I need a great hits/best of compilation album of Beethoven?

Question

Any suggestions? There's tons out there and have nowhere to begin. I want to try and find an album that really defines Ludwig to the best of his talents. It would REALLY be helpful if it included both Moonlight Sonata and Symphony No. 7.

Answer 1

I know what you mean by finding a CD like that, there are tons of them, your best choice will be the one who contains the best and more well known performers (orchestras, soloist and conductors), such as:

Conductors:

Karajan, Zubin Metha, Celibidache, Stokowsky, Bernstein, etc...  

Orchestras:

NY Philarmonic, London Philarmonic, Munich Philarmonic, Berlin Philarmonic, etc...

Soloist:

Claudio Arrau (pianist), Martha Argerich (pianist), Vladimir Horowitz (pianist) etc...

I cannot think of other performers dedicated to Beethoven's music other than pianist for now, but that will give you a good clue to follow and get the best performed music.