Beethoven music is everywhere, so for the beginner, which Beethoven music albums are worth purchasing? Here are 6 Beethoven music albums personally selected to provide you with a high quality, cross-section cut of Beethoven music.
1. Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies
While I was in college I had the pleasure of watching Muti conduct Verdi's Requiem with our symphonic choir. What's that have to do with Beethoven's Complete Symphonies? Everything. I know first hand how hard he works into uncovering the music's maximum potential. If Beethoven were alive to hear these recordings, it would knock his socks off! If you don't own any Beethoven symphonies, then this album is a must have.
2. Beethoven: The Complete String Quartets
The Alban Berg Quartet masterfully plays Beethoven's string quartets. Their attention to fine musical detail is crystal clear. If you are a lover of string quartets, take my word, this album is superb. Any Beethoven music collection would be incomplete without Beethoven's Complete String Quartets.3. Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas
Yes, another complete recordings set. If you're building up your Beethoven music library, then, obviously, it would be best to get all the recordings of a particular genre in one fail swoop. Daniel Barenboim plays each movement of each sonata with perfection and grace. His performance brings out the passions, subtleties, and feelings Beethoven intertwined into the music. You'll also find the famous Moonlight Sonata. This is an excellent set by any standards.4. Beethoven: Triple Concerto & Choral Fantasy
With performers such as Yo Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, Daniel Barenboim, and the Berlin Philharmonic, you can already tell this Beethoven music album will be great. The triple concerto is a fantastic piece, fit for any Beethoven music collection.5. Beethoven: Violin Concerto in D Major & 2 Romances
This rich, lyric concerto is an absolute treat to the ears and the two romances have never sounded more beautiful. It's easy to see (or hear) why this Beethoven music made the cut. What's also great is that this album doesn't cut into the pocket book. I love finding great music at great prices.6. Beethoven: Piano Trios, Cello Sonatas
Daniel Barenboim makes the list again, this time with Jacqueline Du Pre. This two disk set includes piano trios, numbers 4 and 5, as well as cello sonatas, numbers 3 and 4. This is a great album with great performers.