions. Just wanted to point out that this is mostly because they might be trying to follow the controversial Beethoven tempo marks. I would suggest that you take a peek at the Benjamin Zander Symphony No.9 'Choral' with the Philharmonia Orchestra/Chorus ( available in iTunes). In this version Mr. Zander goes through a long and detailed explanation for the controversial markings as the metronome was introduced during the time of these compositions but not widely used/understood. Listening to both Mr. Zanders version and Mr. Rattle version seems similar ( Zanders version seem to adhere much more strict to the written tempo ) they both are much faster than what has traditionally been played before, but the way that it plays in favor of the marches in the 9th is pretty amazing in my opinion. Thanks for the pointer to the Rattle version in LP.
when I first saw the title of the video I thought I don't know if I'd be interested in this but I like Michael so I'll try it. You completely drew me in for the entire 25 minutes. Kudos to you.
just found bethoven reel to reel tapes ,all symphonies for 2 bucks ,its making me hurry up to finish restoring my deck ...i love hifi never a dull moment ......your vids are great ....
I have 4 Riders Digest box sets. Organ Favorites for one. The Swinging Years. (Not sure if that is the correct title) My point is they sound excellent! They were remastered by RCA Victor.
One of my favorite Analog Planet videos. I have the Karajan and Rattle but now I want the Järvi and the Bernstein. I really like the LSO LIve SACD set with Haitink but I've never searched to see if that cycle was on LP or not.
Not to be missed the René Leibowitz recording, they are an advance of what we actually call HIP, he uses a small orchestra, more clean textures, very well played, if you find that álbum and is in nice condition, buy it.
I think this is the set you are referring to at the end of your video: - This seems to be the best original pressing - Beethoven*, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Bruno Walter - The Nine Symphonies Label: Philips - SABL 132/33 + SABL 166/70 + D99893 Format: 8 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation Box Set (actually it seems to only be 7 discs) Country: US (UK RELEASE) Released: 1959 Other releases of the same recordings; (I think these are all stereo versions) The one you seem to have is: Beethoven*, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Bruno Walter - The Nine Symphonies Label: Columbia Masterworks - D7S 610 Format: 7 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation Box Set Country: US (Also Canada release) Released: 1959 Beethoven*, Columbia Symphony Orchester*, Bruno Walter - Die Neun Sinfonien Label: CBS - S 77701 Format: 7 × Vinyl, LP Box Set Country: Germany Released: 1973 Beethoven*, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Bruno Walter - The Nine Symphonies Label: Columbia Odyssey - Y7 30051 Series: The Great Columbia Stereo Recordings - Format: 7 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation Box Set Country: US Released: 1973 Beethoven*, Bruno Walter, The Columbia Symphony Orchestra* - The Nine Symphonies Label: CBS Special Products - A6 21363 Format: 6 × CD, Compilation, Reissue Country: US Released: 1989 Bruno Walter, Beethoven* - The Complete Symphonies Label: Sony Classical - 0873282003, Sony Classical - SM5K87328 Series: Columbia Legends - Format: 5 × CD, Compilation Country: Europe Released: 2003
Hey Mike! you are so damn right.... I'm dumbfounded when I hear about crazy shit that people do to their records or equipment. I can definitely say that after 4 years owning my very first VPI 16.5, I could never go back to any other way of cleaning records only and solely with this machine. cheers my friend \,,/
Walthamstow Town Hall saw many superb recordings made there, one if the most memorable being Verdi’s La Forza Ill Destino boxed set on RCA with Leontin Price as soprano. Superb acoustics and production. Everyone needs Beethoven in their collection! If you can find it, Furtwangler/Berlin Philharmonic on ASD playing the 6th is superb. I find some of Klemporer’s DG arrangements a touch fast on tempo.
I have a Bethoven set from The Classic Record Library. Which I feel is in the reasers digest vein. And let me say, this is a QUALITY box set. Well made. Well pressed. They sound beautiful...
I have those Readers Digest RCA classic boxset first heard on my dad’s record player and it was so great sounding and involving ,I have learned my love of Opera now. Still love my sticky fingers album.
Really enjoyed this Michael. I have the 1963 Karajan on CD and the 1980's digital Karajan cycle on vinyl. Guess thats the wrong way around but I enjoy both! Thanks for sharing I always like to watch your videos and I love that room you have full of records :D
The 1977 Karajan/Berlin PO Beethoven cycle gets little respect but has the best orchestral playing of the 3 Berlin cycles. The recording is much drier and closer than the 1962 cycle but still better than the congested 1980s digital cycle. Karajan's interpretations did not change much over the years but the latter 2 cycles sound more assured.
Hi I picked up a box set Handel Messiah reader's digest from a local charity shop. It's the best recording I have heard and I have heard lots of Handel recording . Unbelievable! . Guess what ? It only cost a fiver too . Regards David UK Ps just started to view your channel
I tried that method of yours with the "carbon fiber" brush, and it made a world of difference! My Lps are a lot quieter now, Thanx for the tip "Michael fremer"!
