I have several SACD recordings of Beethoven's 9th. High Fidelity review spoke very highly of a new Beethoven series by Conductor Osmo Vaneska with the Minnesota Orchestra. They are released through BIS records and can be purchased on-line.

Their recording of Beethoven's 9th is amazing. The front soundstage is excellent with the rear speakers providing a very well blended sound decay. The Conductor makes the 9th sound new and refreshing. You'll discover yourself perking up several times, thinking "did he just do that?" The recording is among the best I've heard on SACD.

The entire Beethoven symphony series is excellent. Well worth checking out.

marcus

How would you compare it to the LSO Live Beethoven Symphonies cycle that was recently released on SA-CD?

Pretty good stuff there too.

Dan

Marcus, what timing! My quest the past two weeks has been to locate a worthy Beethoven 9 on DVD-A or SACD for a friends birthday. Last night I ordered the "BIS M-CH SACD" from elusive disc. I'm happy to hear my "stab in the dark" should delight my friend. I also ordered Beethoven 9 "MEMBRAN M-CH SACD" which is described as: "The Ambrosian Singers join The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Raymond Leppard in performing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony "Choral"." Item number is MEMSAM807

As I know precious little about classical music, can anyone offer an opinion about my second selection?

Thanks again Marcus.

Tony...you're welcome. If you are gettnig the same disk I did, then your friend is in for a real treat. The conductor has made some surprising musical sequences that make you sit up and take notice. And they're all good. The recording itself is excellent. It's simply not the same "run of the mill" 9th.

High fidelity review had awesome comments on the 3rd which is what prompted me to buy the series. I am impressed. It was way fun...and even my wife likes it. hahaha.

marcus

Marcus, what timing! My quest the past two weeks has been to locate a worthy Beethoven 9 on DVD-A or SACD for a friends birthday. Last night I ordered the "BIS M-CH SACD" from elusive disc. I'm happy to hear my "stab in the dark" should delight my friend. I also ordered Beethoven 9 "MEMBRAN M-CH SACD" which is described as: "The Ambrosian Singers join The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Raymond Leppard in performing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony "Choral"." Item number is MEMSAM807

As I know precious little about classical music, can anyone offer an opinion about my second selection?

Thanks again Marcus.

I found my copy at Barnes & Noble.Great recording!!!