What orchestra best performs Beethoven's work?

I'm looking to buy a cd for my Dad for x-mas but would like to get it played by a very good orchestra. Thank you!

Works by Beethoven and all very well-known composers are recorded by just any decent orchestra in the world -for example Berlin/Vienna/London Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, etc.

I Ditto "cantilen". The Vienna Philharmonic, in my opinion, is the greatest symphony orchestra in the world. If you don't like a performance they give(recorded) check out the following:

London Symphony

Concertgebeou(another truly great orchestra)

London Philharmonic

Berlin Philharmonic

American orchestras: Chicago, Philadelphia, Cleveland, Boston(these 4 are referred to as "symphony" orchestras: they are members of what is called "The Big Five". The last member of this elite group, is the New York Philharmonic.

If I were choosing, it would be the Vienna. This capital city of Austria, was the primary residence of composers such as: Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and Mahler.

Merry Christmas to you and your father,

Wotan

Cantilena is correct, however there are preferable versions of Beethoven's orchestral works, both individually and as a group. The complete symphony cycle - I would go with the Berlin Philharmonic under Karajan. Individually, however, it is a different story. Carlos Kleiber's 5th and 7th with the Vienna Phil is absolutely definitive. Any of the symphonies by the Cleveland under George Szell are also a good bet. The live version of the 9th by the Vienna and Leonard Bernstein is fabulous.
If I had to pick a single CD - it would have to be Kleiber.

"Wotan" took the words right out of my mouth.

For what it's worth, I concur entirely with your answer. Thumbs up !!

I have the London Symphony Orchestra's recording, conducted by Josef Krips, and it's my favorite version that I've hear.

Make sure you do not buy him something he already has. Check through his record collection first.

How about Beethoven's violin concerto played by Itzhak Perlman ?

The CDs I have of Herbert Von Karajan cunducting The Berliner Philharmoniker [Berlin Philharmonic] are my personal favourites.
Pure brilliance.

London philharmonic :D i loveses joo beethoven :D
-Ryko

Malcolm gives a good answer. You can't simply ask 'which orchestra' plays Beethoven best - the interpretation depends on the conductor. The same orchestra can sound completely different on two ocasions with different conductors.