WHICH BEETHOVEN?

AnalogPlanet editor Michael Fremer is not a classical music authority. If you didn't know that before watching this frantic, somewhat shallow video, you will after!
That said, the video is still filled with interesting and insightful information about choosing a Beethoven set either new or in the used bins as well as a strong advocacy for your doing so even if you don't like classical music.
Also: some laughs and surprises
Website: www.analogplanet.com
Facebook: / analogplanet
Twitter: / analogplanet
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[@christopherspiro9857]

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 !

[@christopherspiro9857]

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

[@BillyLapTop]

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.

[@charlesnr]

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.

[@alenuhhhhh168]

you have opened a new world for me. forever grateful. thank you.

[@thomasfranzky3924]

Really enjoyed this. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with these classical recordings!

[@jamesnordbeck382]

Thank you for sharing some of your classical collection. I hope to see more.

[@matts9064]

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!

[@robertjschroff6307]

Im so glad to find your channel! Love your character, great reviews! Thanks man. :)

[@virtualmike13]

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!

[@mvaron2546]

This is a wonderful conversation. Thank you.

[@matthewv789]

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 KZbin 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.

[@andrew-xr1de]

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!

[@swimmad456]

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.

[@sjc1204]

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!

[@grasssnake7190]

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 👍👍

[@mahessilva7504]

Dear Mr. Fremer, you make your videos so interesting with your humor. Never a dull moment with you. Fantastic!

[@ianmedium]

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!

[@georgealanlpsandcds9311]

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 !

[@MrBonger88]

Awesome. You’re enthusiasm has motivated me to listen to more classical music. Thank you

[@orientaldagger6920]

Leonard Bersteen? Who's that?

[@nicholasrigg8999]

Priceless stuff, keep it going

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

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.

[@1mctous]

The beer rightly became the center of attention.

[@stephensmith3111]

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.

[@MattRichardsonX]

Excellent video, Michael! (From an analogue/classical aficionado.)

[@mapp4751]

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!

[@newardthelman6871]

Dear Mr. Fremer: Spectacular. Do more like this. We want it. Do it. Thank you.

[@elijahangelo5256]

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!

[@eliseocaden575]

@Elijah Angelo Instablaster ;)

[@snowpuppy77]

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.

[@tg6373]

Thank you for sharing -- invaluable advice to be sure.

[@Cashmore1671]

Damn it Michael, your library Just blows my mind!

[@jonmason1955]

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

[@bklynbass]

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.

[@northcabinent4222]

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 :-)

[@gsherlock]

Well Mikey, I've had the Readers Digest Beethoven recordings in my collection for some time (my parents bought them and never listened to them thank god) and this video made me give them a try. Gosh darn it if both the performances and recorded sound are pretty good, way better than some digital transfers I've heard recently, now I feel kinda warm when I look at this box set on my shelves.

[@The_One-Eyed_Undertaker]

Good video. Beethoven's reviews start at 8:34 Are we getting "WHICH MOZART?" anytime soon?

[@billsmith1545]

Cracking video I will look for the box set on my next excursion to the charity shops here in the UK.

[@billybastar4022]

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

[@Tyler-fm4ix]

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!

[@figvinyl]

Enjoyed your video. I didn't realize 25 minutes had gone by until you stated, that's all ya wanted to talk about. Guess I'll keep an eye out for a Readers Digest classical box set. 😍 Thumbs up!

[@alexxbaudwhyn7572]

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

[@jeremytravis360]

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.

[@mubodude]

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.

[@donaldscheer5206]

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!

[@cathalmacsiurdain7762]

Great fun. Thanks for that Mr Fremer. Will be keeping my eyes open for a heavy box with Beethoven vinyl.

[@Agamemnon2]

A fun and illuminating video, thank you very much.

[@Palosrob]

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.

[@justincaseudid]

"Lovely lovely Ludvig Van" oh my brothers...

[@jazzman1626]

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 👍😁.

[@thegrimyeaper]

Fremer Album Review: "No coughing. 10/10."

[@noelmurray1]

That's "cawfing" ;-)

[@tomrostock1183]

@@FrankiesMarket Shh. Don't tell him about ProTools.

[@edwardbarr1533]

You are so right about the Readers Digest boxed sets ,they were very well pressed and many were engineered by Decca And RCA.

[@frankbruno7122]

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

[@ericdaniel323]

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.

[@sjc1204]

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.

[@tamil.f.3734]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Just listened to Paavo Järvi recording. Marvellous! Can we get Orff, Mahler, Dvorak recommendations too?

