Brahms: Symphony No. 4; Tragic Overture, Op. 81

1. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Hartmut Haenchen

2. Tragic Overture, in D minor, Op. 81
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra Conducted by Hartmut Haenchen

Brahms: Symphony No. 4; Tragic Overture, Op. 81,Johannes Brahms,Hartmut Haenchen,Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra,Delta,Classical,Classical Music,Orchestral,Orchestral & Symphonic,Romantic Overture for Orchestra,Romantic Symphony,Symphonic

Average customer rating: Good but not memorable for me Brahms symphonies sloppy One of Solti's better recordings in Chicago Very good

Johannes Brahms: The Symphonies Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Solti, Sir Georg | ( S ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music Bargain Box Sets | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116 Schubert: 8 Symphonies Dvorák: The Symphonies Schumann: The 4 Symphonies ASIN: B0000041Z5 Release Date: 1992-02-11

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: I. Un poco sostenuto - Allegro
2. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: II. Adante sostenuto
3. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: III. Un poco allegretto e grazioso
4. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: IV. Adagio - Piu adante - Allegro non troppo ma con brio

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: I. Allegro non troppo
2. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: II. Adagio non troppo
3. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: III. Allegretto grazioso (Quasi andantino) - Presto ma non assai
4. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: IV. Allegro con Spirito
5. Tragic Overture, Op. 81

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: I. Allegro con brio - Johannes Brahms
2. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: II. Andante - Johannes Brahms
3. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: III. Poco allegretto - Johannes Brahms
4. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: IV. Allegro - Johannes Brahms
5. Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80 - Johannes Brahms

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: I. Allegro non troppo
2. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: II. Andante moderato
3. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: III. Allegro giocoso
4. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: IV. Allegro energico e passionato

Customer Reviews:

Good but not memorable for me.......2007-05-17

I purchased this cycle with eager anticipation but was frankly disappointed when I opened up the set and popped it in my stereo. I love the CSO/Solti sound (esp the brass section) as much as anybody but I am disappointed with the energy, balance, and precision of entrances and note lengths. If you want a great set, buy the HSO/Eschenbach!

Brahms symphonies.......2006-11-07

I'll make this simple. If your interested in a great set of the four Brahms symphonies pick this up immediately. Great sound(late analogue warmth), terrific performances(Solti and Chicago are sturdy as always), and an extremely low price.

This set has several distinct advantages over some of the others out there. For starters each symphony occupies its own cd. Sounds simple enough but I'm quickly tiring of sets that split up symphonies under 80 minutes long just to pack each cd to the brink. Nothing's worse than having a complete symphony and half of another on one cd and the other half of the second symphony on disc number 2. No sense switching discs to listen to one work unless that work is over 80 mintues long(ie- Mahler). I'm also getting sick of sets that couple insequential symphonies together to fill up discs(ie- symphonies number 1 and 4 on one disc). I like to listen in sequential order.

This set allows that. One symphony per disc. Discs two and three each have an overture to fill up some time and that's fine since both are after the symphony. How about Abbado and others putting these overtures and other 'bonus' works _before_ the main attraction? What's that about?

I mentioned it early but the price issue is also huge. Sure, you could buy Abbado's Berlin set which is great but be ready to shell out over $120(!) on Amazon. You'll get a couple of additional short works with that set but come on. Is it worth another $100 or so? Your call but I'd say no way.
Pick this up for around $20 and be assured that your getting quality Brahms at a great price.

sloppy.......2006-02-28

It's sloppy. Interpretation not well thought through. Solti is a well known name, but I wasn't impressed. It sounds uninspired. Check out a different set of the Brahms' symphonies.

One of Solti's better recordings in Chicago.......2005-10-14

This Brahms Symphonies set with Sir Georg Solti/Chicago Symphony is one of Solti's better recordings in Chicago. Recorded in 1979, just before the Digital age and technology took over, these are beautiful, smooth and creamy recordings with rich bass and nice mid range. Solti is intense but never driven, and he knows just how much intensity to put into Brahms without over-driving him and making the music become melodramatic or vulgar. The sound London's engineers got in these recordings is better than for the Solti/Chicago Beethoven Symphonies recorded earlier that decade, 1972-74.

The Chicago Symphony under Solti was "HOT" in recording sales during the 1970s. I was in college from 1977-81, and all the brass and woodwind players raved about Chicago's recordings of Strauss, Mahler, and other composers which were currently being released. I especially recall a flute player who was estatic because she received three Solti/Chicago LPs for Christmas gifts one year. The brass and woodwinds are often emphasized in many Solti/Chicago recordings, with the strings less prominent than some orchestras; but here the balance is very equal where needed, and the brass do yeoman service in the passages most needed, such as the running figures at the end of Symphony 2:IV.

Solti does take alot of repeats, especially in Symphony 2:I, which makes this movement several minutes longer than most recordings. And he isn't afraid to take his time - tempos aren't too fast, and never feel driven: not always the case in a Solti recording. I of Symphony 1 and Symphony 3 also have repeats, thus making these movements longer than in recordings of Bruno Walter or George Szell.

The companion works, Academic Festival Overture and Tragic Overture are also excellent in every way, recalling Bruno Walter/Columbia Symphony (Sony), who recorded these works in stereo 20 years before Solti/Chicago.

