Don't look at the stars: this odd May-December pairing of Barenboim and Klemperer creates a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Clear, detailed, unsentimental but beautifully phrased and suitably dramatic. The same performances come in Klemperer's bargain-priced symphony set.

Kempff's version of the "Emperor" concerto completes his 1960's stereo concerto cycle. This set also includes an excellent version of the Triple Concerto, a very good version of the violin concerto with Wolfgang Schneiderhan, and the Romances for violin in fine performances by David Oistrach.

Rubinstein teams up with Eric Leinsdoft and the Boston Symphony for a great cycle of the concertos in the romantic idiom. Expect rubato and a few finger slips here and there, none of which matter when the music making has this much heart and joy. This volume contains concerti #1 and #3.

Volume 3 of the Rubinstein/Leinsdorf complete concerto set contains concerto #2 as well as a highly romantic and successful traversal of the Brahms piano concerto #1.

Out of print, but it contains the best stereo performance of the violin concerto. Kogan's immense technique is put in service of a great intellect and deep emotion in this outstanding recording.

An outstanding performance of the violin concerto by two giants, energetic and beautiful. The sound is live concert 1959 mono.

Satisfying performances of the string quartets that rise to a spiritual level of conversation in the late ones. The sound is early stereo but acceptable.

Distinguised, passionate and unfailingly musical performances of the symphonies by a great conductor with a small chamber orchestra. There is something "right" about each symphony, and each listen reveals new beauties. My current favorite.

Furtwangler was one of the great romantic Beethoven interpreters of the first half of the 20th century. These studio recordings do not have the passion and fire of his live recordings but they are in much better (mono) sound. The 9th symphony, which Furtwanger refused to record in the studio, is the famous Bayreuth performance from 1951.

Monteux offers committed, rhythmic, dramatic and very musical large-orchestra versions featuring quick tempos and lean textures in very good stereo sound. This set comes in two 2-fers. His 9th symphony is out of print.

Get Maag's spectacular Beethoven 9th to fill out your set of Monteux performances (if you don't buy Maag's complete set!).

The best place to find out what the hubbub is about the new Barenreiter edition of the symphonies. Zinman follows the new versions strictly, using period-performance style with modern instruments. The performances are stylish, frequently powerful, and very well recorded.

Not a complete set (only 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9) and in live-performance WWII mono sound, but these are extraordinary, intense, provocative performances that have never been equalled. The sound is good considering its sources. A great supplement to any other recordings you may have.

No one matches Schnabel for emotional projection and intellectual comprehension in the sonatas, but Kuerti comes awfully close, and he's more technically secure and recorded in far better (stereo) sound. These performances reward relistening.

Mature, insightful and lovingly detailed performances, many coming close to perfection.