Beethoven - Symphonies 2 and 5 / Claudio Abbado, Berlin Philharmonic

Rating:
Summary: Abbado and the Berlin Philharmonic at their best
Review: This is a superb rendering of symphony No. 2 and the old warhorse no. 5. In my opinion the DTS soundtrack sounds better (which I almost think is true in general) than the Dolby; but both are excellent. The video is fine too with sensitive camerawork highlighting the various instruments when they are playing. May I just say the playing of the Berlin Philharmonic is superb! As good or better than I've ever heard them in their long history. These performances rank right up there with the famous Karajan/BPO series from the 60's interpretively. And, of course, sonically they are much superior. Get a good surround sound system to listen to these on. It'll be worth your while. And Abbado keeps a tight architectural rein and emotional intensity to the experience. One of the truly great conductors of our time!