Very good.......2005-03-18

This is the Brahms Symphonies set to get. Every performance is great, and the sound is pretty high quality. I do not notice any problems with the acoustics. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating: great series

The Story Of Brahms Manufacturer: Vox (Classical) ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Beethoven | Beethoven, Ludwig van | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Reeds & Winds | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Children's Music | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs Under $7 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Story of Tchaikovsky Story Of Chopin In Words And Music The Story Of Handel The Story of Schubert The Story of Beethoven ASIN: B000001KDB Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Allegro con brio
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 In B-Flat Major, Op. 83: Allegro appassionato
3. Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 83: Rondo
4. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Adagio non troppo
5. Serenade, Op. 106: No. 1
6. Violin Concerto in D Major. Op. 77: Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivace
7. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegro con spirito
8. Capriccio in B Minor, Op. 76: No. 2
9. Hungarian Dance No. 6 in D-flat Major
10. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Andante sostenuto
11. Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15: Maestoso
12. Lullaby, Op. 49: No. 4
13. Hungarian Dance No. 1 in G Minor
14. Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op. 35: Book II
15. Rinaldo, Op. 50
16. Waltz in A-flat Major, Op. 39: No. 15
17. Love Song Waltzes, Op. 52: No. 1
18. Hungarian Dance No. 5 in F-sharp Major
19. Variations on a Theme by Haydn: Op. 56a
20. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Excerpts
21. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegro non troppo
22. Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 77: Op. 77
23. Academic Festival Overture: Op. 80
24. Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major: Allegro non troppo
25. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Allegro
26. Clarinet Quintet In B Minor, Op. 115: Allegro
27. Tragic Overture: Op. 81
28. Academic Festival Overture: Op. 80
29. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 1 in G Minor
30. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 2 in F Major
31. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 10 in E Major
32. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 5 in F-sharp Major
33. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 6 in D-flat Major
34. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 7 in A Major
35. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 17 in F-sharp Minor
36. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 19 in B Minor
37. 9 Hungarian Dances: No. 21 in E Minor

Customer Reviews:

great series.......2007-01-10

This CD along with the others in the series is very good. So far we have collected about ten different ones. They are thorough and interesting. I homeschool and it has been a great additon to our teaching materials and tools. The narrarated history format interspersed with the composer's music is key to keeping the interest of the children. A must-have for introducing classical music with historical background to your kids and at a great price on Amazon!

Average customer rating: no kidding Not sure what all the fuss is about. Five stars + Karajan or Klemperer in Brahms? My deserted island pick

EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer Johannes Brahms , Philharmonia Orchestra , Christa Ludwig , Philharmonia Chorus , and Otto Klemperer Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos Great Recordings Of The Century - Schubert: Symphonies nos. 3, 5, & 6 / Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Wagner: Orchestral Music Furtwangler Conducts Brahms - Complete Symphonies, etc / North German RSO, Berlin PO Leon Fleisher Plays Brahms ASIN: B0001O3Y8A Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

1. Thema: Chorale St. Antoni
2. Variation I (Poco Piu Animato)
3. Variation II (Piu Vivace)
4. Variation III (Con Moto)
5. Variation IV (Andante Con Moto)
6. Variation V (Vivace)
7. Variation VI (Vivace)
8. Variation VII ( Grazioso)
9. Variation VIII (Presto Non Troppo)
10. Finale (Andante)
11. I: Un Poco Sostenuto - Allegro
12. II: Andante Sostenuto
13. III: Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
14. IV: Adagio - Piu Andante - Allegro Non Troppo Ma Con Brio

Tracks:

1. I: Allegro Non Troppo
2. II: Adagio Non Troppo
3. III: Allegretto Grazioso (Quasi Andantino) - Presto Ma Non Assai
4. IV: Allegro Con Spirito
5. I: Allegro Con Brio - Un Poco Sostenuto
6. II: Andante
7. III: Poco Allegretto
8. IV: Allegro - Un Poco Sostenuto

Tracks:

1. Academic Festival Overture Op. 80
2. Tragic Overture Op. 81
3. Alto Rhapsody Op. 53
4. I: Allegro Non Troppo
5. II: Andante Moderato
6. III: Allegro Giocoso - Poco Meno Presto
7. IV: Allegro Energico E Passionato - Piu Allegro

Customer Reviews:

no kidding.......2007-07-06

this IS the best brahms set in the market. honesly, as much as i love klemperer, i was pretty surprised by the amount of tension he managed to retain throughout this studio recording - something the greatest conductors often couldn't do.
To me, and i do not seem to be alone in this regard, the gem of the set is the fourth symphony. It is here that Klemperer simply out does Celibidache, Toscanini, and Furtwangler. The passacaglia is imbued with a sense of inevitability - i was completely taken aback by the impact of the climax. The relationship between the variations was so perfectly thought out that after this recording every other passacaglia seems inconsequential. Furtwangler might have imbued each passage with more fire, but even his profound insight is cursory compared to what Klemperer manages to convey.
Klemperer's supreme sense of architecture and drama also churns out an inimitable Academic Overture, which is also simply the most stunning and satisfying account I have ever heard. While in the beginning the orchestra might not seem completely synchronized, such misgivings are done away with by the time the last theme, the climax, is performed.
the rest are also similarly great, although owing the Furtwangler, Klemperer's first symphony doesn't top the rest of the competition like the other symphonies do.
there are a few records out there that i would call definitive - but this brahms set is the closest ever.

Not sure what all the fuss is about........2006-09-15

For me this set of Brahms is ho-hum. It is average, but nothing special. I feel the same way about Herbert von Kajaran's interpretation of Brahms. Brahms is without a doubt my favorite composer and I have heard many versions of his symphonies. For my tastes, the London Philharmonic's sound has always been too thin for Brahms. The only time I liked the London Philharmonic performing Brahms was Antal Dorati's set on Mercury Living Presence.
I prefer the rich and warm sound of the Berlin Philharmonic. The set of symphonies that Claudio Abbado released on DG in the 1990's has taken top honors for me. Most of the previous traversals with the Berliners (i.e. von Karajan) have taken the tempos too slow for my tastes.
As far as I'm concerned you can do much better elsewhere: Abbado, Szell, and Dorati - heck even Bruno Walter's set with the Columbia Symphony Orchestra is better than this presentation.

Five stars +.......2005-11-14

Klemperer is one of my favourites, probably because I got to know Mahler through him. For me this is the best Brahms symphonies cycle yet. The tempos are well judged as always and the Philharmonia at top form as always under Klemperer. I feel that the 4th is the gem of this cycle unsurpassed in every aspect. Along with the German Requiem again with Klempeper and the Philharmonia I find these CDs the best Brahms orchestral music on the market.

Karajan or Klemperer in Brahms?.......2005-09-29

Otto Klempeerer owes his late career in London and on EMI records to von Karajan. Since its founding in 1949, the Philharmonia Orch. was closely allied with Karajan, who built it up as his own career took off after the war. But when Furtwangler died in 1954 and his arch-rvial Karajan took over the Berlin Phil., the impressario of the Philharmonia, Walter Legge, knew that he neeeded a new stellar conductor or his orchestra would fail. He chose Klemperer, then almost forgotten and already past 65 when he made his initial appearances in London in 1951.

