Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2 [Import]

Track Listings
1. Serenade No. 1 In D Major Op. 11- 1. Allegro Molto    
2. Ii. Scherzo- Allegro Non Troppo    
3. Iii. Adagio Non Troppo    
4. Iv. Menuetto    
5. V. Scherzo- Allegro    
6. Vi. Allegro    
7. Serenade No. 2 In A Major Op. 16- 1. Allegro Moderato    
8. Ii. Scherzo Vivace    
9. Iii. Adagio Non Troppo    
10. Iv. Quasi Menuetto    
11. V. Rondo- Allegro    

Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2, Music, Kertesz, London Symphony Orchestra, Johannes Brahms, Istvan Kertesz, Classical
Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2 [Germany]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • One of the best pairing of the two serenades I've heard
  • Kertesz At His Best
  • Very fine Kertesz/Brahms, but sound deserves remastering.
 Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2 [Germany]
Kertesz , and London Symphony Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3
  2. Schubert: The Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B000009LKE
Release Date: 2002-01-11

Tracks:

  1. Serenade No. 1 In D Major Op. 11- 1. Allegro Molto
  2. Ii. Scherzo- Allegro Non Troppo
  3. Iii. Adagio Non Troppo
  4. Iv. Menuetto
  5. V. Scherzo- Allegro
  6. Vi. Allegro
  7. Serenade No. 2 In A Major Op. 16- 1. Allegro Moderato
  8. Ii. Scherzo Vivace
  9. Iii. Adagio Non Troppo
  10. Iv. Quasi Menuetto
  11. V. Rondo- Allegro

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars One of the best pairing of the two serenades I've heard.......2006-02-23

This is one occasion when another reviewer (Mr. Lipscomb) has written exactly what I wanted to say. Kertesz gives fresh, energetic readings of both Brahms Serenades, the first of which is among his sunniest works, while the second is more inward, even sombre (Brahms scored it without violins, which considerably darkens the timbre). Stokowski has a wonderful, unmannered Serenade #1, but Kertesz is a shade more vibrant. For some reason these two lovely works haven't been terribly successful on records. Bernstein made a very good Serenade #2 during his MY Phil. days, but among major conductors the version by Tilson Thomas is lackluster, with only Haitink outdoing Kertesz in vitality. Boult has his moments but often rushes the tempo badly. Abbado's versions are out of print unless you buy his complete Brahms orchestral cycle (I haven't heard the performances in a long while, but the very early recording of the Serenade #2 was greeted warmly, I believe). Which leaves this CD, played beautifully by the Vienna Phil. yet recorded in rather glaring sound. No matter, it's a very satisfying listening experience, one to brighten up any cloudy day (a rare thing to say about Brahms).

P.S. - Since writing this review I've heard both Serenades performed by Abbado and Haitink, and I feel that the Haitink ranks as the top choice for this pairing. Abbado is also quite fine, on a par with Kertesz, but his performances are hampered by edgy digital transfers from DG.

4 out of 5 stars Kertesz At His Best.......2004-05-24

Both of the Brahms Serenades were written when the composer was in his twenties. The First Serenade is one of his most lyrical and engaging works - it's the sort of thing one might choose to introduce a newcomer to Brahms' music. But the 2nd Serenade has always struck me as a bit turgid and uninspired. It really only springs to life in the third mvt. I have tried to remedy the situation by surveying a fairly wide variety of performances, but even Rosbaud (Mercury LP) and Bongartz (Eterna LP) - both of which I find marginally preferable to this Kertesz - fail to convince me otherwise.

Kertesz provides what I feel is the most successful pairing of Brahms' Serenades on disc. These are youthful works, and Kertesz plays them with ingenuous freshness and chooses tempos that strike me as well-judged.

So I can heartily recommend this disc to anyone who wants a well-played and congenial pairing. Unfortunately, the sound on this CD is inferior to the LP originals - it's rather hard and glaring and has some strange balances. Perhaps a re-mastering and re-issue is in order.

