Brahms: 4 Symphonies (complete)/Variations on a Theme by Haydn

1. Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra , Hamburg North German Radio Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

2. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73
Composed by Johannes Brahms
with Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

3. Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90
Composed by Johannes Brahms
with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

4. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98
Composed by Johannes Brahms
with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

5. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a
Composed by Johannes Brahms
with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

6. Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 83
Composed by Johannes Brahms
with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

7. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a
Composed by Johannes Brahms
Performed by Hamburg North German Radio Symphony Orchestra Conducted by Wilhelm Furtwangler

Brahms: 4 Symphonies (complete)/Variations on a Theme by Haydn,Johannes Brahms,Wilhelm Furtwängler,Berliner Philharmoniker,Wiener Philharmoniker,Hamburg North German Radio Symphony Orchestra,Music & Arts Program,Classical,Concerto,Orchestral,Piano Concerto,Romantic Symphony,Romantic Variations for Orchestra,Symphonic

Average customer rating: Karajan- Brahms symphonies Symphonic Heaven A great part of your collection! The greatest Brahms twofer you could imagine Very polished Brahms

Brahms: The Complete Symphonies / Karajan, Berlin PO Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon 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 General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Brahms, Johannes | ( B ) | Composers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Performers, A-Z | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Instrumental | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky: Symphonies no 4, 5, & 6 / Karajan, Berlin PO Schumann: The 4 Symphonies Mendelssohn: 5 Symphonies; 7 Overtures Dvorak: 3 Great Symphonies Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116 ASIN: B000007ODY Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor Op. 68: 1. Un poco sostenuto - Allegro
2. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor Op. 68: 2. Andante sostenuto
3. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor Op. 68: 3. Un poco Allegretto e grazioso
4. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor Op. 68: 4. Adagio - Piu Andante - Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
5. Symphony No. 3 In F Major op.90: 1. Allegro con brio
6. Symphony No. 3 In F Major op.90: 2. Andante
7. Symphony No. 3 In F Major op.90: 3. Poco Allegretto
8. Symphony No. 3 In F Major op.90: 4. Allegro

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 73: 1. Allegro non troppo
2. Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 73: 2. Adagio non troppo - L'istesso tempo, ma grazioso
3. Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 73: 3. Allegretto grazioso (Quasi Andantino) - Presto ma non assai - Tempo l
4. Symphony No. 2 In D Major Op. 73: 4. Allegro con spirito
5. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor Op. 98: 1. Allegro non troppo
6. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor Op. 98: 2. Andante moderato
7. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor Op. 98: 3. Allegro giocoso - Poco meno presto - Tempo l
8. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor Op. 98: 4. Allegro enerico e passionato - Piu Allegro

Amazon.com

These 1977-78 recordings are Karajan's best Brahms--better than his somewhat mannered digital set. The Berlin Philharmonic, as ever, is amazingly smooth and accomplished, playing with great class without losing any power--as an example, just listen to the finale of the second symphony. DG's engineers have turned this always-good recording into something truly magnificent to hear, and, at the price, this is a sure bet. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Karajan- Brahms symphonies.......2007-01-03

No matter who plays, Brahms always satisfies. This edition, however, is superlative! Highly recommend.

Symphonic Heaven.......2005-10-13

Karajan is largely considered the greatest exponent for mainstream symphonic works- Mozart, Brahms, Tchaikovsky Mahler, Dvorak and Bruckner. This collection is a terrific buy and it's affordable. You can't go wrong. Recorded in 1977 and 1978, Karajan delivers all the rich melody, grace, grandeur and musical harmony that Brahms suffused his four symphonies with. The Berlin Philharmonic are trained so that even the strings move with miraculous exactitude. The only other worthy set is Solti's. This one has everything one can hope for in Brahms symphonies.

Karajan was always a champion of his own German music's history. He is still regarded as the first-rate exponent of Wagner and Strauss for example. Brahms, born in Austria, was another composer whose Germanic music Karajan was able to aptly depict through the magic of his baton. The impressive parts of this set include the entire 1st symphony- not reduced to the Beethoven parody some make it out to be. Instead, it holds its own as a work of compelling power. The finale is inspirational. The finale to the second is equally as moving. The 4th symphony is my favorite symphony of the post Beethoven Romantic Era. In this symphony we find a mixture of mysticism, romantic beauty and classical balance. In it we also find, in the last movement, the greatest example of theme and variations, Brahm's strongest suit as a composer. Karajan knows his stuff. You can never go wrong with any of his interpretations, though he, too, has his detractors. His Tchaikovsky tends to be too fiery and melodramatic for example and he was never at home with Italian opera as he was in German. Karajan is brilliant and his Berlin forces electrify. At a cheap price, this is a must have if you call yourself a true classical music fan.