Mikey, Would love for you to recommend some great classical LP pressings for sonics from other well known composers and pieces. Debussey's Claire de Lune, Chopin's Nocturne op 9., Liszt's Un Sopsiro come to mind and others. I'm not as well versed on classical pressings. Appreciated your Beethoven selections. thanks for taking the time to upload this.
Most classical or popular box sets I've picked up sound great. Of course, they come from the era when vinyl was the default medium, and large record companies heavily promoted the quality of their recordings. Regarding wet-playing records, most people, and probably the UA-cam person referred to, totally soak the record surface. I've wet-played noisy records using low-end gear, and the difference in sound is night-and-day. But I wouldn't recommend doing it for good records, and especially not if you have a good record cleaning system, or any cart costing over $100. For single play dubbing, it works very well, provided only a fine mist is applied to the record surface. I use a small cosmetic spray bottle to get the finest mist, and I only use distilled water. I haven't detected any damage to either record or stylus.
Really enjoyed this.. Thank you! I cherish my vinyl .. soon I will need to upgrade my turntable.. personally I am very much into analog.. fountain pens, double edge razors, and my vinyl recordings.. thanks for your work! Frank from Boulder, Colorado.. formerly Astoria and Flushing, NYC
By coincidence I just listened to the Beethoven 3 and 5, the DG Karajan 1962, in this specific case a Dutch repressing of the early 80's. Silent, good quality vinyl. The new box on 180g vinyl is great too. Thanks for this video!
So many fine Beethoven symphony boxes out there. Karajan 63 is NOT the best, but it has become the reference recording due to the heavy promotion. Performances are generally good, even if none are the best. Your other choices are spot on...save for Rattle, with whom I have little patience. But in Beethoven boxes, we have Wand, Walter, Bernstein, Szell, Cluytens, Klemperer, Leibowitz, and a host of others....not to mention the many "period" instrument boxes, some of which are quite fine.
Thanks for explaining what was the Columbia Symphony--in some ways similar to the "101 Strings" orchestra. Can you explain what was the "RCA Victor" Symphony on the Heifetz recording of the Glazunov Violin Concerto? Whoever they are they sound incredible.
Love the video(s). Went out to local shop and found the DG Karajan box for $25 in pretty good shape. Listened to syms #1-4, cranked it up, most excellent! Thank you!
These box sets are sold £1.00 I kid you not . I recently picked up Wagner ‘lohengrin’ 5 Lp set with stunning booklet - £1.00 and Handel’s ‘messiah’ 3 Lp set with booklet again £1.00 both mint condition and sound is spectacular!
Charles Gerhard conducted some amazing rerecordings of classic filmmusic in the 70s and early 80s with the National Philharmonic Orchestra. Great stuff.
Also, it’s absolutely fantastic how you really appreciate and love the art of making these recordings and how they are presented. A kid in a candy shop! Never grow old !
Also, I remember as a young photo assistant walking into the studio and these cds were there - The great men of music. Wow! It opened up a whole new world for me. I bought a stereo and started to buy cd’s at tower records. The staff became my friends (Randy) for one. It was a magical experience to go alone and search for all this music I never heard before. I still have all my classical cds and still listen to the great men of music. And this is where I discovered Bach! Bach I listen to almost every day. Thank you for posting this video. These sets are very important and have exposed many of young and old to new music
Your presentation here reminds me of when I was a kid back in 1959 and started mowing lawns in the neighborhood for a buck a pop. As a result of that income I began to buy classical music albums out of the bargain bin at the local WT Grant Co 5&10 store for 50 cents a piece and no sales tax. I wore those albums out on an old cheap record player and never once was disappointed in the quality. The imagination of the composers and skill of the conductors and musicians always came through.
Thank you Mike for triggering those old memories.
I was in college and one of the last Reiner recordings came out in the Readers Digest set. I wrote to Readers Digest and told them I couldn't afford the set. They sent me the recording of Brahms 4th symphony which did not appear again until they were redone by Chesky records in LP and CD. The quote was from Reiner that it was his most beautiful sounding recording.
Loved your comment about the audience on the Bernstein recording. I moved to Vienna a couple of years ago and a big part of my choosing to move to Austria was the music and tangible sense of walking in the footsteps of the greats. I go to the musikverein a lot and remember how into the music the audiences are here. It’s serious stuff here and it’s not just the rich. Classical music is for everyone and one can pay as little as €6 to see top class performers there. I also managed to finagle my way into some private concerts held in a small medieval palace here. It’s incredible a low arched room lit only by candle light and anything post baroque is considered modern! I don’t know if you have ever been here but you must come and if you do, let me know, if one of those concerts are on when you are here then I will take you along with me. Free wine and nibbles and a very very eclectic crowd. The first time I went I ended up in conversation with an Italian Count a Cardinal visiting from Rome and a Scholar on Shakespeare!
Good video. Beethoven's reviews start at 8:34
Are we getting "WHICH MOZART?" anytime soon?
