Beethoven Symphony No. 8 & 9 - Herbert von Karajan Berlin Philharmonic
This 1963 recording of Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 & 9 by Herbert von Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic is highly acclaimed among experts and considered a masterpiece. It is a significant contribution to Karajan's Beethoven cycle, which is widely recognized as one of the most exceptional complete recordings of the symphonies. Karajan's approach is dramatic yet highly controlled, achieving a powerful momentum without sacrificing clarity
Artist(s): Conductor – Herbert Von Karajan
Orchestra – Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Chorus – Wiener Singverein
Chorus Master – Reinhold Schmid
Producer [Chorus] – Reinhold Schmid
Alto Vocals – Hilde Rössel-Majdan
Baritone Vocals – Walter Berry
Soprano Vocals – Gundula Janowitz
Tenor Vocals – Waldemar Kmentt
Recording Info: Recorded at Jesus-Christus-Kirche, Berlin, December 1961 – November 1962
Engineer – Günter Hermanns
Producer – Otto Gerdes
Sourced from a 2-track tape
Analog: Transferred using a modified Nagra 4SJ tape deck feeding a Merrill Tape Preamp
Digital: Merging Hapi Analog to Digital Converter clocked by an Antelope Audio 10MX Atomic Clock
Power Conditioning: Shunyata Research Everest 8000 for all components
All components grounded to Shunyata ALTAIRA Hubs
Symphony No. 8 In F Major Op. 93
1 Allegro Vivace E Con Brio 9:22
2 Allegretto Scherzando 3:58
3 Tempo Di Menuetto 5:59
4 Allegro Vivace 7:18
Symphony No. 9 In D Minor, Op. 125
5 Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Un Poso Maestoso 15:30
6 Molto Vivace 11:07
7 Adagio Molto E Cantabile 16:35
8 Presto 6:23
9 Presto - "O Freunde nicht diese Töne" 17:41
Please Note: This release was edited in DXD PCM from a DSD256 Master
then the DXD edited master was used to generate the final DSD files using
Merging Technologies Album Publishing.
DXD (352.8KHz 24/32 bit PCM) is one of the best and least destructive formats for post-processing DSD originated digital recordings
Copyright © & ℗ High Definition Tape Transfers 2025, including all compilation, transfer, remastering, and restoration aspects
Play Sample Tracks
- Reviews
- Questions
Thank you for submitting a review!
Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!


One of the great Beethoven Ninths, from 1963
This is one of the GREAT recordings of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. And this transfer from a 2-track tape by HDTT does it full justice. Dynamic, detailed, transparent—just outstanding. Out of curiosity, I compared this HDTT release to both the SACD (DSD64) and Blu-ray (96kHz) releases of this recording. The HDTT is better to my ears, on my system. It sounds less "processed", more analog, more resolved, while still retaining the natural timbre of the instruments without over-sharpening (as in bad photo editing).


One of the great performances in a superb release
Karajan circa 1962 was a superb conductor. His early DGG recordings and his even earlier EMI recordings stand as a testament to how great he was. Later recordings—not so much, for me. YMMV. But here he is on the top of his game. And the Berlin Philharmonic play their hearts out for him. This is one of the GREAT recordings of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. And this transfer from a 2-track tape by HDTT does it full justice. Dynamic, detailed, transparent—just outstanding. I have not yet compared this to the SACD or the DVD release of this recording. But, neither is likely to better this release, it is simply THAT GOOD. Later... okay, I've listened to comparative sections of all three. The HDTT is my preferred release. It sounds less "processed", more analog, more resolved while still retaining the natural timbre of the instruments without over-sharpening (as in bad photo editing).
DSD256, DSD128 & DSD64 Direct Stream Digital formats are only playable on compatible hardware and software.
24bit 352.8kHz PCM Flac (DXD) DXD is only playable on compatible hardware and software.
24bit 192khz PCM Flac is playable on most all playback devices
24bit 96khz PCM Flac is playable on most all playback devices
Go Here for more detailed Info
Please Note: Playback on Apple media players will require converting the file to the required format.
Gold Premium Compact Disc 300+ years longevity - The recording layer resists UV and heat better than other discs. Includes Complete Jewel case and Liner Notes
Regular Premium Compact Disc Includes Complete Jewel case and Liner Notes Budget Compact Disc contains only the disc without jewel case or liner notes
Please Note: The Gold CD is not offered in the Budget line Some titles do not offer the Budget option
Please allow 7-10 days for CD production time.