Ludwig van Beethoven’s music has inspired generations with its emotional depth, structural innovation, and unparalleled power. His compositions - from the intense, dramatic and emotional symphonies and intricate string quartets to the profound piano sonatas and timeless concertos - remain central to classical music today. But with such a vast catalogue of interpretations and performances, knowing where to start can be overwhelming.
This list of the 20 best Beethoven recordings captures the essence of his genius across different genres and eras, bringing together landmark interpretations by legendary conductors, virtuoso pianists, and world-renowned ensembles.
Each recording on this list offers a unique perspective on Beethoven’s works, highlighting various facets of his dynamic and revolutionary style. Whether you’re a seasoned listener or new to Beethoven’s world, these essential recordings offer an incredible journey through the artistry of one of music's greatest minds.
Best Beethoven recordings: the symphonies
1/ For Beethoven's symphonies, one of the very finest recordings of the entire nine remains Herbert von Karajan’s refined 1962 cycle with the Berlin Philharmonic on Deutsche Grammophon.
We named Berlin Philharmonic one of the best orchestras in the world.
2) Otherwise, Nikolaus Harnoncourt and the Chamber Orchestra of Europe offer freshness in their interpretations of Beethoven's symphonies (Warner).
3) Carlos Kleiber, undoubtedly one of the greatest conductors of all time, and the venerable Vienna Philharmonic are untouchable in their recordings of two of Beethoven's very best loved symphonies: the taut, dramatic Fifth and the joyous, dance-inflected Seventh. (DG).
Best Beethoven recordings: the concertos
4) For the best recordings of Beethoven's piano concertos, plump for Murray Perahia and the Concertgebouw Orchestra under the great Bernard Haitink (Sony).
We named the Royal Concergebouw Orchestra one of the best orchestras in the world and the 'Emperor' Concerto one of the greatest piano concertos of all time. So you're onto a winner with this disc...
5) Another great recording of the five piano concertos comes courtesy of Alfred Brendel with the Vienna Philharmonic under Simon Rattle (Warner).
The Violin Concerto
6) Onto Beethoven's Violin Concerto (similarly, one of the greatest violin concertos ever written), and we’d take Isabelle Faust and the Orchestra Mozart under the late, great Claudio Abbado (Harmonia Mundi). This one, by the way, is coupled with a revelatory recording, from the same forces, of another great fiddle concerto - that of Alban Berg.
7) The great Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman joins the Philharmonia under Carlo Maria Giulini in an older but equally stellar recording of Beethoven's Violin Concerto (Warner).
8) For Beethoven's Triple Concerto, who could resist the stellar Russian trio of violinist David Oistrakh, cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and pianist Sviatoslav Richter, with the Berlin Philharmonic under Karajan (Warner)?
Best Beethoven recordings: the piano sonatas and other solo piano works
9) Artur Schnabel's recording occupies the complete Beethoven piano sonatas top spot. (Harmonia Mundi).
- Five of the best recordings of Beethoven's sonata cycles
- The best recordings of Beethoven's Hammerklavier Sonata
10) Alongside Artur Schnabel in the honour roll of great Beethoven sonata cycles is Stephen Kovacevich, whose own cycle is equally stunning (Warner).
Other solo piano works
11) Andreas Staier is superb in his recordings of the Diabelli Variations (Harmonia Mundi).
12) When it comes to the bagatelles, Alfred Brendel rules (Decca).
Best Beethoven recordings: chamber music
13) The legendary Quartetto Italiano, on Decca, give us beautiful, poised performances of Beethoven's 16 wonderful string quartets.
14) More recently, the Takács Quartet gave us a thrillingly alive and visceral rendition of the quartets, also on Decca.
15) In Beethoven's violin sonatas, Alina Ibragimova and pianist Cédric Tiberghien reign (Hyperion).
16) Marvel at the husband-and-wife team of pianist Daniel Barenboim and cellist Jacqueline du Pré, plus their close friend the violinist Pinchas Zukerman, in the piano trios (Warner).
17) Go modern with Steven Isserlis and Robert Levin’s brilliant recordings of Beethoven's cello sonatas (Hyperion).
18) Trio Zimmermann have the best recordings of Beethoven's string trios (BIS).
Best Beethoven recordings: sacred and opera
19) For Beethoven's Missa solemnis, let’s hear it for the Arnold Schoenberg Choir, Concentus Musicus Wien and Harnoncourt (Sony).
20) Last but not least, Nina Stemme, Jonas Kaufmann, the Lucerne Festival Orchestra and Abbado offer a thrilling recording of Beethoven's Fidelio (Decca).