A great part of your collection!.......2005-10-07

This is an easy, afforable way to get all four Brahms symphonies on two great quality cds. Each symphony is recorded with the passion and fire you get from Brahm's music, although I have heard better recordings of the symphonies,I would still buy these cd's for the price.


If I have to say the worst thing about these recordings is the first movement of the third symphony is not what I was expecting ( I was expecting much more on the recording)

The greatest Brahms twofer you could imagine.......2005-09-24

DG's catalog is overflowing with Brahms performances from Karajan, and although this late-Seventies cycle of the four symphonies is not esteemed as highly as his earlier analog recordings, the truth is that Karajan had few real competitors in these works during the postwar era--except himself. He was the greatest Brahms conductor after Walter and Furtwangler, bar none, and these are outstanding performances in every way. The best are the First and Thrid symphonies, two works that Karajan was peerless in.

Very polished Brahms.......2004-08-28

Wonderful performances from the finest of the Brahms conductors...Herbie Karajan. Wonderfully straightfoward performances without the wayward stylings of the 63 set....

That being said the Fourth and First of the 63 set are incredible and deserve to be in any serious Brahms collection ...

sonincally these are very fine readings!!!

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: Waste of money Great Music Compilation If you like classical music don't buy this CD. A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music A great compilation

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Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music 25 Classical Favorites The Most Relaxing Classical Music in the Universe The Most Relaxing Classical Album In the World Ever, Volume II ASIN: B00004GOZA Release Date: 2000-02-08

Tracks:

1. Adagio In G Minor
2. Jesu, Joy OF Man's Desiring
3. Moonlight Sonata - Adagio sostenuto
4. March Of The Toreadors (Carmen)
5. Celebrated Minuet
6. Polovtsian Dance No. 1 (Prince Igor)
7. Cradle Song
8. 'Minute' Waltz
9. Suite Bergamasque: Clair de Lune
10. Largo
11. Pomp And Circumstance March No. 1
12. Rhapsody In Blue - Andante And Finale
13. Peer Gynt Suite: Morning
14. Messiah: Hallelujah Chorus
15. Liebestraum
16. Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo
17. A Midsummer Night's Dream: Wedding March
18. 'Masterpiece Theater' Theme: Rondau (First Symphonic Suite)
19. The Great Gate Of Kiev

Tracks:

1. Eine klein Nachtmusik - Allegro: Eine kleine Nachtmusik - Allegro
2. Orpheus In The Underworld: Cancan
3. Carmina Burana - O Fortuna
4. Canon In D
5. Lietenant Kije Suite - Troika
6. Turandot: Nessun dorma
7. Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini - 18th Variation: Rhapsody On A Theme Of Paganini- 18th Variation
8. Bolero - Conclusion
9. The Tale Of Czar Sultan: Flight Of The Bumblebee
10. William Tell Overture - Finale
11. Carnival Of The Animals: The Swan
12. Gymnopedie No. 3
13. Ave Maria
14. Blue Danube Waltz
15. Thus Spake Zarathustra - Sunrise
16. Firebird Suite - Finale
17. 1812 Overture - Finale: 1812 Overtune - Finale
18. Fantasia On 'Greensleeves'
19. Anvil Chorus (II Trovatore)
20. The Four Seasons - Largo From 'Winter'
21. Die Walkure: Ride Of The Valkyries

Amazon.com

For those who want the most remembered passages of classical music's best-loved works, here's a package for you. On this bargain priced double-CD, you'll find music from 40 different classical composers; for the most part, the recordings excerpted here are some of the very best. Of course, you only get one Bach sampling (Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, played by the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra) and one Mozart (A Little Night Music conducted by Herbert von Karajan), but this is still a nice collection--perhaps the starting point for a budding collection of classical music. This set's downfall? Unfortunately, though the liner notes discuss the evolution of classical music chronologically, the tracks are programmed in alphabetical order by composer's last name. This makes for some startling transitions! Emil Gilels's reflective performance of the Adagio from Beethoven's "Moonlight" sonata is followed by the crashing cymbals and bombast of Carmen's "March of the Toreadors," a recipe for a heart attack if there ever was one. Still, there's something here for everyone and the liner notes even explain what movies this music can be found in. A nice touch. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Waste of money.......2006-01-12

Watch out for the volume leveling mentioned in another review. Surely the compliers could have come up with a better sort order than by composer. The change in tempo/volume between pieces makes it impossible to enjoy. My two CD's ended up in the trash.

Ken

Great Music Compilation.......2005-08-15

This is a great CD full of many songs that you will recognize and enjoy. If you are someone who likes classical music but doesn't necessarily know which songs or which composers you like, then this CD is for you. You will likely recognize many of the songs as the classical songs you would have picked out to be your favorites.

