Karl Böhm Orchestral Recordings

Karl Bohm was one of the most significant conductors of the 20th century; Three decades after his death, his clear-cut conducting style, that was characterized by deep gravity is enjoying a well-deserved revival. The present set makes available for the first time his complete later recordings of orchestral music on Deutsche Grammophon, including Mozarts last symphonies, Wagners orchestral music and the ninth symphonies of Beethoven, Schubert and Dvorak.

The rhythmic, textural and structural clarity of Karl Böhm’s recordings are much admired across the world. This new release includes Böhm’s celebrated recordings of Mozart Serenades and the great orchestral works of Richard Strauss, as well as equally notable performances of Beethoven and Brahms symphonies. This 17 CD box with booklet includes including new liner notes by Berliner Philharmoniker intimus Helge Grünewald and rare Böhm photographs.

Beethoven - Symphonies Nos. 6, 7 & 8, Overtures (1993) {Karl Böhm, VPO} {2CD Deutsche Grammophon 437 928-2 rec 1969-72}
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 619 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 306 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (png) -> 30 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1969-72, 1993 Polydor / Deutsche Grammophon | 437 928-2
Classical / Symphonies

Karl Böhm's Beethoven is, on balance, the best complete cycle available from Deutsche Grammophon. This will come as a surprise to many, given the fact that the label relentlessly promotes performances by Herbert von Karajan (three complete cycles!) and Leonard Bernstein, but for quality of playing, as well as superb sound, these versions are just about unbeatable. And at a "twofer" price, the complete set on three pairs of discs is a terrific value. –David Hurwitz

From the introductory notes by David Butchart: "In February 1954, as part of a promotional campaign, Deutsche Grammophon produced a now legendary 10-inch LP titled Musik … Sprache der Welt (Music - the Universal Language), that presented selections of its then current recordings. That LP, now a rare collector's item, consisted of extracts of works by the great composers. Each selection had a brief spoken introduction and was intended as a marketing tool for salesmen, to give - as Deutsche Grammophon wrote - "An impression of the breath and quality of our repertoire, a kind of calendar in sound". By reviving the title….we have developed this series to re-create the flavour and the spirit of those times at Deutshce Grammophon. The new 10-CD set of chronologically-ordered orchestral works - from Haydn to Bruckner - features familiar iconic recordings…"

In February 1954, as part of a promotional campaign, DG produced a now legendary 10-inch LP titled Musik … Sprache der Welt (Music - the Universal Language), that presented selections of its then current recordings. That LP, now a rare collector's item, consisted of extracts of works by the great composers.Each selection had a brief spoken introduction and was intended as a marketing tool for salesmen, to give - as Deutsche Grammophon wrote - "An impression of the breath and quality of our repertoire, a kind of calendar in sound". By reviving the title…. they developed this series to re-create the flavour and the spirit of those times. This 10-CD set of chronologically-ordered orchestral works - from Haydn to Bruckner - features familiar iconic recordings.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Serenades
Berliner & Wiener Philharmoniker - Karl Böhm
3xCD | EAC+LOG+CUE | FLAC: 754 MB | Full Artwork: 50 MB | 5% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Deutsche Grammophon # 427 889-2 GX3 | Country/Year: Germany 1983 (1960's-1970's)
Genre: Classical | Style: Viennese School

Karl Böhm was one of the greatest conductors of the twentieth century in the German tradition. He studied music as a child and continued to work and study in music while serving in the Austrian Army during World War I – and while completing a doctorate in law. He coached singers at the Graz Opera and was permitted to conduct a performance of Nessler's Der Trompeter von Sackingen. He never had conducting lessons, but made close studies of the work of both Bruno Walter and Carl Muck…

Recorded - Grosser Saal, Musikverein, Vienna 27th May 1953. During the 1950's, Karl Böhm made a handful of orchestral recordings for Decca with the Wiener Philharmoniker of, music by, among others, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Weber. Reappearing here, for the first time on CD, internationally, are his swift recordings of Beethoven's Eighth and of two Schubert symphonies (Nos. 5 and 8). Never imposing his will too strongly on his Viennese orchestra - and they had these classics in their blood - he directs performances that are fresh and gives full rein to the Vienna Philharmonic's wonderful tonal resources. Add the acoustic of the Grosser Saal at the Musikverein, familiar as daily bread to all the participants, and you have the best kind of tradition.

While noted for his interpretations of Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Bruckner and Strauss, Bohm is generally not the first conductor I think of when it comes to Beethoven. That said, he has always proven to be a gifted accompanist, and that holds here as well. He and Pollini seem to share a similar vision for this work, and thus both the soloist and orchestral forces work towards the same end goal.

While noted for his interpretations of Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Bruckner and Strauss, Bohm is generally not the first conductor I think of when it comes to Beethoven. That said, he has always proven to be a gifted accompanist, and that holds here as well. He and Pollini seem to share a similar vision for this work, and thus both the soloist and orchestral forces work towards the same end goal.