Symphony No. 4 in B-flat major

Ludwig van Beethoven

Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

1962 From the 1960s cycle.

Top choice from his 1960s cycle. Excellent sound quality with deep, powerful sonorities. Karajan is dynamic, bringing drama and excitement.

Label: Deutsche Grammophon

Karl Böhm / Vienna Philharmonic

c. 1971

From the reviewer's 'favorite cycle of all.' Fantastic sound with Viennese lushness and warmth. A powerful performance with a 'real glow'.

Bruno Walter / Columbia Symphony Orchestra

1958

A highlight of Walter's cycle. Brings a lot of joy, exuberance, and characteristic Walter energy to the symphony.

Otto Klemperer / Philharmonia Orchestra

1957

A heavier interpretation with powerful gravitas. The music feels like it's 'inevitably moving forward but never pushed,' with 'oomph and power and majesty'.

Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic

1943 Wartime recording. Sound is not great, but has good presence.

A wartime recording from his most intense period. A profound view of Beethoven, with a 'gorgeously extended' and very intense slow movement.