Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Haydn-Variations; Tragic Overture [Box set]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
A thrilling Brahms cycle played by Germany's greatest orchestra under the baton of a legendary conductor. Do not confuse this set with Kurt Sanderling's later, less successful Brahms cycle on Capriccio. This is the one to get; it's just one more proof of the fact that there's no relationship between quality of performance and price. Even if you already have a decent selection of Brahms symphonies, you can afford to add this terrific set to your collection. --David Hurwitz

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Haydn-Variations; Tragic Overture, Music, Johannes Brahms, Kurt Sanderling, Dresden Staatskapelle, Classical, Classical Composers, Classical Music, Orchestral, Romantic Overture for Orchestra, Romantic Symphony, Romantic Variations for Orchestra, Symphonic

EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer
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

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ASIN: B0001O3Y8A
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Tracks:

Thema: Chorale St. Antoni
Variation I (Poco Piu Animato)
Variation II (Piu Vivace)
Variation III (Con Moto)
Variation IV (Andante Con Moto)
Variation V (Vivace)
Variation VI (Vivace)
Variation VII ( Grazioso)
Variation VIII (Presto Non Troppo)
Finale (Andante)
I: Un Poco Sostenuto - Allegro
II: Andante Sostenuto
III: Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
IV: Adagio - Piu Andante - Allegro Non Troppo Ma Con Brio

Tracks:

I: Allegro Non Troppo
II: Adagio Non Troppo
III: Allegretto Grazioso (Quasi Andantino) - Presto Ma Non Assai
IV: Allegro Con Spirito
I: Allegro Con Brio - Un Poco Sostenuto
II: Andante
III: Poco Allegretto
IV: Allegro - Un Poco Sostenuto

Tracks:

Academic Festival Overture Op. 80
Tragic Overture Op. 81
Alto Rhapsody Op. 53
I: Allegro Non Troppo
II: Andante Moderato
III: Allegro Giocoso - Poco Meno Presto
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:

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

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Beethoven: The Complete Symphonies and Piano Concertos

ASIN: B00005TNML
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: I. Allegro Non Troppo
Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: II. Andante Moderato
Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: III. Allegro Giocoso
Symphony No.4 In E Minor, Op.98: IV. Allegro Energico E Passionato
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!!

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Haydn-Variations; Tragic Overture

Average customer rating:

Grab it while you can
A very nice orchestra, but Sanderling has no real purpose in mind
One of the best Brahms symphony cycles
Un-Varied & A Little Dull
Slow, Very Slow

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Haydn-Variations; Tragic Overture

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Martha Argerich Plays Chopin: The Legendary 1965 Recording

ASIN: B000000FL6
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Tracks:

Symphony No. 1 In C Minor Op. 68: I. Un poco sostenuto - Allegro
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor Op. 68: II. Andante sostenuto
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor Op. 68: III. Un poco allegretto gracioso
Symphony No. 1 In C Minor Op. 68: IV. Finale: Adagio - Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
Variations On A Theme By Haydn Op. 56a: Chorale St. Antonii - Andante; I. Poco piu animato; II. Piu mosso; III. Con moto; IV. Andante con moto; V. Vivace; VI. Vivace; VII. Gracioso; VIII. Presto non troppo; Finale - Andante

Tracks:

Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 73: I. Allegro non troppo
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 73: II. Adagio non troppo
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 73: III. Allegretto gracioso (quasi andantino)
Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 73: IV. Allegro con spirito
Symphony No. 3 In F Major Op. 90: I. Allegro con brio
Symphony No. 3 In F Major Op. 90: II. Andante

Tracks:

Symphony No. 3 In F Major Op. 90: III. Poco Allegro
Symphony No. 3 In F Major Op. 90: IV. Allegro
Symphony No. 4 In E Minor Op. 98: I. Allegro non troppo
Symphony No. 4 In E Minor Op. 98: II. Andante moderato
Symphony No. 4 In E Minor Op. 98: III. Allegro giocoso
Symphony No. 4 In E Minor Op. 98: IV. Allegro energico e passionato
Tragic Overture In D minor Op. 81

Amazon.com essential recording

A thrilling Brahms cycle played by Germany's greatest orchestra under the baton of a legendary conductor. Do not confuse this set with Kurt Sanderling's later, less successful Brahms cycle on Capriccio. This is the one to get; it's just one more proof of the fact that there's no relationship between quality of performance and price. Even if you already have a decent selection of Brahms symphonies, you can afford to add this terrific set to your collection. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Grab it while you can.......2006-12-02

I am going to have to agree with Mr. Hurwitz on this one, this cycle is a gem. Own many Brahms recording on balance these Symphonies more than match the competition.

