Symphony No. 8 in F major
Ludwig van Beethoven
Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic
1962 From the 1960s cycle.Top choice from his 1960s cycle. Excellent sound quality. Karajan is dynamic, bringing drama, excitement, and beautiful sonorities.
Karl Böhm / Vienna Philharmonic
c. 1971From the reviewer's 'favorite cycle of all.' Fantastic sound with Viennese lushness and warmth. A powerful performance, if a bit stately in the finale.
Igor Markevitch / Orchestre Lamoureux
1959A vigorous, very assertive performance that almost sounds 'period-like.' Not overly fast, but has wonderful energy and transparency.
Paul van Kempen / Berlin Philharmonic
1953 Mono recording.Good-sounding mono. Represents the 'massive kind of powerful Beethoven approach,' which works well as a different way of hearing it.
Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic
1953 Live performance. Better sound than some of his live recordings.A live performance with good sound. A 'really affectionate reading' that isn't overly aggressive. Noted for its warmth and beautiful phrasing.