Jochum's earlier set made during his tenure with the Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam in the 1960s. His performance of the 3rd symphony is remarkable, although I definitely prefer Jochum's later LSO performances of the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th symphonies (particularly the LSO 9th, which is deeply spiritual).

This is Jochum's first Beethoven cycle, recorded for DG in the 1950s. It is divided between the Berlin Philharmonic and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra--an orchestra that Jochum founded. I include this set for completeness, though I prefer his later two cycles, and chiefly the LSO set, both as performances and recordings (this DG set is a mixture of stereo and mono sound).

An earlier release of the same Furtwangler set mentioned above, which I have included because I feel that it has been less tampered with sound-wise than the more recent set; although, be warned, I may be alone in this thinking. It is also the more expensive set of the two.

EDIT: I was surprised to learn that this is the real Furtwangler 1951 Bayreuth performance of the 9th, given at the reopening of the Bayreuth Festival after WWII. The legendary EMI version above was recorded at a dress rehearsal. Furtwangler takes the 9th to its absolute limits here, and though it's in poor mono sound, this is probably the greatest performance of Beethoven's 9th I've ever heard.

Here is Furtwangler's 1954 Lucerne 9th in new and improved hybrid SACD sound.

Furtwangler's famous 1942 live recording performed before an audience that included high ranking members of Nazi party. Much has been made about the apocalytic fervor of the performance, as an expression of Furtwangler's anger and defiance toward the Nazis, but listeners should be warned that the recorded sound is really terrible, and I mean, miserably so.

Otto Klemperer was one of the great conductors of Beethoven's music in the 20th century (alongside Furtwangler and Jochum). These are the same "stereo" performances as in the boxed set listed below--without Daniel Barenboim's performances of the Five Piano Concertos--reissued in 1994.

I have included this "Eroica" because some collectors prefer Klemperer's more dynamic "mono" Beethoven performances with the same orchestra to his later stereo recordings.

For those on a limited budget, this set by Herbert Blomstedt and the Staatskapelle Dresden makes an excellent choice. The Dresden is my favorite orchestra in the world; it was also once Beethoven's favorite as well, as he chose it to premiere his Missa Solemnis. Though Blomstedt's choice of tempi can be a little spacious at times, the orchestra's refinement and virtuosity are truly amazing.

An exceptional 9th--the finest performance from John Eliot Gardiner's period instrument cycle. Not surprisingly, Gardiner's best Beethoven performances are in the choral works (the 9th symphony and the Missa Solemnis), which undoubtedly has something to do with his extraordinary Monteverdi choir--one of the most brilliant choirs in the world today.

Fine period performances of the first two symphonies from Frans Bruggen and the Orchestra of the 18th Century. Those who loved Bruggen's superb Haydn and Mozart symphony cycles won't be disppointed here.

EDIT: I am adding this recent period set by Anima Eterna conducted by Jos van Immerseel, even though I haven't heard it yet, as it has received some positive reviews, and knowing this excellent group, I can't imagine that it isn't at least competitive. My initial impression-- judging from the samples--is that the horns sound wonderfully authentic (an inviting sign).

For the sake of comparison, I've included Haitink's earlier set with the Concertgebouw Orchestra--samples are provided for both. You will immediately hear how much less period influenced it is than the LSO set, but that is not always a negative. Please note that the ninth in this set is not the same as the "live" recording below, but a tamer studio remake which most critics preferred.

These are legendary performances, which now sound terrific in the Hybrid SACD format, and the Vienna Philharmonic plays exceptionally well throughout--particularly in the 7th symphony. Nevertheless, I still prefer Jochum, Klemperer, Celibidache and Furtwangler in the 5th symphony because they understand the critical transition late in the 3rd movement more profoundly than Kleiber.

An electric performance from Kleiber--with surprisingly brisk tempos, but short measure if you have to pay full price. (Please note that it is a live performance and audience coughs are audible, which may be a negative for some listeners.)

Curiously, these are the least expensive of the Celibidache recordings, and some of his best performances. Again, leisurely tempos, but like Jochum, Furtwangler, and Klemperer, Celibidache really understands the profound spiritual transition that occurs late in the 3rd movement of the 5th, where the power of the human will triumphs over despair. Most conductors don't, including Karajan.

A classic performance of Beethoven's 6th "Pastoral" symphony, with Karl Bohm conducting the Vienna Philharmonic. However, I prefer Jochum's more rugged interpretation with the LSO.

A superbly taut, utterly dynamic performance of Beethoven's 9th from the great Hungarian conductor Ferenc Fricsay and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra.

A continuation of the Kubelik set above. Only Kubelik's ninth is a little disappointing here.

This live performance of the 9th Symphony is one of the most inspired Beethoven performances that I have heard from Masur and the Gewandhaus orchestra, and it is preferrable to their earlier 1970s studio recording above. There is something extra special about hearing the ninth in a live performance, even when it is a recorded one, as is the case here.