Im so glad to find your channel! Love your character, great reviews! Thanks man. :)
Earlier this year I did a major splurge (for me, a retiree on social security, dipped a bit into the nest egg) and bought the Bernstein Centennial half-speed remastered box set (1666/1750). I have a modest, but good, stereo system. However, I wanted to hear the premier playing of the Symphony No. 9 on a system worthy of this pinnacle music. The Sound Environment of Omaha, Nebraska graciously accommodated an old customer and played all three sides on their current top system (Lyra Atlas/Graham Phantom/TechDAS A. F. III/VTL phono and line preamps/Gryphon class A amp/Wilson Alexxes) in a good room (Peter McGrath approved). It was wonderful. Even close to the edge of the High Plains, there remain a few independent brick and mortar dealers that will let you listen to the good stuff even though they know it is way above your (former, see above) pay grade.
p.s. Earlier today I stopped at a local used record store and found a copy of the 6 disk Solti Gotterdammerung, London ffrr OSA 1604. He let me have it for $10.00 plus tax. Haven't listened to it yet, but it looks to be in pretty good shape. Sometimes the muses smile on you.
I’m a week away from returning to Canada- after our regular stay with family in Vietnam, and our home and the music collection which contains several of your referenced ‘Readers Digest’ sets and can’t wait to spend some time with them. Absolutely appreciate your wonderful advocacy of the phenomenal gift of classical music - priceless. I’m also of the view that one can’t really have too many records, but my dear wife does not concur
Dear Mr. Fremer, you make your videos so interesting with your humor. Never a dull moment with you. Fantastic!
Absolutely loved this edition, Michael. Learned so much. I would recommend Brahms 4 with Fritz Reiner and Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on Readers Digest. Reiner seemed slightly more relaxed in these sessions than he sometimes appeared with the Chicago Symphony and it has a lovely recording.
You are so right about the Readers Digest boxed sets ,they were very well pressed and many were engineered by Decca And RCA.
Dear Mr. Fremer: Spectacular. Do more like this. We want it. Do it. Thank you.
i know im asking randomly but does any of you know a method to get back into an Instagram account??
I was stupid forgot the login password. I love any help you can give me!
@Elijah Angelo Instablaster ;)
Mark - This is an eye opening video - I went to one of the local thrift stores the day after watching this and they were having a Spring Sale on all there books, cds & vinyl albums. I picked up the Readers Digest Beethoven Set, a London Haydn Piano Sonatas Box Set and EMI Karajan Beethoven 9th Box Set - all three for six bucks and they are in VG to Mint Condition. What a deal! That’s why you’re the man !
Can you make a video that goes a bit into depth on some record press companies as well as notable people in the industry. This would be great for new collectors, and I think you'd be a good fit to do a video like such Michael!
Absolutely enjoyed this one, Mr Fremer...and I'm in complete accord regarding Reader's Digest box sets. The ones that I am buying in London charity shops (aka goodwills) indecently cheaply are splendid, and often come with expansive and novel packaging. May I also add, RD did some fantastic jazz boxes in the 1970s, early and swing jazz mostly. Although the graphics may look a little cheesy, the records are manufactured to a standard that compares well to any other label. Cheers from London, England!
I have the Music of the World's Great Composers set he showed. The recordings are not all my personal favorites, but not bad either. Very thoughtful gift from my wife since most of my classical library is on CD. I concur with his opinion on those box sets - maybe not life-changung performances, but well mastered and pressed, and a great introduction for someone that wants to get started with some of the heavy-hitters.
Thank you for locating the gems that are available in my local used record stores. After watching your video I decided that I had to get the Bruno Walter complete Beethoven symphonies recordings. I recently purchased a few box sets that looked like good bargains yet have not listened to yet. Turns out I did purchase the Columbia Symphony Bruno Walter recordings! I played symphonies 1 to 3 last night and your comments on Raiders of the Lost Beethoven symphonies are spot on. The music moves briskly and seems more engaging at least to me. Your videos are informative and entertaining! Thanks again!
Awesome. You’re enthusiasm has motivated me to listen to more classical music. Thank you
Leonard Bersteen? Who's that?
Thank you for sharing some of your classical collection. I hope to see more.
I'm a new fan of your Channel. I'm a classical music lover a recording engineer and I think vinyl has the best sound. I love your wit and your presentation I can't wait to delve into more videos. Analog forever! And of course Beethoven isn't too bad :-)
Really enjoyed this. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with these classical recordings!
I totally agree with the Beethoven recommendations. In the CD era the venue of Bruno Walter's Beethoven cycle was revealed as being recorded at Hollywood's Legion Hall, cited as "American Legion Hall'. I would also highly recommend the superb budget André Cluytens Beethoven cycle with the Berlin Philharmonic. It's contemporaneous to the Walter cycle and was produced by Walter Legge of EMI fame.
I was wondering if you knew if the new SACD release used the single Blumlein pair of mics recording to make them? I just purchased my last SACD/Cd player. P. S. I have the Karajan nine symphony set (tulip borders) in near mint shape with all the paperwork that came with it in mint condition. I paid a dollar for this from a resale shop a few blocks away . after cleaning (and recleaning years later on a Degritter) some of the sides don't even have a pop, tick, anything. I love it. Always love your videos and your takeaways. And your right. Since Covid19, I started watching UA-cam and there is a plethora of useless no nothing reviewers, influencers, opinionates, etc. who have filled the site who feel they have something of value to say . Water on a disc. I guess I missed that one.