Legge's gamble paid off. Klemperer became the darling of London critics and audiences, and his performance style--measured, serious, with impeccable integrity--became the standard in Mozart, Beethoven, Wagner, and Brahms. He cared little for beauty of osund, smooth phrasing, or stylistic refinement. Words like "granitic" and "primordial" were used regularly.

Is he the antithesis of Karajan, who valued everything that Klemperer disdained? Listening to these Brahms symphony recordings in improved sound, I think the Klemperer vs. Karajan debate isn't all that valid. These four symphonies aren't granitic or primordial, nor are they particularly slow. In fact, the first movement of the Second moves lightly, as does the finale of the Fourth. If anything, Karajan's presentation is more massive and imposing in every symphony. The main difference begins with Klemperer's steady pace, which he tends to hold without allowing the phrase to be molded as flexibly as Karajan.

Karajan made two complete Brahms cycles for DG, the latter in digital sound. He was undoubtedly a great Brahms conductor, but so was Klemperer. Here the Philharmonia sounds sharp and alert and not very big in number, while Karajan's Berlin forces sound sumptuous and huge.

These two giants had no peer in Brahms from the death of Toscanini to the present day, excepting occasional recordings by Giulini, Bernstein, and perhaps in today's market, Harnoncourt. Some would also rank bruno Walter's two Brahms cycles at this exalted level, but for me only the mono one with the NY Phil., now available on a Sony import, qualifies, and besides the inadequate sonics, the orchestra does not play as beautifully as what we hear in this set. It's great to have Klemperer's classic set, which is totally free of eccentricity, back in such good sound. Five stars without a doubt.

My deserted island pick.......2005-06-20

If I had to go to that deserted island, I would be in doubt of which of these 3 CDs to take with me. I have perhaps 500 classical CDs, but this box stands out. I am not going to write very much, however: Brahms is my favourite composer. Brahms was Klemperer's favourite composer. His conducting is perfect all the way. These are so-called slow interpretations, i.e. compared to Toscanini and Walter, but not slow compared to, say Abbado; I think these tempos are perfectly suited to bring out the richness of the texture. The result I will describe as civilized, human, warm, even hot, dramatic, strictly to the point, even sharp, although there are sharper interpretations out there, but they don't got the same lyrical intensity as Klemperer's.

Average customer rating: Brahms Symphony No. 3 Great Performances, Okay Sound, Great Selections! Bernstein's Riveting Brahms Symphonies and more with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Leonard Bernstein Conducts Brahms (Collectors Edition) Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies (Collectors Edition) Leonard Bernstein Conducts Haydn (Collectors Edition) Leonard Bernstein Conducts Sibelius (Collectors Edition) Tchaikovsky: The Complete Symphonies Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann: Complete Recordings on Deutsche Grammophon ASIN: B0001WGDXA Release Date: 2004-05-11

Customer Reviews:

Brahms Symphony No. 3.......2007-07-23

I just heard the third movement on Internet radio and it is just about perfect. No tempo issues, lines flowing smoothly from instrument to instrument. It's the most expressive I've ever heard. Just heartbreakingly beautiful.

I'm buying it today. This is the Brahms interpretation I want my kids to grow up listening to.

Great Performances, Okay Sound, Great Selections!.......2006-07-28

Brahms has always been one of my favourite composers and Bernstein and the Vienna PO have done an excellent interpretation of all his Symphonies and especially of the Violin and Double Concerti. The sound quality for a live recording is also quite okay and this is especially so of the last disc which contains the Concerti.

The packaging of a cardboard box which holds the paper sleeves which house the 5 discs is also nice to behold. You also get a nice 16-page booklet with an essay on Brahms written by Bernstein himself.

I was amused to also discover that when it comes to Brahms' symphonies, it appears the 3rd movements are charms when it comes to "borrowing" the melodies for pop/rock tunes too. The progressive rock band, Yes, have openly used the 3rd movement of the 4th one as one of the tracks on their wildly successful album, "Fragile" while if you listen closely to the one from the 3rd Symphony, you'll realise that Santana totally ripped off the melody for the second track on his "Supernatural" album, "Love of My Life" with Dave Matthews. At least Yes had the decency to give the credit to Brahms when they did it though.

This box set though comes highly recommended.

Bernstein's Riveting Brahms Symphonies and more with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.......2005-09-09

Leonard Bernstein has been praised and condemned by musical critics who have examined his unique, distinctive style of conducting. Along with Herbert von Karajan, Bernstein was probably among the two finest music directors of his generation; critics have thoroughly compared and contrasted Bernstein's emotional approach with Karajan's stern, almost business-like approach to conducting. Regardless of whether or not you may love Bernstein's style of conducting, he is still revered and loved by his harshest critics, the musicians who enjoyed playing for him as members of some of the world's greatest symphony orchestras. For example, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the Vienna Philharmonic's concertmasters last March here in New York City, hearing his lavish praise of Bernstein as both a musician and person. He still regarded Bernstein as one of his favorite conductors, viewing their concerts as among the highlights in his own noteworthy career as solo violinist and concertmaster of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.

The enthusiasm and admiration which the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra had for its favorite American conductor is present in this splendid Deutsche Grammophon collection which has been compiled recently from the original digital recordings made during live concerts held in the early 1980s. Among these are one of my favorite recordings of the Brahms 2nd Symphony, which is a lush, lovely reading of Brahms' most pastoral symphony, and a valid interpretation inspite of Bernstein's tendency for slower tempi. Similarly, the other three symphony recordings are splendid in their own right, with the brooding 1st Symphony a mesmerizing, exciting performance. I strongly recomend this CD collection as a fine example of Bernstein still conducting at the height of his artistic powers, demonstrating the excellent collaboration between the conductor and his favorite European orchestra. Without question, this remains one of the best Brahms symphony cycles available to discerning collectors and novices of classical music alike.

