Beethoven Symphony No. 5 in C Minor Op. 67 Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F Major Op. 68 Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - 1954 (Berlin)
$9
This is one of the best sounding Furtwängler recordings that were made. In this new master, it sounds like a modern recording, in mono. The interpretations are, again, magnificent. Comparing the four Pastorals offered on this page is very interesting, and I wouldn't like to be without any of them. The one from 1943 is the warmest, Viennese style. The one from 1944 is the most furious, while the one from 1947 is the wildest and most telluric. This 1954 version is the most polished, but, in spite of this, the climax in the last movement is, in my opinion, the most satisfying. These three interpretations of Beethoven's 6th Symphony stand apart from all others that I have ever heard for their profound, and I may add, pagan, vision of nature.
As for the Fifth, I personally prefer the ones from 1943 and 1947. However, this is a grand vision of this work, the one Furtwängler conducted most in his life. And the sound quality is so good that it is a pleasure to hear.
We encourage you to also browse through the rest of our collection, including recordings from the creator of this website and remasters Eduardo Chibás, the renowned pianist Artur Schnabel and other historical directors