Thanks for the lighthearted tutorial on classical box sets. You have a way to make any subject interesting. I once toured several Belgian breweries with a host that had so many great life stories to keep it enjoyable - at least until the tastings began! Big MFer fan.
The beer rightly became the center of attention.
I grew up with a set of RD's "Mood Music For Listening And Relaxation".
I always thought they were some of the best-sounding records I'd heard.
The music was well arranged and expertly played.
I now have two sets, one in great shape with all the paperwork about various RD boxes.
My choice of Beethoven-in-a-box is Szell / Cleveland SO, which I first heard when a friend
wanted it taped on cassettes from his records. While I was at it, I made open-reel copies for myself.
Years later I bought it on CDs.
I like to coat my stylus with a blob of Marshmallow Fluff. It allows the the stylus to coat the record with a sweet fluffy goodness. It's a counter to harsh sounding digitally sourced vinyl.
Fluff or Jet-Puffed?
Must remember the peanut butter.That helps to keep the stylus from leaving the grooves of the album.
@@progressiveguy9959 Beware, however, of peanut allergies.
@@jeffbellin8224 No worries. I have had all of my albums tested for allergies.
LOL!
Just joined your channel, love it, great hints and tips, although I'm not a novice with vinyl, your shows are great, I know so many people who sold their vinyl records and are regretting it now, I'm so glad I kept all my records, never fell out of love with vinyl, just can't believe it's back, love from the UK 👍👍
As a massive jazz fan I love your collection of Mosaic box sets! Also, I smiled at the Dexter Gordon Blue Note box tucked way up on the shelf behind you! I bought that back when it came out in the 90s and still cherish it. Love your videos, thanks for sharing your amazing knowledge on all things music!
It was the Reader’s Digest boxed sets of “Eric Robinson’s World of Music” and “Music For You” both sets of Classical music, that got me into classical music. Dad bought them for us kids in 1968. I also have a Reader’s Digest boxed set of Handel’s Messiah conducted by Sir Malcolm Sargent. All very good recordings and have great sleeve notes about the music.
I enjoyed your presentation so I’ve subbed 👍😁.
Excellent video, Michael! (From an analogue/classical aficionado.)
Great video. That Leibowitz Beethoven cycle was reissued on CD and vinyl by Chesky. Just one small correction, the Bruno Walter cycle was not recorded at Royce Hall, they used the American Legion Post 43 Auditorium in Hollywood. The building is still there just as it was 60 years ago.
m.facebook.com/hollywoodpost43/posts/10153069235892242
Thanks for hipping me to the Bruno Walter Columbia stuff. I grabbed my father in law’s original white promo 6 eye label of him doing the 7th symphony with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra several months ago when he let me pick through his LPs but I had never gotten around to listening to it till this morning.. The performances of the New York CSO stuff by Stravinsky, Bernstein etc are great but I always found the sound a bit dry. I had no idea there was a west coast version. Good god!!! This thing sounds glorious!!!! The cool thing is that as a jazz musician I’ve gotten to play in Royce hall a number of times... what a sound.
At 6:42 - Oh my gosh! When you pulled out Music of the World's Great Composers and Festival of Light Classical Music I immediately recognized them! My parents had those. I even played them myself on occasion when I was a kid. Hmmm....I wonder whatever happened to them...
Music of the Worlds Great Composers is the set that got me back onto records a few years ago. I've been all in on digital since the early '90's, and my wife gave me that box set and a terrible Closley table for Christmas. I ditched the Crosley and bought a rebuilt Sanyo with a nice Grado cartridge and have really enjoyed the slow journey back from the dark side.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Just listened to Paavo Järvi recording. Marvellous! Can we get Orff, Mahler, Dvorak recommendations too?
I first viewed this video when it was uploaded and enjoyed it but I came back and gave it another watch. So much good information.
I only have the Bernstein, Jarvi, Karajan and Rattle boxes; love them all. I don't have a favorite but keep going back to Bernstein. So exciting and captivating!
WONDERFUL topic and video (again)! I have found some great jazz compilation boxes as well as the Reader's Digest stuff and 99% of the time they're absolutely UNPLAYED and pristine. Pennies per side.
I grew up with TWO copies of the Toscanini/NBC Symphony box set of the 9 symphonies, along with lots of other records, mostly of American orchestras, the great Reiner/Chicago Bartok Concerto for Orchestra and a ton more, NYPO, Philadelphia, Boston, etc., with Munch, Stokowski, Bernstein, Ormandy, etc. In fact, they're all sitting in the console not 10 feet from me right now (along with a cheap stereo and some Bose 301s my parents got in the 80s). It really cemented how great classical music is in my mind. I must have played some of those dozens, hundreds of times after school when I was home alone. Later when I started collecting CDs I had some of Karajan's 70s Beethoven (and perhaps even more notably, some of his Bruckner and his 60s Sibelius). Bernstein's Brahms in Vienna is also spectacular, my favorites overall.