A very nice orchestra, but Sanderling has no real purpose in mind.......2006-11-14

Jeffrey Lipscomb's reaction to this bargain set of Brahms symphonies matches mine. As he says, this is "middle European, middle of the road" all the way. If you are a fan of the Dresden orchestra (a wonderful ensemble but not the equal of Berlin, despite David Hurwitz's puffery), that's another reason to buy this set. As to interpretations, however, Sanderling is aimless--we just get one movement after another to no particular purpose. Tempos aren't especially slow, even though a few reviewers here mysteriously think they are. Dynammics tend to hover around mezzo forte, and Sanderling rarely provides any drama or sudden impact.

why do other give this set five stars? Who knows, maybe they've never heard any great Brahms performances. Even Jochum, far from my favorite, gives more interesting and impassioned accounts, and if you want to keep to the midle of the road, there's Muti, Haitink, Sawallisch, even Eschenbach from Houston. I think it's a bit misleading, though, for Mr. Lipscomb to imply that there are no great Brahms cycles in stereo after the mono era. I have heard great Brahms on disc from Tennstedt, Bruno Walter, Karajan, Klemperer, and Bernstein, to name a few. If he imagines that Carl Schuricht outdoes these mdern maestros, he's in a pretty small minority.

One of the best Brahms symphony cycles .......2005-04-21

This is undoubtedly one of the best Brahms symphony cycles ever committed to disc. Kurt Sanderling's view of these ubiquitous scores is one firmly steeped in the 19th century performing tradition. His rythmic impulse is steady while his gesture unerringly grand, which pays huge dividens in the opening of the third symphony: just the way it should be! The way Sanderling eases the tempo and lets the music soar slowly and steadily in the closing pages of the first movement of the second symphony is particularly telling. The first and fourth are slightly less alert and sound a bit bloated to my taste but that does nothing to detract from the greatness of this set. My only serious complaint is that Sanderling does not observe the exposition repeat in the first movement of the first sysmphony, which I think is essential to maintain the tension and cohesiveness of the argument. The recorded sound in this particular incarnation is a bit boxy and congested at times. These four recordings are now newly remastered by Denon, sounding better than ever, and separately available. They may be purchased through Amazon com. Japan or HMV Japan. Kurt Sanderling also recorded the first symphony live in 1973 in Tokyo, and that recording, which I think is better than the one in this set, is now available from TDK and may be obtained through HMV Japan.

Un-Varied & A Little Dull.......2004-05-26

I owned this set on LPs long ago and finally weeded it out. Then this inexpensive CD set appeared, and I thought I would give Sanderling another try. I suppose the good news here is that this Dresden set is quite a bit better than the later Capriccio CD readings. But after that, I'm afraid the good news is in somewhat shorter supply.

This is middle European, middle of the road Brahms. It is tidier and more steady than Bruno Walter's - the Dresden is certainly a far more distinguished ensemble than Walter's Columbia Symphony. It is also warmer and less metronomic than the elderly Klemperer.

Unfortunately, you will hear none of Schuricht's soaring lyricism, nothing of Furtwangler's impassioned drama, and not a whit of Weingartner's nuanced poise. There is just a rather monochromatic sameness that runs throughout this entire set. It's all rather straight in an inoffensive, cautious way. Most of this playing is a bit static, uninflected.....and dull.

I have recently reviewed at length the Furtwangler set on M&A, as well as Weingartner's EMI set and Carlos Kleiber's 4th (DG). So I will be brief: if you are interested in hearing a dramatic and intensely committed 1st, try Furtwangler. In the 2nd (likely the weakest performance in Sanderling's set), hear the gorgeously sculpted reading by Busch (EMI), Schuricht's great live account (Archiphon), or Furtwangler's impassioned VPO reading. In the 3rd, try Weingartner (EMI), Knappertsbusch (Tahra), or Abendroth (Tahra). For #4, both Furtwangler and Schuricht (Ades) are outstanding, as is the Weingartner.

