Linn Reissue of Beethoven 5th Symphony

Posted by: Phil Barry on 03 January 2004

I found myself enjoying a von Karajan recording of the 5th symphony a few days ago, and since I find HvK reprehensible (on careerist, moral, musical, and political grounds) I was upset with myself.

I pulled out my Linn reissue of Erich Kleiber's performance. Sure enough, I liked the performance much better. IMO, Kleiber's performance is both deep and exciting, whereas HvK just gets the excitement.

The sound, however, was not what I expected. The last movement, for example, was congested and distorted sound-wise...perhaps inner groove distortion, record wear, or a poor source tape.

I'm writing to ask this question:

Does anyboy else hear have the reissue? How is the sound?

Thanks.

Phil

And since someone is bound to hijack this thread to discuss recordings of the symphony, I am now off to listen to Kleiber fils' recording.
Posted on: 03 January 2004 by JeremyD
My copy is on Recut records - is this the one you mean or did Linn have an own-label version? I haven't listened to it for years but I remember the sound being as you describe it.

if it's any consolation, I once had a 1950s or 1960s re-issue, which was unlistenable to...

PS I have my own von Karajan aberration - Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra - so you're not alone.
Posted on: 03 January 2004 by Paul Ranson
The 'Recut Records' was cut by Linn. The one I have in 1986. I think they were flogging them off cheaply at a show.

I've no recollection of the sound quality, I'll listen to it tomorrow.... It's a 1949 Decca recording which might imply it was recorded direct to disc in mono and then transcribed.

Paul
Posted on: 03 January 2004 by Phil Barry
Just checked - yup, the label is 'Recut'; Linn distributed it. Glad to hear that others have the same problem.

I've got some more Kleiber pere Beethoven - an Eroica on Richmond and 5 & 7 and maybe 6 on Ace of Clubs(?) - much better sound than the Concertgebouw 5th, IIRC.

I just finished listening to Kleiber fils. Good, but not equal to the best.

Regards.

Phil