If you can find the piano sonatas (full or partial) on vinyl from Annie Fischer, jump on it. Her Waldstein in particular is amazing, glorious. (I'm actually not sure they're available on LP, maybe CD/streaming only, but still very worth listening to.)
Now I'm trying to start my own little boutique label for a wonderful, wonderful double bassist, and I do hope to do some vinyl for her (though all the sources are digital).
Here on UA-cam I sometimes check out the various "reaction" videos, and it's fascinating to watch just how incredibly blown away hip-hop artists and metal-heads are when they first hear Beethoven, or Chopin, or first hear Pavarotti sing, or whatever. There is SO MUCH that would blow them away, Bach, Shostakovich, Berlioz, Brahms, Mahler, on and on and on.
By and large, engineers and musicians in the classical music world are not so much purists about "analog only". They seem far more likely to happily work all-digital than people on the pop side, as far as I can tell, even on the highest-budget projects. Unlike pop/rock, they are not trying to modify the sound to make it warmer or smoother or anything, they just want it more accurate, more air, more realism, since the original sound of great musicians in a great hall is already so gorgeous. But thee is a certain solidity, certainty, about some of these old recordings on vinyl. You can hear it in Klemperer with the Philharmonia, so monolithic, granitic, just fabulous.
I bought the George Szell set back in the mid-1970s. It's got that gritty Columbia, early 60s sound, but great performances in my view. Perfect tempo, between the speedy Toscanini and the sometimes lugubrious Klemperer. But I also have others, Toscanini's early 50s recordings of the 7th, 4th and 8th, Bernstein's 4th and 5th and Reiner's 9th (Chicago Symphony). There's so much to choose from.
The best bargain in records is box sets at the Goodwill. The Goodwill near me only charges .99 cents for these beautiful mostly unplayed multi disk Classical records. I have to stop myself from buying them all.
I enjoyed this as I have what I would call a Library of music. I do have the first Beethoven you talked about and did enjoy that version over the rest of what I have. I have picked up the readers digest collections, a few and have enjoyed them. Love this kind of video, Thanks!
Thank you so much for this Michael, I'm starting into vinyl and I was avoiding classical vinyl at thrifts not because I hate them I'm a big fan specifically of Beethoven works but heard that classical is not great on vinyl and better on cd. A 99 cent scheherazade's korsakov totally changed my mind.
Fremer Album Review: "No coughing. 10/10."
That's "cawfing" ;-)
@@FrankiesMarket Shh. Don't tell him about ProTools.
Great video Michael! I got a sealed copy of the 1977 karajan Beethoven box set for 17 bucks on discogs. Probably the best value buy ever for me. Listen to classical kids it's good for you.
Chris Cabezas I got the some set for $5.00 but not sealed. Good for the brain 🧠
Agreed! I like pure classical, early music predating what people generally call classical, such as Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, as well as contemporary classical-style works such as neo-classical. I for one like Yngwie Malmsteen and have an appreciation for Mark Wood of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. There's also a joke on the internet that classical is metal before electricity, and in a sense, that is true in my opinion.
I love your reviews Michael. I have a Readers Digest box set of classical music that my wife brought me many years ago. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality.
It did introduce me to composers that I had not heard of as a young man and the recoding sounded pretty good on my Thorens belt drive deck with an SME arm and a Shure V15 cartridge.
We are talking 1973 here. I still have the same box set.
Talking about Simon Rattle, he was a big fan of Mahler I was told which is why he moved to Germany and accepted becoming the principal conductor of a German orchestra.
Great Video! I have many of these box sets! Recently opened read! cleaned and Listened/Listening. Some never played since 1958! I Enjoy the Listening! Have so many left to Open! Read! Clean! then Listen!
Just discovered your channel - very nice! Great presentation and looking forward to searching out some your featured LPs. BTW I've got every one of the Beethoven cycles you have mentioned here except for the Walter. Just a few 2-cents from me - the Von Karajan is exactly "classical music" in a nutshell. The Leibowitz is Lvb on crystal meth - insane and pedal to the floor - great. Leibowitz was big into avant-garde music. Jaarvi - OMG - if you are a young person who only knows rock and jazz, then this is the gateway drug. The Jaarvi versions are very much how LvB himself heard them - small, tight, intimate. I saw Jaarvi with this ensemble in Vianna live and it was like the Ramones at CBGBs. Bernstein (please pronounce as rhyming with "learn fine") - the Vienna is big and broad and gooey but I like the NY Phil because its like a New York minute. Anyways - I can blab forever - thanks!
I can't believe it...I thought when Mr. Fremer showed the Karajancollection "Oh, I would like that conducted by Leibowitz"...and then it came! Just compare the start of the 7th between Leibowitz and Karajan...Leibowitz is so precise, Karajan not really.
This was great. Would love to hear your thoughts on a Mahler box
I have all Beethoven Symphonies by Bruno Walter but in separate récords. AFAIK what they called Columbia Symphony Orchestra, was essentially members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra plus some sessions musicians. That was the ensemble that Bruno Walter uses for his releases. When the recordings where made in the east cost, musicians came from NY Philharmonic plus free lance players, that was the ensemble used by Igor Stravinsky and Robert Craft for the complete recording of Webern's Works.