If you like classical music don't buy this CD........2005-03-11

Most of the tracks were chopped down to 3-4 minutes so some of the best parts of the compositions are missing. I don't know what I was thinking trying to buy 40 classical songs on two CD's. If you really want to enjoy the music you would do better to purchase a CD with fewer, but better quality tracks.

A must for anyone wanting the staples of classical music.......2005-02-23

In my years of experience teaching Fine Arts to high school students, I know that the majority, if not all, of the music included on this album is commonly used in collge music appreciation courses. This is an excellent sample of truly all the "greatest hits" of classical music. My students enjoy listening to the music and have later told me when take their required music apreciation courses in college that they "already know it all" because of this CD! The recordings are clear, the selections are passionate, and the listener will gain a familiarity with all of the most commonly heard classical music used in tv commercials, movies, etc.
I recommend this album, along with the boxed set, "Age of the Classics" for anyone who is interested in becoming familiar with the most famous staples of classical music.

A great compilation.......2005-02-09

This cd somes up some of the greatest pieces of instrumental (and is some cases choral) music ever written. It is a great starter for a beginning classical music lover or a quick and easy all-in-one for those of us who study classical music for a living. I highly recommend this cd to anyone who wants to love or already does love classical music.

Average customer rating: Unsurpassably great The best Brahms cycle I have heard so far Furtwangler's best Brahms symphony recordings Simply Mandatory For Brahms Lovers Anything but dull

Furtwangler Conducts Brahms - Complete Symphonies, etc / North German RSO, Berlin PO Manufacturer: Music & Arts Program ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD 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 General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra | ( V ) | 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 Similar Items: Furtwangler Conducts Beethoven - Beethoven: symphonies no 3,4,5, & 9, Leonore Great Recordings Of The Century - Beethoven: Symphony no 9 / Furtwangler, Schwarzkopf Recordings 1942-1944, Vol. 1 EMI Great Recordings of Century - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4/Klemperer Leon Fleisher Plays Brahms ASIN: B00002062I Release Date: 1999-11-16

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 1 In C, Op. 68: I Un poco sostenuto - Allegro
2. Symphony No. 1 In C, Op. 68: II Andante sostenuto
3. Symphony No. 1 In C, Op. 68: III Un poco allegretto y grazioso
4. Symphony No. 1 In C, Op. 68: IV Adagio piu andante - Allegro non troppo ma con brio
5. Symphony No. 1 In C, Op. 68: Adagio piu andante - Allegro non troppo ma con brio

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 2 In D, Op. 73: I Allegro non troppo
2. Symphony No. 2 In D, Op. 73: II Adagio non troppo
3. Symphony No. 2 In D, Op. 73: III Allegretto grazioso
4. Symphony No. 2 In D, Op. 73: IV Allegro con spirito
5. SYMPHONY NO. 3 IN F, OP. 90: I Allegro con brio
6. SYMPHONY NO. 3 IN F, OP. 90: II Andante
7. SYMPHONY NO. 3 IN F, OP. 90: III Poco allegretto
8. SYMPHONY NO. 3 IN F, OP. 90: IV Allegro

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 4 In E, Op. 98: I Allegro non troppo
2. Symphony No. 4 In E, Op. 98: II Andante moderato
3. Symphony No. 4 In E, Op. 98: III Allegro giocoso
4. Symphony No. 4 In E, Op. 98: IV Allegro energico e passionato
5. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op. 56A: Haydn Variations

Tracks:

1. Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat, Op. 83: I Allegro non troppo
2. Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat, Op. 83: II Allegro appasionato
3. Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat, Op. 83: III Andante
4. Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat, Op. 83: IV Allegretto grazioso
5. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op. 56A: Chorale St. Antoni: Andante
6. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op. 56A: Var. I Poco piu animato
7. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op. 56A: Var. II Piu vivace
8. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op. 56A: Var. III Con moto
9. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op. 56A: Var. IV Andante con moto
10. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op. 56A: Var. V Vivace
11. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op. 56A: Var. VI Vivace
12. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op. 56A: Var. VII Grazioso
13. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op. 56A: Var. VIII Presto non troppo
14. Variations On A Theme By Haydn, Op. 56A: Finale. Andante

Amazon.com essential recording

What a bonanza: some of the most searching interpretations ever made of symphonic cornerstones, from a now bygone era of performance, here beautifully remastered by Music & Arts and packaged into a bargain set. Wilhelm Furtwängler's dynamic, always-evolving--and often unpredictable--visions of a classic score could overwhelm listeners with their paradoxical aura of the inevitable, wresting away the easy, dull comfort of familiarity. This is most dramatically the case with the conductor's performances of Beethoven. They still move and shake us free of lazy assumptions about this music with all the power of artistic truth. Furtwängler came relatively late to Brahms (like so many of the composer's most abiding admirers) but identified deeply with Brahms's dark strain of melancholy and self-consciousness. The Furtwängler trademarks are all here--palpable molding of tempos and dynamics to concentrate drama, oracular moments of insight, and an astonishingly compelling, organic sense of the whole.