If you are primarily interested in the First Serenade - as I am - then watch for a re-issue of the wonderful Stokowski account with the Symphony of the Air (formerly Toscanini's NBC Symphony). It was originally on a Decca LP, but somehow found its way onto a short-lived MCA Classics CD. Stokowski could be a highly mannered and unpredictable conductor, but in this work he was on his best behavior - it's even more joyous and better played than the Kertesz, and it had better sound as well. It was quite simply the finest account I have ever heard - or ever expect to hear. Try to find a copy and I'm sure you'll see what I mean.

4 out of 5 stars Very fine Kertesz/Brahms, but sound deserves remastering........2003-12-30

These vital and charming pieces just keep growing on me. Years back, when I first started listening to them I was fairly conscious of some of the less mature aspects of Brahms' early compositional style. As time passed, however, repeated listening gave way to greater acceptance and appeciation of these serenades in their various parts and as a whole. In many places, especially in the First Serenade, Kertesz displays an exuberance that allows melodies to soar. An extroverted, outdoorsy quality often prevails as do moments of grandeur. I have a complaint about the sound quality, however. On this Australian pressing, Decca does not deliver up to its usual high standards. Reproduction on both the British lp and the cassette (both of which I have) has greater presence and better balance. In several passages, something needs to be done with the horns. In any event, listening to Mackerras' versions of these scores, where he uses a down-sized orchestra, ostensibly for a more realistic presentation, (since, we are told, this is how these pieces were originally performed), leaves me unimpressed. Additionally, in contrast to Kertesz, I find Mackerras' often slower tempos quite unsatisfying. Nor can he match Kertesz' elan and brilliantly rich contrasts of color and light and shade. These performances by Istvan Kertesz constitute an extremely fine offering from a marvelous conductor whose very promising career was cut short early in life by an accidental death. I feel they are among the elite accounts of his musical legacy.
Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Brahms at his early finest...
  • Mind-blowing horn playing
  • Muscular and expressive interpretation
  • These are the Serenade Recordings to Own
  • "Historically Authentic" Brahms
 Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2

Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie
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  3. Brahms: Complete Piano Quartets
  4. Brahms: The Four Symphonies
  5. Mahler: Symphony 7 In E Minor

ASIN: B000035X5A
Release Date: 1999-11-23

Tracks:

  1. I. Allegro Molto
  2. II. Scherzo: Allegro Non Troppo
  3. III. Adagio Non Troppo
  4. IV. Menuetto 1; Menuetto 2
  5. V. Scherzo: Allegro
  6. VI. Rondo: Allegro
  7. I. Allegro Moderato
  8. II. Scherzo: Vivace
  9. III. Adagio Non Troppo
  10. IV. Quasi Menuetto
  11. V. Rondo: Allegro

Amazon.com

In this follow-up to his provocative cycle of the Brahms symphonies with the same ensemble, Sir Charles Mackerras once again shows that doing things according to received ideas about the music and how it should sound--"tradition," if you will--is simply not his cup of tea. His traversal of the symphonies was provocative in part because he did it with a chamber-orchestra sized string complement, hoping to recapture the balance and sonic weight of an orchestra of Brahms's day, specifically the Meiningen Court Orchestra, which premiered the Fourth Symphony. While that raised some eyebrows, tackling the two serenades with a chamber orchestra makes perfect sense, since both works were written for the modest forces of the court orchestra at Detmold. Lively, lean-textured, and expressive, these accounts comfortably straddle the divide between chamber music and symphonism, thereby allowing a privileged view into the composer's heart-of-hearts. Mackerras lets us see that while the grandeur of the symphonies is impressive, there is even more of the true Brahms--intimate, ardent, and soulful--right here in the serenades. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Brahms at his early finest..........2005-08-13

Brahms was obviously in a 'symphonic' frame of mind when he composed these serenades. I am glad he finally got around to composing symphonies and not just serenades.