Average customer rating: Walter: Brahms 4th Tragic Overture, Schicksalslied Favourite performances revisited desert-island-disc ! Autumnal, kind, and genial aren't right for the Brahms Fourth Walter was an authoritative Brahms conductor

Brahms: Symphony No. 4; Tragic Overture; Schicksalslied Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3 Brahms: Symphony No. 1; Haydn Variations; Academic Festival Overture Johannes Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem, Op. 45/Alt-Rhapsodie, Op. 53 Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 6 "Pastorale" Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 3 "Eroica" & 8 ASIN: B000002A80 Release Date: 1995-10-31

Tracks:

1. Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: I. Allegro non troppo
2. Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: II. Andante moderato
3. Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: III. Allegro giocoso - Poco meno presto - Tempo I
4. Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: IV. Allegro energico e passionato - Piu Allegro
5. Tragic Overture, Op.81: Allegro ma non troppo
6. Song Of Destiny, Op.54: Ihr wandelt droben im Licht. Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll - Allegro - Adagio

Amazon.com

The Columbia Symphony may not have been a first-class orchestra, but Bruno Walter trained to do the right things, and it responded with first-class accounts of these symphonies. While there are instances of less-than-stellar ensemble work, there is also some very fine first-desk playing, and the performances as a whole are marked by a natural feeling of movement, phrasing, and expression. Walter's approach to the music is kindly, caring, wonderfully whole--sunny but not overly brilliant, warm but not overly heated, sincere but not overly impassioned, and above all gemtlich. Anyone who thinks that means the conductor was slow, shapeless, or indulgent should listen. There is thrust here, and plenty of momentum. The recordings, made between 1959 and 1961, are closely miked and somewhat bass-heavy, but have benefitted immensely from Sony's state-of-the-art remastering. Considering the vintage, the sound is wonderfully alive and direct. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Walter: Brahms 4th Tragic Overture, Schicksalslied .......2007-05-14

Brahms is my favorite composer. Brahms was concerned that he followed Beethoven, so much so that he waited until late in life to publish his symphonies. I do not understand why. The Fourth is a masterpiece.

The performances of these pieces by Bruno Walter and the Columbia Symphony are also masterful.

The technology for the initial recording is dated, but the remastering was done with great care. The result is a really fine recording.

Favourite performances revisited.......2007-04-03

Around 1970, one of my favourite LP-sets was the collection of Brahms symphonies conducted by Bruno Walter. Since then, of course I switched to cd's, obtained several other performances of these symphonies, and for a long time didn't listen to these old ones. Quite recently, I started comparing a number of different performances of the 4th symphony, and decided to include the old Brahms LP. In spite of the poor sound quality of my old LP, the Bruno Walter version came out as the most warm, glowing, sympathetic one. This led me to buy the cd-remastering, in which also the sound quality is quite good. So I am very happy that I rediscovered this old treasure.

desert-island-disc !.......2006-10-22

This record proves that, Bruno Walter understand so succesful the music of Brahms. I don't think so about, it is so kind performance. No, it is may be melancholic than all of other performances, but it is so powerful in the meantime. May be it's not so energic like Bernstein, but Walter gives the all precious meanings of the all notes!

Symphony No. 4 is the most deepest of all symphonies of Brahms. There are no moments of happiness, but may be the moments of tiny smiling just after the tears... The first movement is a type of Ballade. It is romantic, but heroic, too. The second mov. is the idllyic music of the work. The third mov. was called in the first perf. as "The most majestic Scherzo, since Beethoven", and it was repeated as an encore in that concert. But the last mov. is an exmaple of Apotheosis of Variation. The theme was took from a choral of J. S. Bach and than there are 31 variatons, some of these are depressive, sometimes cloudy, sometimes hopeful, but in the very end, it is really drammatic. It finishs not in sunny major, but in darkful minor, as like tells about the tragic reality of the life...

The Tragic Overture, originally started to life as an Overture to Faust of Goethe. But than, it was finished as an concert overture and it was first performed by Wiener Philharmoniker, conducted by Hans Richter. It is really one of the most pessimist works of Brahms. It starts with two powerful blows and the vigorous main theme, but than, the roamantic and peaceful second theme comes, but not for a long time. Just after a few bars, the questions of Faust comes back again...

The Song of Destiny is may be the most beautiful and famous choral work with Ein Deutsches Requiem. But it is not religious. It was inspired from a romantic German poet, Friedrich Hölderlin, and it is more personal work. But in very opening passages of the orchestra, it is so noble, so hopeful, you cannot hide your tears when you listen that opening. Especially with that sensitive reading of Bruno Walter. It is so impressive, spine-chilling...

Highly recommended for any Brahms and music lovers.

Autumnal, kind, and genial aren't right for the Brahms Fourth.......2006-03-16

I think the Amazon reviewer is right to describe Walter's late Brahms as kind and genial, but in the Fourth of all symphonies you don't want to hear the music on Prozac. Walter's relaxed tempos, close to Klemperer and Furtwangler's, require intensity to come across, and he doesn't provide that. There's no sense of struggle, and after a while it becomes like a stroll thorugh well-remembered pastoral landscapes. I admire Walter's lyrical approach much of the time--here he needed to return to his old, brash self when he conducted Brahms with the NY Phil. in the early Fifties. Both orchestra nad recorded sound are thin as well.

Walter was an authoritative Brahms conductor.......2005-09-03

Bruno Walter (1876-1962) was an expert, authoritative Brahms conductor. Brahms finished his first symphony the year Walter was born, and the premieres of Brahms' Symphonies 2,3 and 4 were during Walter's youth. Bruno Walter was 21 the year Brahms died, so their lives overlapped, although I don't have any evidence that the two met in person. (Walter knew Gustav Mahler personally and studied conducting with him, and I heard Walter say in a Columbia interview from the mid 1950s that he had never met Anton Bruckner in person.)