But a problem arises: all of these, save the Schuricht 4th, are historic readings in mono sound. I suppose that's the main reason why I hang on to this Sanderling - it's the only stereo "complete" set I have left. It serves as a foil to my other performances. Whenever I momentarily suspect that one of my cherished older performances is somehow lacking, I just put on one of these Sanderling accounts and I quickly gain renewed appreciation for the greater artistry elsewhere.

Recommended .... as a foil to contrast with better Brahms conducting available in lesser sound. On its own terms, this Sanderling is beautifully played and recorded. But to my ears, there are far finer interpretations waiting for you out there.

Slow, Very Slow.......2003-04-23

I cannot abide the tempo Sanderling picks for the first movement of the First. Painfully slow! Indeed, except for the Fourth Symphony, the tempi chosen for all four of the symphonies seem too slow to me. I also cannot tolerate the excessive vibrato of the brass and woodwinds in the fourth movement of the First in the broad introduction to the main theme. Sandlerling never seems to perceive or bring about an emotional climax in any of this music. How this is possible escapes me. As if that were not enough, Sanderling doesn't catch on at all to Brahms's rythmic originality and playfulness -- nowhere so apparent as in this dull performance of the Hayden Variations. Bottom line: Sanderling simply doesn't understand ths music very well. The fact that the recording itself is very good technically can't overcome this.

That said, the different orchestral parts in these performances emerge clearly and in proper balance, even lushly, if one's looking for that, throughout all of the symphonies. While Sanderling does not butcher the music (his Fourth is the most convincing of the four), he adds very little reason to listen to it -- tragic for those new to these monumental, magnificent works.

Are there other choices? Toscanini's old set, once was and maybe even now is my favorite. The unremitting tension of these perfrmances still leaves me breathless after decades of listening to them. I never warmed to the Walter versions, which I haven't tried again for a long, long time. Abaddo? Didn't like them much the first time around and haven't been back. Wand? Wand's set is pretty good, all things considered, but I wish he had had a better orchestra. The Sanderling performances, however, flat out do not merit the praise heaped on them by some, here and elsewhere. Fair to good is the best I can say for them. (Two and a half stars would be a better reflection of my considered view.)

I see from another reviewer that the Jochum set might be worthwhile. That will have to wait for me: I'm on to the Mackerras recordings now -- about which more later.

* * *

Having now listened to the Mackerras performances, I can recommend them without reservation: they are brilliantly conceived and executed, superior to any modern recordings I've heard. These are vastly preferable to the indifferent Sanderling effort. Mackerras's First is so good that it's difficult to stop listening to it over and over and neglecting the rest. His versions of the Third and Fourth are especially moving to me. Listen, for example, to the way he conducts the third movement of the Third: this is transfiguring stuff, very nearly on a par with what Toscanini alone, to my ear, achieved.

Customer Reviews:

Pleasantly Surprised.......2006-07-11

Mehta's Brahms comes as quite a surprise: very Mittel-Europa sounding, even mellow .... not at all the brash and frantic stuff he too often delivered in New York. If your ideal Brahms is Toscanini's or Szell's, better stay away from this. But if you admire Eugen Jochum or Raphael Kubelik in Brahms you might want to investigate this fine sounding digital set. Beautifully cultured playing by the Israel Philharmonic is another plus, along with "golden glow" sound from Sony. Why can't Mehta conduct like this more often?

Decent performances of Brahms.......2003-10-02

These are sound, middle-of-the-road performances of Brahms' 4 symphonies. Nothing to shout about, but they're acceptable if you can find them at a budget price. The digital sound is a bit muddier than I could wish. I would recommend Sanderling or Karajan as alternatives to this set.