5 out of 5 stars Mind-blowing horn playing.......2005-07-27

Run to get this recording if you want to hear incredible horn playing in Serenade No.1. This piece is sheer joy and the performance is without equal. Power and grace, delicacy and momentum are all here.

5 out of 5 stars Muscular and expressive interpretation.......2004-12-14

Thanks to the historically informed performance of Maestro Mackerras (small divided violin sections and natural horns) and the tremendous recording quality of Telarc one can hear all the instruments very clear and fresh sounding.
I think that this is currently the best pick of the Serenades one can get. I like Mackerras muscular and fairly dramatic interpretation.

Try also his great Brahms Symphony cycle. It is very different than others because Mackerras uses the performing forces Brahms intended in his Meiningen Orchestra (for instance the size and layout of the orchestra including the use of natural brass).

5 out of 5 stars These are the Serenade Recordings to Own.......2003-11-13

I'm a great fan of Sir Charles, but I'm of two minds about his celebrated and controversial Brahms Symphony set. I think the chamber-orchestra approach takes away from almost as much as it brings to this music. On the other hand, I'm willing to say that Brahms's two youthful serenades have never sounded fresher or more piquant than in these wonderful performances, especially the Serenade No. 1, which has all the "look-at-me-world" audaciousness that Brahms must have felt in putting his first orchestral work to paper. It glows, especially in Telarc's crystalline recording. Sir Charles's way with the sweeter, more sedate Second Serenade is just as winning, but it's the performance of the First Serenade that I still, joyously, hear resounding in my imagination.

3 out of 5 stars "Historically Authentic" Brahms.......2001-04-24

While Charles Mackerras has come up with a new reason to record Brahms' Serenades, a historically accurate Brahms is not necessarily a beautiful Brahms. Sir Charles' muscular interpretation may win points for enthusiasm, but Bernard Haitink and the Concertgebuow Orchestra did it better on an old Philips recording. Still it is an honest sound and the Serenade No. 1 is a wonderful piece of music full of the youthful exuberence of the young Brahms. I never get tired of this piece. The melodies are glorious and familiarity does not diminish its capacity to warm the heart. It deserves to be performed more often. Sir Charles has done us a good turn by reminding us how great it is in his new recording.
Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2; Haydn Variations
Average customer rating: 2 out of 5 stars
  • Recording quality muddy
 Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2; Haydn Variations

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
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  4. Haydn: Piano Sonatas

ASIN: B000HWZAMY
Release Date: 2006-11-21

Tracks:

  1. Academic Festival Overture Op.80
  2. I: Allegro Molto
  3. II: Scherzo (Allegro Non Troppo) & Trio (Poco Piu Moto)
  4. III: Adagio Non Troppo
  5. IV: Menuetto I-Menuetto II
  6. V: Scherzo (Allegro)
  7. VI: Rondo (Allegro)
  8. Alto Rhapsody Op.53 - John Alldis

Tracks:

  1. Tragic Overture Op.81 - London Symphony Orchestra
  2. I: Allegro Moderato
  3. II: Scherzo (Vivace)
  4. III: Adagio Non Troppo
  5. IV: Quasi Menuetto
  6. V: Rondo (Allegro)
  7. Theme (Andante) (Chorale: St Antoni)
  8. I: Poco Piu Animato
  9. II: Piu Vivace
  10. III: Con Moto
  11. IV: Andante Con Moto
  12. V: Vivace
  13. VI: Vivace
  14. VII: Grazioso
  15. VIII: Presto Non Troppo
  16. IX: Finale (Andante)

Customer Reviews:

2 out of 5 stars Recording quality muddy.......2007-05-10

The execution of the music is fine. However, the recording is muddy. I recommend other recordings & avoiding this one.
Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2; Hungarian Dances
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2; Hungarian Dances

    Manufacturer: Berlin Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    DivertimentosDivertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000A6VG66
    Release Date: 2006-05-30
    Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Fine Budget Brahms
    		 Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2