Walter's recording of Brahms Symphony 4 has been in the catalog ever since it's release in 1960, first on Columbia LP and later Odyssey LP, then on cassette and CD (1985) and the Bruno Walter Edition CD (1995): this issue. I am familiar with the first generation CD of these recordings (the 1985 version) and they are very fine. There is a little hiss, but the orchestra sounds so good: brilliant, with great highs. Walter's conducting is affectionate and loving: it's as if a kindly grandfather or uncle is telling a story as Brahms Symphony unfolds. Tempos are never too fast; I prefer a little quicker pace in III, but this is pleasant, and Walter brings out many details, especially in the woodwinds and violas that some conductors gloss over. Columbia's recording is very good, despite the early stereo date.

The Tragic Overture and Schicksalslied are both performed very well, and it shows that Walter really cared about this music. Again, tempos lean to the moderate side, and Walter uses a delicate rubato to serve Brahms' music.

These recordings may not knock your socks off on first listen: there are subtle things details to be heard, and Walter is totally in service of Brahms. I have heard Walter interviewed, both on CD (accompanying Sony's Bruno Walter Edition of Mahler Symphony 9) and DVD (VAI's "Bruno Walter: the Maestro; the Man") and his kindness and humanity were great. I know Walter hated all that was artificial and superfluous, and this recordings of Brahms 4 bears witness to his beliefs.

Average customer rating: Not good, not bad, just generic Beautiful orchestra, but Muti conducts from an easy chair Muti delivers Bargain Brahms from a Great Brahms Orchestra

Brahms: Complete Symphonies Brahms , Philadelphia Orchestra , and Riccardo Muti Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures Complete Concertos / Overtures Tchaikovsky: Symphony No6, Op74; Skryabin: Symphony No4 Tchaikovsky: Symphony 5 / Francesca da Rimini Beethoven: Complete Symphonies ASIN: B000065TV5 Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Un Poco Sostenuto - Allegro - Mano Allegro
2. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 63: Andante Sostenuto
3. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 63: Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
4. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 63: Adagio - Piu Andante - Allegro Non Troppo, Ma Con Brio
5. Variations For Orchestra In B Flat Major On A Theme By Joseph Haydn Op. 56A

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegro Non Troppo
2. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Aagio Non Troppo - L'Istesso Tempo, Ma Grazioso
3. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegretto Grazioso (Quasi Andantino) - Presto Ma Non Assai - Tempo 1
4. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegro Con Spirito
5. Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80
6. Tragic Overture, Op. 81

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Allegro Con Brio
2. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Andante
3. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Poco Allegretto
4. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Allegro
5. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: Allegro Non Troppo
6. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: Andante Moderato
7. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: Allegro Giocoso - Poco Meno Presto - Tempo 1
8. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: Allegro Energico E Pissionato - Piu Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Not good, not bad, just generic.......2007-07-02

I concur with Santa Fe Listener on this one...this is classic Muti, preferring not to take any chances, remaining true to his belief that the composer, rather than the conductor, should do the talking. While his performances don't have the same creepily synthetic quality of later Karajan, nonetheless it has the generic, all-the-notes-in-right-place flavor which makes it all too easy to forget after a short time.

As a cycle, it is nicely affordable & certainly doesn't run roughshod over the music, so it at least has got that going for it. I guess it would a good starter set for the novice, but for anyone already familiar with these symphonies, there are far better sets (my own personal preference is Walter) from which to choose.

Beautiful orchestra, but Muti conducts from an easy chair.......2006-11-26

Listeners form their own allegiances, but I'm shockeed that early reviewers think that Muti has made a first-rate Brahms cycle. It's certainly true that the Philadelphia Orch. sounds gorgeous, but Muti never asks them to stretch. Every single movement is taken at a comfortable pace with underplayed solos and not the slightest hint of real struggle or tension. This is Brahms relegated to assisted living. There are other conductors who take a plush-velvet approach to the Brahms symphonies (Sawallisch and the aging Barbirolli), but without inner drama, these readings get boring veyr fast. Even the push-and-pul of Jochum is preerable. As to the truly great Brahmsians of the stereo era, I will stick with late Walter, Bernstein, Karajan, and when I am in the mood, the ever-tantalizing, ever-frustrating Celibadache.

Muti delivers.......2004-05-22

Muti's recordings of the Brahms symphonies are powerful and sweeping, with good detail and a realistic acoustic. Muti provides his usual (and wonderful) lyricism, which fits most of the pieces very well.

Karajan's First Symphony on DG is more darkly dramatic than Muti's is here (if you like drama -- and drama works for the First -- you might consider Karajan). Muti's performance is anything but slack, however. And Muti gets a better sound than Karajan does from the engineers; Muti's recording is more natural, with nice, open imaging.

For me, Muti's Fourth is bested only by Kleiber's classic interpretation on DG. Kleiber doesn't dip as far into the emotional possibilities of the work as Muti, maybe, but that isn't Kleiber's goal. His Brahms is more classical than Muti's, more Appollonian, and only Kleiber solves all of the Fourth's problems with his extraordinary panache and grace, IMHO. Still, I enjoy Muti's version very much, and if it were my only version I'd be mighty happy with it.

Overall, if you want a very good collection of all four symphonies, Muti and the Philadelphians won't disappoint.

Nutshell: Committed performances and digital sound coupled with a midline price. Very fine.

Bargain Brahms from a Great Brahms Orchestra.......2003-11-13

When this set first came out in the early 90s, I bought the recording of the Second Symphony, which critics thought the strongest of the set. In deference to their judgment I avoided the rest of the recordings until now. I'd always thought the Muti Second a strong one without being absolutely first class, but now, heard in the company of other three symphonies and the Haydn Variations, it emerges even stronger in my estimation. Whereas Ormandy tended to wallow a bit in Brahms, Muti's approach is characteristically leaner without being in the least meaner. In fact, the ripe nostalgia of the Third Symphony, probably nobody's favorite Brahms, comes across wonderfully, as does the high drama of the Fourth, especially given Philips' burnished but impactive sound-those marvelous trombones in the finale! and trumpets and drums in the scherzo! (Not to mention the famous "auto horn" cadence from the Second Symphony finale!) The beauty of the string-and-wind playing is a given with this orchestra. But I think I've never fully appreciated the loveliness of Brahms's writing for woodwinds before hearing this set.

