Beethoven: Symphonies Nos 5 & 7 (1962 recording)

*** Three Stars. Penguin Stereo Guide

"Karajan injects plenty of drive into the first movement … and is splendid in the development section. I find his second movement noble and he's very good, too, in the third … the 4th movement is very well handled by Karajan and the sound from the orchestra as the finale bursts upon us is commanding … fiery and powerful"

[7th] "mobile and fluent yet the pace is not so fleet as to compromise the stature of the music … On to the finale where Karajan's athleticism and drive is impressive … highly competitive. (MusicWeb)

"this symphony can stand forceful treatment and thrive on it … the white heat of Karajan's energy sweeps one along, and there is little use uttering any complaint … of the extra vitality here" (Gramophone)