Average customer rating:

Garage Band Edits
A superb orchestral recording

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4 (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Un Poco Sostenuto - Allegro
Andante Sostenuto
Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
Adagio-Allegro Non Troppo Ma Con Brio
Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op.56a

Tracks:

Allegro Non Troppo
Adagio Non Troppo
Allegretto Grazioso
Allegro Con Spirito
Allegro Moderato
Scherzo: Vivace
Adagio Non Troppo
Quasi Menuetto
Rondo: Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro Con Brio
Andante
Poco Allegretto
Allegro
Allegro Molto
Scherzo: Allegro Non Troppo
Adagio Non Troppo
Menuetto I & II
Scherzo: Allegro
Rondo: Allegro

Tracks:

Allegro Non Troppo
Andante Moderato
Allegro Giocoso-Poco Meno Presto
Allegro Energico E Passionato-Piu Allegro
Tragic Overture Op.81
Academic Festival Overture Op.80

Customer Reviews:

Garage Band Edits.......2001-12-28

As much as I enjoy the bargain pricing of Naxos recordings I find that, on occasion, they can be incredibly disappointing. When I first pressed play and listened to the thundering opening of the 1st symphony I was very pleased...then came the obvious edits. During one movement I heard a [not very good] edit that sounded like some 7th grade punk band with a [not very good] 4-track recorder. The music skipped and came back in and it surely was not a cd defect. I don't think I am being too hard on the performance. The performance isn't really at fault as much as the production. Poor job! If you respect the work of Brahms then please do not buy this cd regardless of the great price. I am very picky about Bach and Brahms recordings and this particular recording is only sitting on my shelf because I can't return it.

A superb orchestral recording.......2000-11-28

This is a great CD with all 4 symphonies of J.Brahms performed by the philharmonic orchestra.The orchestral recording is really great.The mood of the composer is brought out perfectly in all 4 symphonies.

Average customer rating:

Brahms:Symphonies Nos. 1-4

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000005ECB
Release Date: 1994-05-10

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Overtures (Box Set)

Average customer rating:

One of the Best Brahms Symphony Cycles
BRAHMS SIN NOVEDAD

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Overtures (Box Set)

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Choruses | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000000S99
Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in c, Op.68: Un poco sostenuto
Sym No.1 in c, Op.68: Andante sostenuto
Sym No.1 in c, Op.68: Un Poco Allegretto e grazioso
Sym No.1 in c, Op.68: Adagio-Piu Andante-Allegro non troppo Ma con brio-Piu Allegro
Tragic Ov, Op.81

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in D, Op.73: Allegro non troppo
Sym No.2 in D, Op.73: Adagio non troppo
Sym No.2 in D, Op.73: Allegretto grazioso (Quasi Andantino)-Presto ma non assai
Sym No.2 in D, Op.73: Allegro con spirito
Academic Festival Ov, Op.80

Tracks:

Sym No.3 F, Op.90: Allegro Con Grio
Sym No.3 F, Op.90: Andante
Sym No.3 F, Op.90: Poco Allegreto
Sym No.3 F, Op.90: Allegro
Var On A Theme By Joseph Haydn ,Op.56 a: Chorale St. Anthony: Andante
Var On A Theme By Joseph Haydn ,Op.56 a: Var I: Poco piu animato
Var On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op.56 a: Var II: Piu vivace
Var On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op.56 a :Var III: Con moto
Var On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op.56 a: Var IV: Andante con moto
Var On A Theme By Joseph Hadyn, Op.56 a: Var V: Vivace
Var On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op.56 a: Var VI: Vivace
Var On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op.56 a: Var VII: Grazioso
Var On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op.56 a: Var VIII: Presto non troppo
Var On A Theme By Joseph Haydn, Op.56 a: Finale: Andante

Tracks:

Sym No.4 in e, Op.98: Allegro non troppo - Westminster Symphonic Chor/Flummerfelt
Sym No.4 in e, Op.98: Andante moderato - Westminster Symphonic Chor/Flummerfelt
Sym No.4 in e, Op.98: Allegro giocoso - Westminster Symphonic Chor/Flummerfelt
Sym No.4 in e, Op.98: Allegro energico e passionato - Westminster Symphonic Chor/Flummerfelt
Schicksalslied Op.54 for Chor & Orch: Langsam und sehnsuchtsvoll - Westminster Symphonic Chor/Flummerfelt

Amazon.com

Under Kurt Masur, the New York Philharmonic has achieved a marvelously rich, dark sound that suits this music quite well. Unfortunately, Masur just isn't a conductor to set the pulse racing, and these very well played and recorded performances end up sounding dull. Nothing's out of place, but there's also nothing very interesting happening either. Given the fact that you can get a great Brahms cycle for less than the cost of a single one of these discs (Kurt Sanderling's, for instance), there's just no point in investing in these performances. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best Brahms Symphony Cycles.......2001-04-12