Luckily, though (for example) the Tragic Overture moves along at quite a clip in the faster sections--all the better for it, too, since dawdlin' in this work tends to make it sound maudlin--Muti isn't the juggernaut he often is, glossing over the subtleties along the way. This happens to some extent in his Beethoven, but he really lets Brahms breathe. A case in point is the First Symphony. I thought Muti's reading a bit too static, a bit too granitic on first hearing. But as I've lived with the performance, I've come to believe that Muti fully captures the Olympian grandeur of this best of all first symphonies, as British music critic Bernard Jacobson calls it in his notes to the recording.

So here you have a great Brahms orchestra captured in clear, assertive, yet airy sonics, in performances that are obviously the product of affection as well as serious study and attention to detail. At Philips' Trio price, this is certainly a deal.

Average customer rating: A jewel in my collection Great Brahms Cycle From An Unexpected Place The best Brahms for the best price!

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4 Manufacturer: EMI Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Eschenbach, Christoph | ( E ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Houston Symphony Orchestra | ( H ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Nine Symphonies Bruckner: Symphony No. 6 Mahler: Symphony No. 6; Piano Quartet [Hybrid SACD] Saint-Saëns: Symphony No. 3; Poulenc: Organ Concerto; Barber: Toccata Festiva Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos ASIN: B00005TNML Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

1. Symphony No.1 In C Minor, Op.68: I. Un Poco Sostenuto - Allegro
2. Symphony No.1 In C Minor, Op.68: II. Andante Sostenuto
3. Symphony No.1 In C Minor, Op.68: III. Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
4. Symphony No.1 In C Minor, Op.68: IV. Adagio - Piu Andante - Allegro Non Troppo, Ma Con Brio
5. Academic Festival Overture, Op.80

Tracks:

1. Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.73: I. Allegro Non Troppo
2. Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.73: II. Adagio Non Troppo
3. Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.73: III. Allegretto Grazioso (Quasi Andantino) - Presto Ma Non Troppo
4. Symphony No.2 In D Major, Op.73: IV. Allegro Con Spirito
5. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op.56a: Chorale (St. Antoni)
6. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op.56a: I. Poco Piu Animato
7. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op.56a: II. Piu Vivace
8. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op.56a: III. Con Moto
9. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op.56a: IV. Andante Con Moto
10. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op.56a: V. Vivace
11. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op.56a: VI. Vivace
12. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op.56a: VII. Grazioso
13. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op.56a: VIII. Presto Non Troppo
14. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op.56a: Finale

Tracks:

1. Symphonie No.3 In F Major, Op.90: I. Allegro Non Troppo
2. Symphonie No.3 In F Major, Op.90: II. Andante Moderato
3. Symphonie No.3 In F Major, Op.90: III. Allegro Giocoso
4. Symphonie No.3 In F Major, Op.90: IV. Allegro Energico E Passionato
5. Alto Rhapsody, Op.53 - Dunja Vejzovic

Tracks:

1. Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: I. Allegro Non Troppo
2. Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: II. Andante Moderato
3. Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: III. Allegro Giocoso
4. Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: IV. Allegro Energico E Passionato
5. Tragic Overture, Op.81

Customer Reviews:

A jewel in my collection.......2005-11-15

Brahms was the torchbearer of the First Viennese School, holding down tradition's fort in the face of the Liszt/Wagner music of the future. Despite his preference for Classical forms and structure, his temperament was unquestionably Romantic. Brahms resolved these seemingly opposite forces in his music, but realizing Brahms' vision in performance can be elusive. Among the symphony cycles, rarely has Brahms sounded so fully Classical and fully Romantic simultaneously than in this set.

The critical element in Eschenbach's readings is that they are somewhat slower than most, with tempi similar to those of Furtwangler's. This approach allows the thick orchestration to breathe, making it easier to appreciate Brahms' unrivaled mastery of musical architecture. Furthermore, it highlights his imagination while remaining within the confines of the traditional symphonic forms. For the slow movements, it fully showcases Brahms' lyricism that a faster tempo would have glossed over.

I did find the first movement of the Fourth to be a little slow, but it was still within the realm of reasonable interpretation. I'm sure it will grow on me as I listen more.

The inclusion of four add-ons is a nice bonus--most Brahms sets include only the Academic Festival and Tragic Overtures. No revelations here, but they are well performed.

Overall, an unbeatable value.

Great Brahms Cycle From An Unexpected Place.......2003-08-29

It's not all the time that it happens, but every once in a while, a symphonic cycle box set made by an orchestra that is not universally seen as a world-class outfit makes an impact. Such is the case here with this cycle of Brahms' four symphonies and various other works performed here by the Houston Symphony Orchestra under the leadership of Christoph Eschenbach, who served as Music Director from 1989 to 2001.

This Brahms cycle was made during the early 90s, and shows both Eschenbach and the Houston Symphony in top form. Eschenbach observes the first-movement exposition repeats of the first three symphonies, thus making their running times longer (the opening of No. 1 is almost nineteen minutes; that of No. 2 nearly twenty-two; and that of No. 3 over thirteen and a half), but the quality is never sacrificed. Dunja Vejzovic and the male voices of the Houston Symphony Chorus are excellent on the recording of Brahms' early choral work Alto Rhapsody; and the orchestra does good work on the Haydn Variations, the Academic Festival Overture, and the highly charged Tragic Overture.

Given all of this, it is bewildering that it has only been in recent times that the Houston Symphony has achieved the respect it has long deserved. After all, many big names had stood on the podium before Eschenbach: Beecham, Stokowski, Barbirolli, and Previn. But Eschenbach seemed to break through the orchestra board's long-time ultra-conservative musical mentality, and thus he elevated the Houston Symphony to world-class status. The proof can be found in this superbly recorded and superbly priced Brahms set, which is well worth seeking out.

The best Brahms for the best price!.......2002-09-23

When I saw this inexpensive 4cd box set, I knew that I had to get it, especially after hearing Eschenbach's recording of Bruckner's 6th w/Houston SO (the best ever btw). Some conductors (eg. Karajan) try to take you into different worlds in the different symphonies. However Eschenbach takes you to different places withnin the same world, giving the listener a more organic-whole musical listening experience. The rhythms are sharp, the readings are dark (Brahms was a hard-core loner) and intense. The opening of the first sym. reminds me of Klemperer, so deep and powerful. The stings are flawless and full of support. When one looks at set prices like Abbado's...the eschenbach set is one of the best Brahms bargain sets of all time. The filler pieces are equally strong, as are the singers in the alto rhap. A must have for all Brahmsians!!

