Beethoven: 9 Symphonies (Recordings From 1961-62)

While von Karajan is the person most responsible for building and propagating the modern cult of the maestro, this prestige is undeniably rooted in his extraordinary capacity to unite recording quality, musical vision, and orchestral excellence on albums like this 1963 Beethoven cycle. The set holds historical interest in itself — its big budget and big sticker price improbably led to big sales and widespread critical acclaim. A half century later, its equation of energy, polish, and beauty still astonishes, especially in the first and last movements of the Ninth Symphony.