After polling classical music lovers from around the world, the Cleveland Orchestra has been voted people’s favorite orchestra, receiving over 20% of the vote. Nobody here is a bit surprised.
The big surprise for me was the Vienna Philharmonic, slipping down to an embarrassing 13th place.
As a kid, I remember being mesmerized at performances of Beethoven’s symphonies, conducted by the legendary George Szell. I had assumed that all orchestras sounded that great. No so; the others proved to be a disappointment.
Very cool. As a kid learning about classical, I’d chuckle at what I perceived as the incongruity of a symphony in Cleveland. Then I learned more about Cleveland history prior to its economic issues and the reputation of Szell, etc. and realized how clueless I was.
it’s usually ranked up there pretty high, isn’t it?
One of the best concerts I’ve ever heard in my life was the Cleveland Orchestra playing the complete Rite of Spring in 2003. It was truly a revelation!
Haven’t seen the actual clip, but heard a rumor that one of our leading newscasters asked an orchestra member, upon hearing the World’s Best news, what his day job is, or words to that effect.
I have quite a few of the early Telarc CDs in my collection, many of which feature the Cleveland Orchestra. In particular, I really like the Beethoven symphony set with Christoph von Dohnányi.