Average customer rating: Pieces too lengthy and ambient for a 'best of'.

Brahms: Greatest Hits Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quartets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Opera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Grieg: Greatest Hits Liszt: Greatest Hits Mendelssohn: Greatest Hits Chopin: Greatest Hits Schubert: Greatest Hits ASIN: B000002A1H Release Date: 1994-08-09

Tracks:

1. Hungarian Dance No. 5
2. Lullaby, Op. 49, No. 4
3. Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80
4. Variations On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op. 56a: Finale. Andante
5. Violin Concerto In D Major, Op. 77: Allegro, Ma Non Tanto
6. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: Allegro Giocoso - Poco Meno Presto
7. Piano Quartet In G Minor, Op. 25: Rondo Alla Zingarese. Presto
8. Tragic Overture, Op. 81
9. Waltz In A-Flat Major, Op. 39, No. 15
10. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op.68: Adiagio-Allegro Non Troppo Ma Con Brio

Customer Reviews:

Pieces too lengthy and ambient for a 'best of'........2003-11-17

'Greatest Hits' compilations are purposeful for those who don't want 'the whole piece'.This cd has too many long and ambient versions to be suitable for beginners to Brahms.Alot of his outstanding moments are 'blended in', rather than 'stood out'.So his melodic element is missed on some selections.But there are stand-outs.This Hungarian Dance n.5 is the most extravagent version i've heard.The tempo-changes are clever, and the orchestra packs a gypsy punch.A couple of the chamber works are great (tho u can find similar to those versions on many brahms' best of's).I find the melody of 'lullaby' is a bit lost in how very slowly it's done.Most 'Brahms' Greatest Hits' do focus more heavily on his orchestral pieces.This one also does, so I feel theres too few of his great chamber (trio/4tet/5tet) themes.

Average customer rating: Splendid Brahms Symphony Cycle from Haitink, London Symphony Orchestra

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Double Concerto; Serenade No. 2 Manufacturer: Lso Live UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Concertinos | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Divertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Classical | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Beethoven: Symphonies Nos. 1-9 [Special Edition] [Hybrid SACD] Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies Piano Concerti 1 & 2 / Haydn 5 Mahler: Symphony No. 9 Brahms: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 ASIN: B000A6OC6C Release Date: 2005-10-11

Customer Reviews:

Splendid Brahms Symphony Cycle from Haitink, London Symphony Orchestra.......2006-05-12

The London Symphony Orchestra's LSO Live label finally offers as a box set acclaimed conductor Bernard Haitink's latest - and third - Brahms symphony cycle (The other two - which are still available - were recorded by Philips with Haitink conducting the Royal Concertgebouw and Boston Symphony orchestras in the 1970s and early 1990s.). Those interested in a fine Brahms symphony cycle by one of our greatest conductors will not be disappointed with this box set, which compiles the individual LSO Live CDs released over the past few years (These were recorded at live concert performances of Haitink conducting the London Symphony Orchestra primarily back in 2003 and 2004.).

Highlights include Haitink's spellbinding interpretations of the four Brahms symphonies and a brilliant performance by concertmaster Gordan Nikolitch and principal cellist Timothy Hugh of the Brahms Double Concerto. The London Symphony Orchestra's performances are absolutely impeccable, rivalling those from preeminent Dutch, German and Austrian orchestras.

Haitink offers a compelling interpretation of Brahms' 1st Symphony with the London Symphony Orchestra in excellent form, which ranks as among the best performed and recorded I have heard. His latest interpretation is one which seems a bit less restrained than his earlier versions, but still replete with strict adherence to Brahms' tempi. His latest interpretation is, in some respects, more exciting than his earlier Philips recordings, emphasizing the rich sonorities and complex architecture of Brahms' score.

Without question Haitink's LSO Live recording is the best live recording of the Brahms 2nd Symphony I have heard, easily eclipsing Kurt Masur's acclaimed account with the New York Philharmonic recorded nearly a decade ago by Teldec. It is also Haitink's finest recording of this work, which he has recorded previously with both the Royal Concertgebouw and Boston Symphony orchestras. Haitink does a wonderful job emphasizing the textural richness of Brahms' score, while keeping the orchestra playing well at a very brisk tempo. However, the real treasure on this recording is the excellent performance of the Double Concerto by the London Symphony's Concertmaster and Principal Cellist which opens this CD. Theirs is a vibrant, rhapsodic performance which compares quite well - indeed I think may be better - than the recent Deutsche Grammophon recording featuring violinist Gil Shaham with Claudio Abbado conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. Once again the orchestra plays with much intensity and warmth, led ably by Haitink.

Bernard Haitink's LSO Live CD of the Brahms Serenade Number 2 and the 3rd Symphony, is recorded from concerts he conducted in 2002 (serenade) and 2003 (symphony). Brahms' Serenade Number 2 could be regarded as an early precursor to his symphonies, since it is a five-movement work. Haitink leads the London Symphony Orchestra in yet another excellent performance, noted for warm, rhapsodic playing from the string section. However, the best performance on this CD is that of Brahms' Third Symphony. This piece itself is a bit unusual for a 19th Century symphony, in the form of Allegro Andante Poco Allegretto Allegro. In its overall tone, the work itself is a bit "darker" than the Second Symphony, which many have regarded as Brahms' "Pastoral" symphony. Haitink excels in emphasizing the more melancholy aspects of the work, leading the London Symphony Orchestra in the best-conducted and recorded version of this symphony that I've heard so far, with the possible exception of Harnoncourt's Teldec recording with him conducting the Berlin Philharmonic. Haitink's latest recording seems a bit darker than Masur's New York Philharmonic Orchestra recording from Teldec, and perhaps, Harnoncourt's as well.