Perhaps the most viscerally thrilling account here is of the First Symphony, from 1951, which, as John Ardoin brilliantly describes it in The Furtwängler Record, has the "magnificent rawness of a Michelangelo." But, when you think you've reached an untoppable high at its conclusion, listen to the finale from Furtwängler's final wartime concert in Berlin, 1945 (the only extant movement on disc), included in this set. The symphonies presented here are a far cry from the stuffy, pedantic, anachronistic Brahms served up by so many lesser lights. Furtwängler grasps and conveys the subtly layered ambiguities in these scores, the blending--particularly in the Second's Adagio (1945) and the final measures of the Third (1943)--of deep shadow with serene sunlight. His Brahms Four from 1943 at times verges on the terrifying; ultimately it passes beyond tragedy into new wisdom as Furtwängler scoops, caresses, sculpts, and simply builds musical contours. The set also includes two interpretations of the Haydn Variations (1943 and 1951) and the legendary 1942 Second Piano Concerto featuring Edwin Fischer as soloist--a touchstone of musical partnership. There's a varying level of background hiss and distortion throughout the set, but in general this is an extraordinary CD transfer. And in Furtwängler's presence, any distracting artifacts of the recorded sound soon fade into insignificance. This is a must not only for listeners serious about Brahms but for anyone intrigued by the art of musical interpretation. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

Unsurpassably great.......2005-06-01

In a sense, Furtwangler's best Brahms recordings, collected here, are even more impressive than his Beethoven. Beethoven is almost foolproof, and even in a mediocre performance he will come across intact, but botch Brahms and a tedious soup is all that remains. Compared to Furtwangler's Brahms, all other versions seem not interpreted but merely played through. Under Furtwangler's baton, Brahms emerges as a tragic artist of Shakespearean proportions, with the unbelievable 1945 performance of the last movement of the First--as another listener points out, it stands with his 1942 Ninth among his greatest achievements on record--and the complete performance of the Fourth as particular standouts. As others have noted, the Third isn't quite up to par--personally I prefer the version in the EMI box, which has a terrifically dynamic first movement--but all in all these are performances to render almost all others insignificant. Nowhere else does Furtwangler better exemplify his uncanny ability to find the living core of a piece of music and bring it out whole. This is visionary artistry of the highest order, to which all discussion of conductorial eccentricity is irrelevant, and it will make a Brahms lover of anyone who encounters it fully. A completely extraordinary set of recordings, and a must.

The best Brahms cycle I have heard so far.......2005-04-18

The Furtwangler cycle of Brahms is comething special indeed. The sound leaves much to be desired, but trust me, after you hear the performances you will never want to hear Brahms any other way (no matter how good the sound is)!! This cycle is raw, uninhibited, fierce, probing, tragic but above all powerful. Take the finle of the 4th symphony as an example. It is played at a faster pace of any other recording I have heard of the piece. At the end the variations played on strings are almost a little sloppy. But playing them at that tempo gives the overall movement such great power, spontaniety and drive that it does'nt matter. These performances are should be the gold standard for all others. No other brahms cycle comes ever close.

Furtwangler's best Brahms symphony recordings.......2005-03-02

...all in one set! I'm not going to jump on "madamemusico's" one-star review too much, since she has certainly gotten her share of well-earned unhelpful votes, but I don't know what the hell the argument that Brahms is a "classicist" has to do with anything. The way I look at it, Brahms may have been a classicist with regard to form, but he had heart and soul of a romantic, so I don't understand what precludes his symphonies from being played as full-blooded romantic music. Just admit you don't like Furtwangler, and don't taint the ratings here with personal biases. 'Nuff said on that subject.

"Brahms music is boring and his orchestration is too thick," is one of my least favorite of the countless cliches' about romantic era composers and their music. When I worked at a record store several years ago, I was playing a really good and exciting recording of a Mendelssohn symphony, and a lady came in and, after listening to it for a few minutes, she asked, "What is this? It's really good." "Mendelssohn's (I think it was the 3rd) Symphony," I responded. "Really?!" she said, surprised; "I thought Mendelssohn was boring." "That's because you've never heard any GOOD Mendelssohn," I said. She bought the CD. I am not a big Mendelssohn fan, but the point of this anecdote is that you frequently get the same kinds of opinions about Brahms, based on cliches' about his music that preclude people from giving it serious consideration: "Oh yeah, Brahms; thick and boring. Not my cup of tea." Then you hear some GOOD Brahms, and you are a fan for life.

