Symphony No. 88 in G major

Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic

1951 Mono, but 'really good mono' with excellent recording quality for its time.

Top choice. Excellent mono sound. Furtwängler brings a 'sense of spontaneity'—the music is 'never stale.' The finale is 'fresh and exciting' and the slow movement is 'gorgeously done.' Not heavy or ponderous.