Beethoven: Symphonies, etc. Schmidt-Isserstedt DECCA

Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt like so many other German conductors of his generation (one thinks of Kempe, Keilberth and Konwitschny as well) was not a household name in the USA but his solid training in the German tradition always came to the fore in his often superlative readings of the German classics. And that is just what one hears in this remarkably vital Beethoven Cycle, It began with a glorious 9th (which is a standard to this day) and the cycle was completed in time for the Beethoven celebrations in 1970. Aided by playing that only the Wiener Philharmoniker was capable of, and clothed in Decca's brilliant analogue sound, this is surely one cycle that has stood the test of time. Also included in this now long out of print 8 CD box is the Piano Concerto cycle done with Wilhelm Backhaus (long my own personal favorite) and an Olympian reading of the Violin Concerto done by Henryk Szeryng. Please see my website rareclassicalcds dot com for other  new, out of print classical treasures, and don't hesitate to send me your questions.