I would not pretend that this is the only Brahms set you should have. The sound quality is variable, and Furtwangler's style is unique, but if you have any interest in Brahms' symphonies, and you have some more modern recordings that you like, then you really need to have this one; esp. since you can probably get an inexpensive copy on the Marketplace.

I have listened to many of Furtwangler's numerous Brahms recordings, and there is no question in my mind that M&A have assembled the best ones here. Part of the magic of Furtwangler's Brahms is that, despite the weight of the sound that he gets from these great orchestras, plenty of detail can be heard, and surprisingly little apology needs to be made for the sound, even though these recordings are from widely different sources.

Brahms recorded multiple good Brahms' Firsts, but this one from 1951 with Schmidt-Isserstedt's wonderful Hamburg orchestra is my favorite, and it has the best sound of any Furtwangler Brahms recording. The Tahra release of the First has slightly better sound than the M&A, but not enough to diminish the appeal of this set. The wartime Second might have the most thrilling account of the wonderful finale ever recorded. The Third, recorded in the last few months of Furtwangler's life is deeply ruminative, and is the most idiosyncratic of all of the readings here in that much of it is very slow, but it is easily the best of his Thirds, and I find it to be a uniquely satisfying reading. It has often been commented on the Brahms' music has an autumnal feel to it, and it seems to me that this is particularly explicit in the Third, with its luminous woodwind coloring, esp. the clarinet parts: the third was the last of the Brahms symphonies that I fell in love with-- courtesy of the Szell recording--and there is a palpable feeling of deep autumnal reflection in Furtwangler's reading, esp. in his achingly beautiful account of the third movement; and in the closing bars of the quiet coda, you can almost see the last autumn leaves slowly wafting down to the earth. The wartime Fourth is one of the most overtly tragic readings you will ever hear, with an amazing forward thrust to the finale; again, this is easily Furtwangler's best reading.

The fact that there are later Furtwangler Brahms recordings with somewhat better sound is not really a factor, such is the quality of the performances assembed in this M&A set. If you have this set you don't really need any other of Furtwangler Brahms symphony recordings. The EMI References set is good, but those performances are all runners-up to all of those in this set.

Simply Mandatory For Brahms Lovers.......2004-05-25

I feel that this set belongs in EVERY collection. It has great CD transfers, sensational conducting and WONDERFUL Brahms!

Sym. #1: This 1951 Hamburg with the North German Radio is, to my mind, the finest Brahms 1st on record. It is also on Tahra FURT 1054/7, but this M&A transfer is distinctly SUPERIOR: the Tahra has lots of extra hiss and a midrange that sounds rather hollow. However, you MUST have that Tahra set because it contains Furtwangler's majestic 1954 Lucerne Beethoven 9th in its best transfer. The only Furtwangler 1st to rival this Hamburg is the 1952 Berlin Phil. (deleted DG 415662-2). More mellow and less dramatic, it and this Hamburg are sonically just about the best of ALL Furtwangler recordings.

Sym. #2: The 1945 Vienna Phil. here is also available on 6-disc DG set 474030. They are close in sound quality, but I would give the edge to M&A. Incidentally, you must have the DG set for its 1944 Vienna Phil. Bruckner 8th in a finest-ever transfer. This Brahms 2nd is VERY dramatic, but the lesser 1948 with the London Phil. (Dutton) has grown on me of late - if it were the only Furtwangler available, most of us would be raving about it! My favorite Furtwangler Brahms 2nd remains the more reflective, less hectic 7 May 1952 Berlin Phil. account (mine is on an Electrola Da Capo LP).

Sym. #3: This 1954 Berlin is the best of 3 Thirds - it was also on DG 423572-2 (deleted) in sound that was the same as this M&A (the DG was coupled with my favorite Furtwangler account of the Schubert 8th from 1952). He isn't as persuasive in the 3rd, but the closing pages have a lovely autumnal, valedictory quality.

Sym. #4: This dynamic 4th from 1943 is his best, and this is its best-ever transfer.

2nd Piano Concerto: The 1942 live sound is congested (it's the only poor sound in this set). The transfer on DG 471294-2 is somewhat better, but both are pretty bad.

Haydn Variations: This 1951 Hamburg and the Berlin 1950 (DG) are my two favorites: both have excellent sound.

Brilliant as these are, there are accounts by other conductors that I also cherish. Some are foils that help to appreciate the greatness of Furtwangler's readings, and a few of them offer insights that are different and perhaps equally valid. In the 1st, Abendroth is stunning (his best: the live 1955 Berlin Radio on Tahra 145/146). If there were no Furtwangler Brahms 1st, this would be my favorite. I am also quite taken with the 1953 Schuricht/Suisse Romande on Archiphon 2.1 - its coupling is a Beethoven "Missa Solemnis" with Stader, Calveti, Haefliger & Rehfuss. Since Furtwangler never recorded the latter, you might want to try it this excellent Schuricht.