Thanks, that was so informative. It's such a pity so few vinyl lovers appear to be interested in classical music-or maybe they are just not interested in posting on UA-cam. Those RD boxes are phenomenal value. Classical music with it's wide dynamics lends itself perfectly to vinyl, though it needs to be mint or near mint in condition so the quiet bits are not affected by too many pops and clicks. Just my personal opinion but I don't think CD' s did any favours for classical music lovers in terms of sound quality.
Great review. The early 60s Von Karajan boxset is a classic that even Karajan himself could not beat with the recordings of the nine later on. Performance and recording were just perfect. The other boxes you mentioned are also of great quality, except the Jarvi efforts perhaps, this conductor just can't compete with giants like Bernstein and Walter.
I have a theory that coughing people in classical recordings were people who decided to smoke a joint in the car before the concert and, being novice smokers, forgot to bring water.
Great video Michael. I will be bin shopping all of those. Off to Music Direct to pick those newer releases. I have recently rediscovered my love for the classics. The wife is really opening up to classical music as well. She even cleans out any classical albums she finds at estate sales! Shwing
After inheriting many readers digest records , along with many Sinatra’s , perry como etc i discovered the quality of the digests and as suggested I’ve been collecting boxes sets of ‘digest’ releases including full Wagner operas which are mint quality- keep up the vids-David H 🏴
I heard that playing vinyl records wet was a common practice among radio djs in the 60s-80s, maybe through the 90s, as a quick and easy way to quiet surface noise for radio broadcast without a lengthy cleaning process
1. and 2. Gardiner, Hanoncourt, 3. Mravinsky, Barshai, Bernstein 4. Carlos Kleiber, 5. Carlos Kleiber, 6. Mravinsky, Bernstein, 7. Carlos Kleiber 8. Garndiner, 9. Furtwängler
Michael, great introduction to classical music. I tell people who aren't into it to give it a try in a similar fashion as you. To not be intimidated by the whole aura of it. It's music. A music lover who in not into classical music is usually unconsciencely thinking that they might not understand the musical language. But that's rubbish. It's very easily decoded. It's just more music.
BTW - Bruno Walter recorded a lot more with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra. He did the last 3 Mozart symphonies, which are phenomenal. Mahler 1 and 9.
I've got a few of those Beeethoven box sets you mentioned (Leibowitz, Karajan). Why did you have to go and spill the beans on the Readers Digest boxes? Oh, forgot to say when I got my Karajan box, used, the previos owner was fortunate enough to get an autographed copy by Ludwig Van himself! :)
Great video as always. I just wanted to make some point about classical music recordings. The difference between classical music and other kinds of music is that classical pieces are recorded all the time by different orchestras and conductors etc. So it’s important to find an album that combines the best team of musicians with the best conductor in their best effort, along with the best recording and mastering process from the record label. Some times getting both parts (good emotional musicianship with a great recording) doesn’t happen and you might find that the first part is more important that the second.
you have opened a new world for me. forever grateful. thank you.
Now that was entertaining, alive, fluid (as opposed to dry) commertary on boxed sets. You did a great job busting the myth of box set compilations in general. Along with the Readers Digest, I would've liked to hear your opinion on the Longines Symphonette bowed set
Very funny about the Indian Call Center scams. I get the exact same ones here in Australia. Normally I just hang up once I hear the "Microsoft computer" reference. But I too have almost blown up on legitimate callers with an Indian accent. That's an indication of how many of these scam calls I've had to answer. Yes, the Deutsche Grammophon Beethoven boxed selections are great. The DG Von Karajan Sibelius recordings are superb as well. Great video.
I have the Reader's Digest - Festival Of Light Classical Music boxset, I paid two dollars for it. It sounds GREAT!
My box is red not blue, exactly the same picture though.
Cheers
OMG why am I reading your comment from a thread I read last night on a totally different subject for a totally different video below this video about analog recordings of Beethoven? Weird!!
Damn it Michael, your library Just blows my mind!
This is a wonderful conversation. Thank you.
"Lovely lovely Ludvig Van" oh my brothers...
This was interesting... made me go and check out my boxed set of Karajan conducting BPO. I'm just getting into hi fi again after getting out of self employment. I had no time to listen to records for 20 years. I do remember the sound on this set as being amongst the best in my collection. It was from the seventies so analogue, whereas most of my classical was from mid eighties so recordings were done digitally and never sounded as 'full evelope.' Getting my turntable checked out before I turn it on for the first time in a decade, but looking forward to giving Beethoven a spin. I hope where I live there will be anything like the variety at the cost you seem to be able to get of old analogue recordings.
my brother got that Karajan set of Beethoven when I was 14 and I haven't turned back from classical since. It changed my life by waking up my mind. I thank the Lord for it as it was a true blessing. I studied composition and piano at the RCM in Toronto and at 62 years of age if I can just get the IV chord and the V chords straight in Jesus Loves Me, I just might get a gig playing for free somewhere !!! Seriously tho, it's the set to have.