Haitink has conducted the London Symphony in an unusually warm, vibrant performance of the Brahms 4th Symphony, which is replete with excellent solo performances from the french horns, woodwinds and strings. I was especially pleased with Haitink's dignified, but still brooding, interpretation of the 4th movement, which comes across as a musical interlude between darkness and light. I personally regard this recording of the Brahms 4th symphony as the best currently available, in a crowded pack that includes distinguished recordings from the likes of Claudio Abbado, Herbert Blomstedt, Carlos Kleiber, Kurt Masur, and Kurt Sanderling.

Fans of Haitink's critically acclaimed 1970s Brahms symphony cycle may miss the ambient warmth of the Concertgebouw's main concert hall in this Brahms symphony cycle, but I will contend that these new recordings sound more vivid than the earlier Philips recordings. LSO Live is currently releasing Haitink's second Beethoven symphony cycle from live performances he conducted last year; I am eagerly awaiting these, suspecting that they will be regarded as among the finest Beethoven symphony recordings issued in the last few years. Later this year he will be visiting New York City, leading the London Symphony Orchestra in a Beethoven symphony cycle at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall. Not only do I look forward to this visit, but also to Haitink's future performances at Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium as Principal Conductor of the venerable Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Average customer rating: Szell often excelled in Brahms, but not here Excelente Superb a rare dud A classic that's nearly perfect

Brahms: Symphony No. 4; Academic Festival Overture; Tragic Overture Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Symphonies | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Brahms: Symphony No. 1; Haydn Variations; Hungarian Dances Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3 The Nine Symphonies Beethoven: Symphony No. 2, Symphony No. 5 Brahms: Symphony No. 1; Haydn Variations ASIN: B00000276D Release Date: 1991-04-05

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: I. Allegro non troppo
2. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: II. Andante moderato
3. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: III. Allegro giocoso; Poco meno presto
4. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: IV. Allegro energico e passionato; Piu allegro
5. Academic Festival Overture, Op.80
6. Tragic Overture, Op.81

Customer Reviews:

Szell often excelled in Brahms, but not here.......2006-11-26

I think the reviewer below who calls this Brahms Fourth a dud is overstating the case. Szell never fals below the high standard of execution that made the Cleveland Orch. world famous, so ensemble and balances are perfect. But for some reason he seems dispirited. The opening movement, whose first theme he disjoints, has no ecstasy or soaring qualaity: it's just one note after the other. This is even more true in the slow movement, which seems to be sleepwalking.

I ofund this a shock given that Szell generally followed Toscanini's model in Brahms, which was swift and tense. The Scherzo catchesa spark or two, but the phrasing remains foursquare rather than flowing or exciting. When the finale arrived and I heard the opening bars played with every chord at the same volume, with no attempt to express the shape of Brahms's great theme, I gave up. From college I remember Szell's Academic Festival Over. being one of the best, and it has more sprightly energy than the symphony by a long shot; recording and inner detail are marvelous also. But you'd never guess that Brahms had written a celebratory piece. Likewise, the Tragic Over., which is the best thing on this budget CD, is forceful and well recorded but short on real tragedy.

In all, this is the least successful instalment in Szell's Brahms cycle, which includes a riveting First and Third.

Excelente.......2004-12-15

George Szell es un director grandioso, Brahms un compositor increible, juntemos dos grandes y obtenemos un CD de coleccion.
La cuarta sinfonia de Brahms es una exquisites, un conjunto increible de musica sublime y luminosa. La orquesta de Cleveland es bajo la direccion de Szell de lo mejor, quizas lo sabran pero el sonido de sus cuerdas esa solo igualado por la filarmonica de Viena, en su mejor epoca, asi es una orquesta grandiosa, pulcra, brillante, perfecta.
La cuarta sinfonia es en esta version formidable, grandiosa, imponente y bella. Se acompaña esta obra con dos piezas infaltables del repertorio de Brahms la obertura tragica, una pieza temperamental y de gran fuerza, y la solemene y no tanto Obertura para el festival Academico, para esta obra por favor no crean eso de que fue escrita rapidamente para una acto solemne pero por obligacion, NO, es una obra completamente bien construida, con esmero y de gran calidad.
George Szell se luce y hace que la Orquesta de Cleveland se luzca mas aun.
Brahms como siempre lo mejor.

Superb.......2004-05-26

Here is the right ingredients for Brahms E minor symphony. Add the delicacy of the winds with the incredible warmth of the brass and this is certainly has to be once of the most successful Brahms in the history of interpretation.

Movement one has a natural unforced flow which allows the themes to expand nicely. Woodwinds are just wonderful..

The slow music in the second movement is well done. The secondary theme which comes from the lower strings is marvelous.

The third movement has a excellent sense of pace without the bombast we hear from other groups...

The variations in this recording are the most flawlessly caught...the trombone choir in the last pages is fantastic.

Bravo Cleveland and Szell

a rare dud.......2003-03-06

Every once and a while, even a great conductor gets it wrong. George Szell provided us with an awesome recording legacy, but this Brahms 4th, sorry to say, isn't part of it. This is a slow, lifeless performance that struggles desperately to get going but never does. The beautiful opening movement is heavy, dull, and depressing, with some truly awful balancing for those pizzicato strings. A strange and perplexing failure, because Szell is so masterly in the middle symphonies (2 and 3) by Brahms. Fortunately, Sony has put them both on one budget disc, and it is one of the great bargains in the catalogue. As far as the 4th goes, I think you're better off with Walter, also on Sony, Kleiber on DG, or a really great powerhouse from -- of all people -- Charles Munch and the BSO on RCA.

A classic that's nearly perfect.......2001-12-12

This is surely one of the finest recordings you can get of the Brahms Fourth. The clarity Szell draws from the Cleveland orchestra is amazing, and every voice is heard. Szell's strength is that he is an exemplary musician. However, this is also his weakness, as he is so rigid in his tempi that he loses much of the dramatic impact of the work. The fourth movement is quite compelling tempo-wise, but lacks that real "oomph" that makes a great reading. If you want really engaging emotional involvement, look for Von Karajan or Bernstein. But if you want the most precise musicianship available and ultra-clear voices, the Szell is your pick.

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