Poster L.A. Philharmonic vs. Boston Symphony Orchestra
Los Angeles Philharmonic vs. Boston Symphony Orchestra
Provided

Super showdown: Who played it better, LA Philharmonic or Boston Symphony Orchestra?

As Los Angeles prepares to play New England in Sunday's big football game, we're reminded of their great orchestras, the L.A. Philharmonic and Boston Symphony Orchestra. Which ensemble is better? Listen, and then vote in our poll to see who wins this musical showdown. Our giveaway of a recording by the winner is now closed.

Matchups

Listen to these musical matchups and then vote in the poll below to see who's winning. (Note: Some recordings feature the Boston Pops, an offshoot of the Boston Symphony Orchestra with many of the same musicians, to provide the same musical excerpt.)

1st quarter

Who played it better: Prelude from Also Sprach Zarathustra, by Richard Strauss?

LISTEN — Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta

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LISTEN — Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by William Steinberg

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2nd quarter

Who played it better: Candide Overture, by Leonard Bernstein?

LISTEN — Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Leonard Bernstein

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LISTEN — Boston Pops, conducted by Arthur Fiedler

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3rd quarter

Who played it better: second movement of Emperor Piano Concerto, by Ludwig van Beethoven?

LISTEN — Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta; Alicia de Larrocha, piano

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LISTEN — Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Seiji Ozawa; Christopher Eschenbach, piano

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4th quarter

Who played it better: The Nutcracker Overture, by Peter Tchaikovsky?

LISTEN — Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel

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LISTEN — Boston Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Seiji Ozawa

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Overtime

Who played it better: Main Title from Star Wars, by John Williams?

LISTEN — Los Angeles Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta

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LISTEN — Boston Pops, conducted by John Williams

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As of 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 4, the Boston Symphony Orchestra won our showdown — just as New England won the big game — with 58 percent of the vote!

We gave away a recording by the orchestra that emerged victorious in our super showdown between Los Angeles and Boston, and it was the Boston Symphony Orchestra. A winner was drawn at random and given a choice of recordings. The giveaway is now closed.

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