For the 2nd, my other favorites are Schuricht/VPO (London LP) and Fritz Busch (EMI). The Max Fiedler and Walter Damrosch 2nds (on different Biddulph CDs) are weirdly hypnotic - a trip back to the past. In the 3rd, I love Kna (Tahra), Schuricht (Greenhill), and Mengelberg (Naxos). For the 4th, three worth hearing are Abendroth (Arlecchino), Busch (Dante LYS), and Schuricht (Ades).

Edwin Fischer isn't my top choice in the 2nd Concerto, despite the lovely slow mvt. I prefer Curzon with Kna/VPO on a Decca LP. And for the Haydn Variations, I also like the pokey Kna/VPO (Decca) and the Schuricht (Ades).

But make no mistake: if my house were on fire and I could keep only one Brahms set, it would be this Furtwangler. If I could grab two, the old Weingartner (deleted EMI) would come along for contrast. As Fielding once observed, "what is a jewel without its foil?"

Anything but dull.......2003-10-02

Many (perhaps most) people see Brahms as being particularly dull. This set, without any doubt, completely destroys this myth. Just listen to the 1945 recording of the finale to the First symphony, and you will hear one of the most inspiring, most desperately intense recordings of orchestral music you are ever likely to hear (on this score, it is rivalled only by Furtwangler's titanic 1942 recording of Beethoven's Ninth symphony). The main reason why I greatly admire Furtwangler's conducting is that he almost always conveyed a complete understanding of what the music really means; he was a master of the lost art of reading inbetween the lines. This is in great evidence here. The marvelous 1951 Hamburg recordings of the First symphony and the Haydn variations have such a warm, personal sound, and are both intense and noble. The Second symphony has been refered to as Brahms' Pastoral symphony. Furtwangler realises, just as with Beethoven's Pastoral symphony, that this music is not un-dramatic to the point of being comatose, but rather is a thrilling symphony to the wonders of nature, very beautiful, but with a spiritual side as well. The first three movements of the Third symphony are incredible. How could he get that sound out of an orchesta? I cannot describe it in words; you just have to listen to it. The finale of the Third symphony is, from an interpretive standpoint, mildly dissapointing for Furtwangler. (For just about anyone else, it would have been extraordinary.) I agree with John Ardoin (author of a fine book on Furtwangler's recordings; the liner notes are taken from it) here, in thinking that the transition from the introduction to the main Allegro is too abrupt and unexpected, and the very end of the movement is rather unremarkable for Furtwangler. These are very fine interpretive points, however, and the overall experience is still thoroughly enjoyable. The Fourth symphony is excellent here, through and through. Particularly notable is the finale, which, as a previous reviewer noted, is almost apocalyptic. The wartime Haydn variations is somewhat less contemplative and warm toned than its 1951 counterpart, but is more 'straightforward' in its interpretation, and is perhaps more 'festive', joyful, or whatever else you care to call it. To cap this set off is an incredible performance of the 2nd piano concerto, with Edwin Fischer. I don't always care for his playing (I generaly don't find enough subtlety in his touch, listen to Hofmann for that), but here he and Furtwangler work as one, which of course is a great thing. On top of all this, the sound quality, even with the concerto (from 1942), is quite good, and with the Third, is exceptionaly clear. If I were to have no Brahms but this, I would still be happy.

Average customer rating: Missing Karajan's Last 4th Karajan's Final Brahms. Strong First, Great Second, Average Third, Great Fourth. Karajan's best Brahms cycle, thanks to the remastered sound A well-packaged set, and at a decent price to boot

Brahms: 4 Symphonies Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon 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 General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | ( B ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Tchaikovsky: Symphonies Nos. 4, 5, 6 R. Strauss: Zarathustra; Don Juan; 4 Last Songs, etc. Famous Overtures Ravel, Debussy, Saint-Saëns: Orchestral Works Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116 ASIN: B00008CLNQ Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

1. 1. Un Poco Sostenuto - Allegro
2. 2. Andante Sostenuto
3. 3. Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
4. 4. Adagio - Piu Andante - Allegro Non Troppo, Ma Con Brio
5. 1. Allegro Con Brio
6. 2. Andante
7. 3. Poco Allegretto
8. 4. Allegro

Tracks:

1. 1. Allegro Non Troppo
2. 2. Adagio Non Troppo - L'istesso Tempo, Ma Grazioso
3. 3. Allegretto Grazioso (Quasi Andantino) - Presto Ma Non Assai - Tempo I
4. 4. Allegro Con Spirito
5. 1. Allegro Non Troppo
6. 2. Andante Moderato
7. 3. Allegro Giocoso - Poco Meno Presto - Tempo I
8. 4. Allegro Energico E Passionato - Piu Allegro

Customer Reviews:

Missing Karajan's Last 4th.......2006-11-18

Contrary to several reviewers' comments below, I find Karajan's 1989 performance of the 4th superior to the one included here from 1978. Contrasts are played up more, and there's a spellbinding sense of mystery and an inevitable organic flow among clearly delineated textures that lead to intensely wrought climaxes. By comparison, the '78 performance sounds forced and undifferentiated. In fuller passages the strings dominate to such an extent that the winds and horns are barely perceptible.

The reason I suspect that DG included the earlier 4th over the one from '89 is that the latter is two minutes longer, which would have made it impossible to reissue a complete set of the 1980's performances on two discs. (The second disc in this set totals 80'28.) No apparent re-mastering has been applied to the digital recordings.

Collectively, the 1989 Brahms cycle is Karajan's greatest; there are no weak links. I recommend supplementing the 4th here with the single disc issue from '89, assuming you can still find it used.

Karajan's Final Brahms. Strong First, Great Second, Average Third, Great Fourth........2006-02-05

A quick note, the 4th symphony here is from Karajan's analogue cycle from the mid-1970's and the rest of the symphonies are digital, from his final 1980's cycle.

The 1st symphony here is very powerful, masculine, but it's still not as good as Karajan's greatest recorded 1st, the one available coupled with Schumann on DG Originals. That 1964 performance is just as powerful but has more warmth and the sound is superior to this digital version. You have to hand it to DG, they did a great job remastering these digital recordings but I still prefer the 1964 1st Symphony.

The 2nd Symphony however is possibly Karajan's greatest performance of this vibrant and sunny Brahms work. A must own!
Can't say the same for the 3rd Symphony, Karajan rushing the first movement and no exposition repeat, the rest of the performance is not very successful either. Then we have the Karajan performance of Brahms's 4th, which comes from the 1970's cycle. You might ask why DG did not release the 4th from the digital cycle like the rest here. No, they're not messing with your head, it's just that the digital 4th is kinda slow and would not fit on this 2CD reissue. So the geniuses at DG simply took the slightly faster Karajan 4th from the analogue cycle and coupled it here with Symphonies 1-3 from the digital one, so it all fits perfectly on 2 discs.

I heard the digital Karajan 4th and it's not as good as the 4th you'll be getting here, so don't worry about it. The 4th you'll be getting here is strong, very dramatic and almost as good as the famous Carlos Kleiber version and that's saying a lot!

This set is recommendable for Karajan fans even though I do prefer Karajan's earlier 1st and 3rd Symphonies but you will be getting his best recordings of the 2nd and 4th if you buy this 2CD set.

Karajan's best Brahms cycle, thanks to the remastered sound.......2006-01-30

Karajan made many fine Brhams recordings, including three complete symphony cycles for DG. I bought this one for the remastered sound, which is excellent. I am not positive that much improvement would be casually noticed in the three digital recordings here, Sym. #1 (1987), #2 (1986), and #3 (1988), but DG has skipped the digital Sym. #4 and substituted a 1978 analog recording that now has immaculate sound--I believe it was available previously in a budget Galleria issue.

To me, Karajan was the greatest Brahmsian of his generation, but I've also felt that he missed something in the Fourth compared to Carlos Kleiber, Furtwangler, and Bernstein. This one is the best of his three versions, in that we sense struggle in the finale--Karajan tended to smooth things over, especially in his last, digital performance. So this two-fer set is very welcome and constitutes an incredible bargain.

A well-packaged set, and at a decent price to boot.......2005-11-07

I have seen a lot of bashing of Karajan's Brahms interpretations, but also a lot of respect. Those who want "bold, imaginatively interpreted" recordings should look elsehwere. Typically, Karajan gave very straigtforward, hyper Romantic readings and was content to let the music speak rather than getting his fingerprints into every nook and cranny. Considering the beauty of the music presented, I find this approach much more appropriate than say, a Barenboim or a Masur. Karajan's less analytical approach certainly helps with such lyrical music.
The Berlin Philharmonic plays magnificently and the recording has an honesty of sound that I have not heard elsewhere.
(a note about the recording: DG used a lot, some may say too many, microphones in their late 70s early 80s recordings. The result is an effect you will either really love or really hate. It has a lot of easily audible layers, but to some ears the recordings come off as harsh or dry. I happen to like the sound as I feel it adds lushness, but hey, judge for yourself.)
Another bonus is that DG removed that horrendous digital 4th symphony, which really was a disaster. The replacement, an ADD selection, comes from Karajan's last analog 1977/78 cycle. Again, sumptuous recording, with breathtaking crescendos. Basically - if you like Karajan's Brahms, then you should have this set in your collection.