    Manufacturer: Carlton Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    DivertimentosDivertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
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    ASIN: B000000TKI
    Release Date: 1996-01-23

    Tracks:

    1. Ser No.1 in D, Op.11: Allegro molto
    2. Ser No.1 in D, Op.11: Scherzo-Allegro non troppo
    3. Ser No.1 in D, Op.11: Adagio non troppo
    4. Ser No.1 in D, Op.11: Menuetto I-Menuetto II
    5. Ser No.1 in D, Op.11: Scherzo-Allegro
    6. Ser No.1 in D, Op.11: Rondo-Allegro
    7. Ser No.2 in A, Op.16: Allegro moderato
    8. Ser No.2 in A, Op.16: Scherzo-Vivace
    9. Ser No.2 in A, Op.16: Adagio non troppo
    10. Ser No.2 in A, Op.16: Quasi menuetto
    11. Ser No.2 in A, Op.16: Rondo-Allegro

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars Fine Budget Brahms.......2003-11-20

    Dirk Joeres and his orchestra are hardly well-known names. Let's get it straight--they'll be unknowns for most listeners. But I borrowed this CD to listen at home and was pleasantly surprised to find that you don't have to break the bank to get good performances of Brahms's evergreen favorites. The orchestra is a small one but produces a requisitely warm and full sound in the First Serenade. They play with spontaneity and warmth, and the recording is a very good one. If you want the top of the line, Mackerras on Telarc is probably your best bet. But for the money, this Carlton Classics CD is hard to beat.
    Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Serenades; Overtures
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Serenades; Overtures

      Manufacturer: Supraphon
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
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      RomanticRomantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      OverturesOvertures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
      Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
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      ASIN: B000EBFVKO
      Release Date: 2006-06-27
      Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2; Three Hungarian Dances
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2; Three Hungarian Dances

        Manufacturer: Asv Living Era
        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        All Works by BrahmsAll Works by Brahms | Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
        DivertimentosDivertimentos | Serenades & Divertimentos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
        GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
        ASIN: B000001HQG
        Release Date: 1998-02-17

        Tracks:

        1. Ser No.1 in D, Op. 11: First Movt: Allegro Molto
        2. Ser No.1 in D, Op. 11: Second Movt: Scherzo (Allegro Non Troppo) - Trio (Poco Piu Moto)
        3. Ser No.1 in D, Op. 11: Third Movt: Adagio Non Troppo
        4. Ser No.1 in D, Op. 11: Fourth Movt: Menuetto 1 - Menuetto 2
        5. Ser No.1 in D, Op. 11: Fifth Movt: Scherzo (Allegro) - Trio
        6. Ser No.1 in D, Op. 11: Sixth Movt: Rondo (Allegro)
        7. Ser No.2 in A, Op. 16: First Movt: Allegro Moderato
        8. Ser No.2 in A, Op. 16: Second Movt: Scherzo (Vivace) - Trio
        9. Ser No.2 in A, Op. 16: Third Movt: Adagio Non Troppo
        10. Ser No.2 in A, Op. 16: Fourth Movt: Quasi Menuetto
        11. Ser No.2 in A, Op. 16: Fifth Movt: Rondo (Allegro)
        12. Hungarian Dance No.1 in G
        13. Hungarian Dance No.3 in F
        14. Hungarian Dance No.10 in F
        Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2 [Germany]
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2 [Germany]
          Brahms , Chamber Philharmonic of Bohemia , and Bostock
          Manufacturer: Scandinavian Classic
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          Chamber MusicChamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
          GeneralGeneral | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
          ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
          ASIN: B000092R3P
          Release Date: 2006-05-04
          Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            		Brahms: Serenades Nos. 1 & 2
            Davis , and Ensemble Orchestral De Paris Royal
            Manufacturer: Apex
            ProductGroup: Music
            Binding: Audio CD

            GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
            ASIN: B0001BRO8O
            Release Date: 2006-05-31

            Track Listings:

            1. Brahms: The Four Symphonies / Toscanini, Philharmonia Orchestra
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