 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: rbell96
Date: 2003-03-10 18:11
Just bought the complete symphonies recorded by the Cleveland Orchestra with George Szell.
I am enjoying them so far and just wanted to say thanks for the advice (especially GBK who recommended them).
Simon Rattle and the Vienna Phil's new cycle is out on the 17th March here in the UK so I think I may have to purchase those aswell. Maestro Rattle is getting some wonderful reviews!
Rob
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Author: GBK
Date: 2003-03-10 18:16
Rob...Glad you are enjoying the Cleveland/Szell Beethoven set, although they hardly need a recommendation from me.
It is a set that will be in the catalogs for an eternity.
Every time I relisten to it, I discover something new...GBK
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Author: Ralph G
Date: 2003-03-10 18:26
I borrowed them from my local college library and still haven't returned them. Listened to the 9th in the car yesterday.
I still wish the first movement of the 6th were a bit faster, but Marcellus' solo work is perfect nonetheless.b
________________
Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
- Pope John Paul II
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Author: Nick Angiolillo
Date: 2003-03-11 01:27
I also just came upon this set at the library and took it out--it's beautiful. I was never really into Beethoven symphonies except for a few of them (3 and 6)--I like Brahms's more
I play along with the symphonies from a scorebook I got from the library, which is wonderful because the clarinet parts are for Bb clarinet (rare!)
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Author: D Dow
Date: 2003-03-11 13:57
Dear Szell fans;
The Beethoven cycle of Szell has long been a benchmark of excellence and has stood up against fierce competion for quite some time. I can honestly say that the 6th of this cycle is truly inspired and I tend to like the more leisurely stroll of the opening movement over some of the hectic tempi preferred by Karajan and others...that being said I can also say the recording in spite of hearing every instrument lack the amibient sound of newer records. However, I would take this cycle to the desert island and listen to it every day.
I also recommend the Bernstein New York Phil 2cd Symphony performance as something that is truly breathtaking. The pacing of this performance has long been in the back of my mind. Having played all of the Beethoven symphonies I can also say the Bruno Walter set is well worth listening to.
Happy clarinetting!
D dow
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Author: cyso_clarinetist
Date: 2003-03-12 22:13
Wow! It's nice to see someone comment on these recordings. I just recently discovered them and have been slowely buying the CD's. Marcellus was true a clarinet great. I wish he was still around now.
I could have missed it but has anyone realized how CHEAP these recordings are, you can buy each disc for like eight dollars at your local borders. All of the Sony Essential Classics are this cheap. It's great that the best Beethoven cycle (in my opinion at least) is the cheapest one. 
- James
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Author: Phat Cat
Date: 2003-03-13 12:23
The Barnes and Noble web site http://www.bn.com has the boxed set of all 9 Beethoven symphonies plus 2 overtures performed by Szell/Cleveland for $35.86. The item is currently backordered but is expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
I heard Szell/Cleveland/Marcellus many times in the late 60's and early 70's. To hear them perform Beethoven or Mozart in Severance Hall was a privilege. HAT is correct that the Columbia recording engineers never captured the dimension of the ensemble's sound, but the Sony remastering isn't bad for 40-year-old analogue recordings
Post Edited (2003-03-13 13:42)
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