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

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

[@1mctous]

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.

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

Thank you for the info, I will look out for that in the charity shops :D

[@seandoherty925]

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.

[@mengqiwang3896]

This awesome, learning so much

[@spacemissing]

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.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

15:50. The only problem with that beautifully packaged box set is that it's conducted by Simon Rattle.

[@RKlein69]

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!

[@joemartin6439]

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.

[@bocolis88]

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.

[@jameschant2740]

Very interesting Michael ! Reviews of box sets of other major classical composers like Mozart would compliment the video nicely.

[@studiorene]

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!

[@timstevensshh]

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.

[@bluebuddha74]

This was great. Would love to hear your thoughts on a Mahler box

[@cspiegs1]

Hi Michael. I really enjoyed this video. Which Bernstein recording do you think sounds better? Normally I would go for recordings as close to the initial pressing as possible. But I am intrigued by the half master recording of the reissue. Can you do a similar video on Mahler symphony box sets?

[@davidplon9215]

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!

[@sheri1983]

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.

[@lvbandmore]

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!

[@mikezags0816]

Great video. I was able to pick up a readers digest box set today at a good Will. Festival of light classical. Great background music and for $5.99 can’t go wrong. Thanks. ✌🏼

[@egit2427]

I was about to ask about Simon Rattle's Beethoven...Awesome! Walked through their 'digs' often.

[@705johnnyboy]

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 ....

[@davidfischer8307]

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.

[@1jtolvey]

GREAT VIDEO !!!

[@johnathanbailes5542]

Good record cleaning advice! Btw do a review of the Vpi Cliffwood! :)

[@davidharkins8880]

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 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@garysmith1156]

you have a awesome classical record collection:)

[@brotherbrian5625]

These records like all records take me somewhere.... I found stacks of these ounce at a thrift store in great! Condition. I grabbed a handful and wish now I would of filled my cart up. A couple I grabbed where 78's. Titles... Album of Strauss Waltzes ( Boston Pops Orchestra) victor masterpiece.....Oscar Levent plays Chopin Columbia masterworks....Berlioz L'Enfrance Du Christ Columbia Masterworks...Bizet Carmen Capital hifi....Teatro alla Scala Giuseppe Verdi Il Travatore on Angel? Rossini L'Italiana in Algeri London ffrr and Marilyn Horne James McCracken in the Metropolitan Opera Production of Carmen Georges Bizet Leonard Berstein on grammaphon I love them... Great video I'm glad you share the passion

[@nattyco]

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 KZbin. 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.

[@jennconducts]

Thank you for this, Michael. I love Bernstein's way with Beethoven, along with early con Karajan. By the way, you sang the 3rd rather than the 7th. ;-) Thanks again for this.

[@garrapaterorulez5017]

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 \,,/

[@jontiffinphoto]

Mike Mike Mike, …what day is it?!

[@pablov1973]

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.

[@gotham61]

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.

[@gotham61]

m.facebook.com/hollywoodpost43/posts/10153069235892242

[@jonathanvillalobos7994]

I love the intro,something about pot,and records.now that's a great combination.😉

[@valgehiir]

certain opiates are good, too

[@Cambaudio]

@@valgehiir yikes

[@carolineleonard8214]

In the UK RD produced a few Motown sets. I bought a compilation set recently (almost minty) for next to nothing. It sounds epic almost indistinguishable from the individual artists' LPs. I'm a very happy bunny and will be trying to find more.

[@victorsixtythree]

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...

[@ericdaniel323]

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.

[@theophicen7850]

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.

[@geraldward9765]

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.

[@retohofmann5878]

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.

[@rickfosb]

Thank you! Similar ideas for Mozart?

[@theorist5497]

Analog Planet Im not very knowledgeable on this stuff, but I do love the Vivaldi Im familiar with. I have the Interpreti Veneziani Vivaldi vinyl albums, a few different versions of Four Seasons and the Yo Yo Ma Vivaldi cello album. Are there any boxes or particular comps / albums that are special or interesting that you would recommend to expand my Vivaldi palette? Thanks in advance.

[@astrotrance]

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.

[@mortlach186]

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 KZbin 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.

[@kentcroy1609]

I have RD box sets, first music I remember hearing, played on a Sears and Roebuck Silver Tone Medalist

[@waverly2468]

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.

[@drymice500]

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.

[@vinylcity1599]

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"!

[@jaapaap5]

Thanks for this.

[@ReferenceFidelityComponents]

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.