I have the 60s box and the 70s symphonies box, but the best one is the EMI Orchestral box. Some of it is mono, but there's an awful lot of great recordings in there. Second would be the 60s box.

 

I second this. Karajan's best work, in my opinion was with the Philharmonia Orchestra in the 1950's from "Angel Records" (USA), now of course, EMI. His Beethoven and Sibelius from this period were unexcelled by his later performances.

 

Best von Karajan box? Uhh, his coffin?

 

It is the only one that truly gives you all of Karajan.

 

I have the 60's and 70's boxes. Once the price comes down I will buy the 80's box as well.

I would suggest the 60's box because it will probably go out of print first so the prices will continue to go up.

 

I also agree with Bigshot and HPowers - The EMI Box with 88CDs is the best to begin with because of all the wonderful Philharmonia/Walter Legge recordings. Then when you can, get the 1960s box - this was the period when he did not record for EMI at all.

 

Yeah. That's the way I would go. Karajan at his best with Walter Legge providing the guidance.

 

I'd go 60's to start. All stereo and awesome performances.

 

ok thank you so much!

 

Actually the best Karajan box may have arguably been Elizabeth Schwarzkopf's.

 

Rumor has it Annia Sophie may have boxed him as well, but it was hushed to keep HvK out of the clink...

 

One quick note... the 60s box is laid out as original jackets. The EMI box is laid out as CDs. This means that the EMI box has a LOT more music. Something like 20 or 30 percent more than the DGG boxes do, even though the number of CDs are comparable.

 

As I recall, Karajan often had soprano Gundula Janowitz singing in his performances. I wonder which box set would have the most works with Janowitz on them?

 

I would guess the 60s.