Excellent video. I am in the market for some Beethoven on vinyl and this video is very timely. I will be on the lookout for these.
HI loved your video very informative.i am old enough to remember Readers Digest lps never owned any but they were always about quality! having returned to vinyl in the last few years i will have to find some of these Classical sets alot of love,respect and talent went into these recordings.some of the recent boxsets you featured are of interest also! Cheers and thanks!
Michael your record collection is unbelievable! My wife thought and still does that my CD collection is nuts but your record collection trounces mine by a long shot!
Interesting video! I got the Beethoven Karajan set in a slightly battered box with records looking unplayed for 10€ a few years back. There also seems to be a newer box set, in which they mixed some of the older recordings with new ones. To me, Karajan buries the music under too much patina. I picked up a Klemperer set for 3€ at a local thrift store. I really recommend it. I only know the second Bernstein Beethoven cycle on BluRay audio, but it seemed amazing. I really like Thielemann, as a bridge between conservative and modern readings, but I think his recordings have only been released on CD, DVD and BluRay yet. And I am madly excited about Teodor Currentzis‘ upcoming Beethoven cycle, which is to be published on vinyl, as well. He performed some of them live at the Proms last year, and the broadcast was breathtaking. He is able to translate the original revolutionary essence of Beethoven‘s symphonies into today‘s world. Christopher Hogwood’s Beethoven was a bit like that as well, very fascinating, even though it wasn’t as radical as Currentzis. There was a minor error in the video: You talked about the Pastorale, it is the 6th symphony, not the 7th.
Dear Mr. Fremer, just wanted to add a comment about something you mentioned on the Simon Rattle version. You mentioned that it was faster than other versions. Just wanted to point out that this is mostly because they might be trying to follow the controversial Beethoven tempo marks. I would suggest that you take a peek at the Benjamin Zander Symphony No.9 'Choral' with the Philharmonia Orchestra/Chorus ( available in iTunes). In this version Mr. Zander goes through a long and detailed explanation for the controversial markings as the metronome was introduced during the time of these compositions but not widely used/understood. Listening to both Mr. Zanders version and Mr. Rattle version seems similar ( Zanders version seem to adhere much more strict to the written tempo ) they both are much faster than what has traditionally been played before, but the way that it plays in favor of the marches in the 9th is pretty amazing in my opinion. Thanks for the pointer to the Rattle version in LP.
Cracking video I will look for the box set on my next excursion to the charity shops here in the UK.
when I first saw the title of the video I thought I don't know if I'd be interested in this but I like Michael so I'll try it. You completely drew me in for the entire 25 minutes. Kudos to you.
just found bethoven reel to reel tapes ,all symphonies for 2 bucks ,its making me hurry up to finish restoring my deck ...i love hifi never a dull moment ......your vids are great ....
I have 4 Riders Digest box sets. Organ Favorites for one. The Swinging Years. (Not sure if that is the correct title) My point is they sound excellent! They were remastered by RCA Victor.
I was about to ask about Simon Rattle's Beethoven...Awesome! Walked through their 'digs' often.
One of my favorite Analog Planet videos. I have the Karajan and Rattle but now I want the Järvi and the Bernstein.
I really like the LSO LIve SACD set with Haitink but I've never searched to see if that cycle was on LP or not.
Not to be missed the René Leibowitz recording, they are an advance of what we actually call HIP, he uses a small orchestra, more clean textures, very well played, if you find that álbum and is in nice condition, buy it.
Exactly! The Leibowitz Beethoven is by far my favourite one.
I think this is the set you are referring to at the end of your video:
- This seems to be the best original pressing -
Beethoven*, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Bruno Walter - The Nine Symphonies
Label: Philips - SABL 132/33 + SABL 166/70 + D99893
Format: 8 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation Box Set (actually it seems to only be 7 discs)
Country: US (UK RELEASE)
Released: 1959
Other releases of the same recordings; (I think these are all stereo versions)
The one you seem to have is:
Beethoven*, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Bruno Walter - The Nine Symphonies
Label: Columbia Masterworks - D7S 610
Format: 7 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation Box Set
Country: US (Also Canada release)
Released: 1959
Beethoven*, Columbia Symphony Orchester*, Bruno Walter - Die Neun Sinfonien
Label: CBS - S 77701
Format: 7 × Vinyl, LP Box Set
Country: Germany
Released: 1973
Beethoven*, Columbia Symphony Orchestra, Bruno Walter - The Nine Symphonies
Label: Columbia Odyssey - Y7 30051
Series: The Great Columbia Stereo Recordings -
Format: 7 × Vinyl, LP, Compilation Box Set
Country: US
Released: 1973
Beethoven*, Bruno Walter, The Columbia Symphony Orchestra* - The Nine Symphonies
Label: CBS Special Products - A6 21363
Format: 6 × CD, Compilation, Reissue
Country: US
Released: 1989
Bruno Walter, Beethoven* - The Complete Symphonies
Label: Sony Classical - 0873282003, Sony Classical - SM5K87328
Series: Columbia Legends -
Format: 5 × CD, Compilation
Country: Europe
Released: 2003
Hey Mike! you are so damn right.... I'm dumbfounded when I hear about crazy shit that people do to their records or equipment. I can definitely say that after 4 years owning my very first VPI 16.5, I could never go back to any other way of cleaning records only and solely with this machine. cheers my friend \,,/
Walthamstow Town Hall saw many superb recordings made there, one if the most memorable being Verdi’s La Forza Ill Destino boxed set on RCA with Leontin Price as soprano. Superb acoustics and production.
