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Herbert von Karajan's first cycle of Beethoven's symphonies with the Philharmonia Orchestra on EMI has always been something of an ugly duckling when compared to the various Berlin Philharmonic incarnations on Deutsche Grammophone. Now reissued in a bargain 5 CD box, this is part of the truckload of Karajan 100th anniversary releases, which will no doubt raise controversy in some quarters and be welcomed in others. For me, if it's nicely produced and cheaper than a box of quasi half-decent cigars then 'bring it on' as they say, and this box is certainly no slouch when it comes to presentation. Recorded from November 1951 to July 1955 in Kingsway Hall, London, except for Symphony no. 9, recorded in the Musikvereinssaal, Vienna. The 4th movement of the 1st work sung in German. Previously released as a compact disc; Originally released 1954-1956.