This underrated Brahms symphony cycle has received some recognition in the annual Grammophone guide to classical CDs, which singles out the Masur/New York Philharmonic's version of the 2nd symphony as among the best out there. Indeed, I think the New York Philharmonic Orchestra plays as well as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Haitink's critically acclaimed cycle which they recorded for Phillips in the 1970's. Furthermore, Masur gives a warmer, more vibrant view of Brahms than Haitink. Indeed, the New York Philharmonic sounds more like a Central European orchestra than a motlety crew of brash, self indulgent American soloists. Aside from the splendid version of the 2nd Symphony, other great performances in this set include the Academic Festival Overture, Variations on a theme from Haydn and the 1st and 4th symphonies. However, I suspect that one major reason why this fine set hasn't received more recognition is because of some coughing from the audience; all of the performances were recorded live. Yet Teldec's engineers still manage to produce a well-balanced set of recordings. Although this set won't replace the Sanderling/Dresden Staatskapelle and Bernstein/Vienna Philharmonic versions, it is one worthy of serious consideration by those looking for an entire Brahms symphony cycle.

BRAHMS SIN NOVEDAD.......2000-03-30

Las interpretaciones de la Sinfonías de Brahms por Kurt Masur, en realidad no tienen nada de malo, pero tampoco nada relevante. Dentro de esta misma literatura tenemos versiones mucho mejor logradas. Antes de comprar Masur mejor busque una de estas otras: Karajan / Berlín, Toscanini / NBC, Bernstein / Viena, Abbado / Berlín, Walter / Columbia.

Average customer rating:

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4

Manufacturer: Innov. Music Prod.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B000003VF0
Release Date: 1995-12-12

Tracks:

Sym No.1 in c, Op.68: 1st Mont: Un Poco Sostenuto/Allegro - Hale Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sym No.1 in c, Op.68: 2nd Movt: Andante Sostenuto - Hale Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sym No.1 in c, Op.68: 3rd Movt: Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso - Hale Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sym No.1 in c, Op.68: 4th Movt: Finale. Adagio/Allegro Non Troppo Ma Con Brio - Hale Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Academiv Festival Ov, Op.80 - Hale Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski

Tracks:

Sym No.2 in D, Op.73: 1st Movt: Allegro Non Troppo - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sym No.2 in D, Op.73: 2nd Movt: Adagio Non Troppo-L'istesso Tempo Ma Grazioso - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sym No.2 in D, Op.73: 3rd Movt: Allegretto Grazioso (Quasi Andantino)/Presto Ma Non Assai - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sym No.2 in D, Op.73: 4th Movt: Allegro Con Spirito - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Tragic Ov - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski

Tracks:

Sym No.3 in F, Op.90: 1st Movt: Allegro Con Brio - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sym No.3 in F, Op.90: 2nd Movt: Andante - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sym No.3 in F, Op.90: 3rd Movt: Poco Allegretto - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Sym No.3 in F, Op.90: Finale: Allegro - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski
Vars On A Theme Of Haydn: Chorale: St.Antoni-Andante/Var I-Poco Piu Animato/Var II-Piu Vivace... - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowaczewski

Tracks:

Sym No.4 in e, Op.98: 1st Movt: Allegro Non Troppo - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowqczewski
Sym No.4 in e, Op.98: 2nd Movt: Andante Moderato - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowqczewski
Sym No.4 in e, Op.98: 3rd Movt: Allegro Giocoso-Poco Meno Presto - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowqczewski
Sym No.4 in e, Op.98: 4th Movt: Allegro Energico E Passionato-Piu Allegro - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowqczewski
Hungarian Dances: No.1 in g (Allegro Molto) - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowqczewski
Hungarian Dances: No.6 in F (Allegretto) - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowqczewski
Hungarian Dances: No.10 In F (Presto) - Halle Orch/Stanislaw Skrowqczewski

Amazon.com

These performances are also available singly, but if you like one, then you'll like them all. Stanislaw Skrowaczewski's is one of the finest, most consistent Brahms cycles of the digital age. He has his orchestra drilled to produce a rhythmically firm, utterly transparent texture which he deploys in honestly exciting performances, totally faithful to both the spirit and the letter of the score. At mid-price, this set is one of those underdog achievements that proves once again that the big names don't always make the best records. --David Hurwitz

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