Everyone needs Beethoven in their collection! If you can find it, Furtwangler/Berlin Philharmonic on ASD playing the 6th is superb. I find some of Klemporer’s DG arrangements a touch fast on tempo.
I have a Bethoven set from The Classic Record Library. Which I feel is in the reasers digest vein. And let me say, this is a QUALITY box set. Well made. Well pressed. They sound beautiful...
Thank you for sharing -- invaluable advice to be sure.
I have those Readers Digest RCA classic boxset first heard on my dad’s record player and it was so great sounding and involving ,I have learned my love of Opera now. Still love my sticky fingers album.
Really enjoyed this Michael. I have the 1963 Karajan on CD and the 1980's digital Karajan cycle on vinyl. Guess thats the wrong way around but I enjoy both! Thanks for sharing I always like to watch your videos and I love that room you have full of records :D
The 1977 Karajan/Berlin PO Beethoven cycle gets little respect but has the best orchestral playing of the 3 Berlin cycles. The recording is much drier and closer than the 1962 cycle but still better than the congested 1980s digital cycle. Karajan's interpretations did not change much over the years but the latter 2 cycles sound more assured.
Thank you for the info, I will look out for that in the charity shops :D
Hi I picked up a box set Handel Messiah reader's digest from a local charity shop. It's the best recording I have heard and I have heard lots of Handel recording . Unbelievable! . Guess what ? It only cost a fiver too .
Regards David UK
Ps just started to view your channel
(TIC) ;-) Here we go. Due to the Fremer effect, Readers Digest boxed sets will now go through the roof. Thanks!?!
I tried that method of yours with the "carbon fiber" brush, and it made a world of difference! My Lps are a lot quieter now, Thanx for the tip "Michael fremer"!
Mikey, Would love for you to recommend some great classical LP pressings for sonics from other well known composers and pieces. Debussey's Claire de Lune, Chopin's Nocturne op 9., Liszt's Un Sopsiro come to mind and others. I'm not as well versed on classical pressings. Appreciated your Beethoven selections. thanks for taking the time to upload this.
Most classical or popular box sets I've picked up sound great. Of course, they come from the era when vinyl was the default medium, and large record companies heavily promoted the quality of their recordings.
Regarding wet-playing records, most people, and probably the UA-cam person referred to, totally soak the record surface. I've wet-played noisy records using low-end gear, and the difference in sound is night-and-day. But I wouldn't recommend doing it for good records, and especially not if you have a good record cleaning system, or any cart costing over $100. For single play dubbing, it works very well, provided only a fine mist is applied to the record surface. I use a small cosmetic spray bottle to get the finest mist, and I only use distilled water. I haven't detected any damage to either record or stylus.
Really enjoyed this.. Thank you! I cherish my vinyl .. soon I will need to upgrade my turntable.. personally I am very much into analog.. fountain pens, double edge razors, and my vinyl recordings.. thanks for your work!
Frank from Boulder, Colorado.. formerly Astoria and Flushing, NYC
By coincidence I just listened to the Beethoven 3 and 5, the DG Karajan 1962, in this specific case a Dutch repressing of the early 80's. Silent, good quality vinyl. The new box on 180g vinyl is great too.
Thanks for this video!
Bought all 9 symphonies in a Deutsche Grammophon box (8 lps) for €20.
I agree, must have music.
So many fine Beethoven symphony boxes out there. Karajan 63 is NOT the best, but it has become the reference recording due to the heavy promotion. Performances are generally good, even if none are the best. Your other choices are spot on...save for Rattle, with whom I have little patience. But in Beethoven boxes, we have Wand, Walter, Bernstein, Szell, Cluytens, Klemperer, Leibowitz, and a host of others....not to mention the many "period" instrument boxes, some of which are quite fine.
Thanks for explaining what was the Columbia Symphony--in some ways similar to the "101 Strings" orchestra. Can you explain what was the "RCA Victor" Symphony on the Heifetz recording of the Glazunov Violin Concerto? Whoever they are they sound incredible.
Love the video(s). Went out to local shop and found the DG Karajan box for $25 in pretty good shape. Listened to syms #1-4, cranked it up, most excellent! Thank you!
These box sets are sold £1.00 I kid you not . I recently picked up Wagner ‘lohengrin’ 5 Lp set with stunning booklet - £1.00 and Handel’s ‘messiah’ 3 Lp set with booklet again £1.00 both mint condition and sound is spectacular!
Charles Gerhard conducted some amazing rerecordings of classic filmmusic in the 70s and early 80s with the National Philharmonic Orchestra. Great stuff.