Symphony No. 8 in F major

Ludwig van Beethoven

Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

1962 From the 1960s cycle.

Top choice from his 1960s cycle. Excellent sound quality. Karajan is dynamic, bringing drama, excitement, and beautiful sonorities.

Label : Deutsche Grammophon

Karl Böhm / Vienna Philharmonic

c. 1971

From the reviewer's 'favorite cycle of all.' Fantastic sound with Viennese lushness and warmth. A powerful performance, if a bit stately in the finale.

Igor Markevitch / Orchestre Lamoureux

1959

A vigorous, very assertive performance that almost sounds 'period-like.' Not overly fast, but has wonderful energy and transparency.

Paul van Kempen / Berlin Philharmonic

1953 Mono recording.

Good-sounding mono. Represents the 'massive kind of powerful Beethoven approach,' which works well as a different way of hearing it.

Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic

1953 Live performance. Better sound than some of his live recordings.

A live performance with good sound. A 'really affectionate reading' that isn't overly aggressive. Noted for its warmth and beautiful phrasing.