Beethoven - Symphony 5 [Simon-Philharmonia Orchestra]Geoffrey Simon is an Australian Conductor, to my knowledge he has extensively recorded with Chandos Records [a number of Respighi discs], and with Cala Records [which i believe is his own record label].
On this Cala disc, it's very much presented as a Concert, an Overture, a Concerto, and then a Symphony, even though these aren't live recordings.
Well Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is so inspiring, the opening of the first movement is the most revolutionary utterance from any Composer, maybe on this recording the opening notes aren't quite as powerful as some, plus the recording sounds on the treble heavy side, but Beethoven's genius shines so brightly, that even a good performance sounds great, two parts of this Symphony really inspired me this time, the first is the oboe solo [4:31-4:56], first heard as accompaniment to the orchestra, but then is left completely naked, a magical respite, the second is a fervent variation of the opening notes, striking more and more passionate, especially emphasised by the brass at the end [6:02-6:18], Beethoven surely knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Here's Herbert Von Karajan conducting the first movement on YouTube.
