Beethoven: Symphony No. 9: Choral / Fidelio Overture (Essential Classics)

George Szell's Beethoven Ninth is not the sort of cosmic display that Wilhelm Furtwängler and other members of the German "Romantic" school made of it, but taken on its own terms it's a lean and mean performance full of power and drama. The Cleveland Orchestra plays with its customary expertise and Szell caps the performance with a smoking rendition of the finale--great choral singing, and an irresistible forward momentum. A great performance. --David Hurwitz