Another set to consider is Abbado/Berlin. Truly magnificent, with a better 1st, but much more expensive.

Average customer rating: BEWILDERED Great sound, almost hi fi SMALL SONIC PROBLEM/SOME EVEN BETTER A must have - recordings of a great conductor with his own orchestra from 1951 & 1952 Brilliant Brahms

Brahms: The Four Symphonies Manufacturer: RCA 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 General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music Toscanini, Arturo | ( T ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ludwig van Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies - Arturo Toscanini / NBC Symphony Orchestra Schubert: Symphonies Nos. 5, 8, 9; Mendelssohn: Symphonies Nos. 4 & 5 Arturo Toscanini: The Complete Philadelphia Orchestra Recordings 1941-42 The Verdi Recordings Arturo Toscanini & NBC Symphony Orchestra Vol. 7 ASIN: B00000JPCE Release Date: 1999-08-10

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Un Poco Sostenuto-Allegro
2. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Andante Sostenuto
3. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Un Poco Allegretto E Grazioso
4. Symphony No. 1 In C Minor, Op. 68: Adagio-Piu Andante-Allegro Non Troppo, Ma Con
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
8. Symphony No. 4 In E Minor, Op. 98: Allegro Energico E Passionato

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegro Non Troppo
2. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Adagio Non Troppo
3. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegretto Grazioso (Qausi Andantino)
4. Symphony No. 2 In D Major, Op. 73: Allegro Con Spirito
5. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Allegro Con Brio
6. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Andante
7. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Poco Allegretto
8. Symphony No. 3 In F Major, Op. 90: Allegro

Customer Reviews:

BEWILDERED.......2007-05-23

I bought on release in the 1950's a black vinyl (on EMI) of The first of the Brahms Symphonies with Toscanini and NBC SO, and hoped that by ordering this set of the four, I would be getting a remaster of that volcanic interpretation. But reading the reviews, I couldn't work out whether the performances dated from the 1930's or 1950's, and whether they were recorded in Carnegie Hall or in a studio. If from the later period, they offer one of music's mountaintop experiences

Great sound, almost hi fi.......2007-05-12

Toscanini's birth was not too long after the civil war and his recordings suffer from the low fidelity of his day. He must have a truckload of recordings put out originally on 78s. I saw a used set of his Beethoven 9 symphonies for sale at Half Price Books on 78s. It took something like 25 78s to cover all nine symphonies on very thick, heavy, bulky vinyl.

These Brahms symphonies are by far the best sounding Toscanini recordings I have ever heard. I enoyed listening to these and comparing them to Szell's. There are many historic symphonic recordings from the 30s to early 50s posted at Rhapsody. It would certainly be wonderful if the engineeer's from these remasters would wave their majic wands over those reocordings!

SMALL SONIC PROBLEM/SOME EVEN BETTER.......2006-06-28

I agree with other reviewers who have praised the great improvements in sound quality over previous releases of these splendid performances. I have, however, noted one problem that I do not recall in earlier releases: occasional flutter and wow that sometimes, for example, makes particular string passages sound as if they are being played with excessive vibrato. This may be a result of going back to the original tapes and in my view only detracts in a small way from the overall excellence of the set. In sprite of the excellence of this set, however, I believe that there are other Toscanini performances of the Brahms symphonies that are even better. I recommend, for example, the performance of the Brahms Third on Guild and the performance of that same symphony on Naxos.

A must have - recordings of a great conductor with his own orchestra from 1951 & 1952.......2006-03-21

Being perfectly frank, I have a real problem with the four symphonies of Johannes Brahms. I cannot choose between them. Whichever one I am hearing is my favorite at that moment. At one point it is the brass chorale, or a particularly beautiful cello passage, or the fabulously limpid clarinet, or exuberance, or pathos, or the horns! These are four masterworks that are supreme treasures of the musical art.

Brahms began working on his first symphony more than a decade before it was premiered. He wanted to be sure he was producing something absolutely right. He got it more than right. The first symphony in C Minor (Op 68) is from 1876 (Brahms was born in 1833), the second in D Major (Op 73) followed quickly in 1877. The third in F Major (Op 90) is from 1883 and the last in E Minor (Op 98) was premiered in 1885. Brahms died in 1897.

Arturo Toscanini lived his life in music and grew from being an opera house cellist to one of the greatest conductors of his era and one of the immortals of the podium. Many people comment on his driving and fast tempi. He may have been a bit brisker than others at times, but one of the reasons his performances seemed so fast is that he made sure you heard everything possible in the score. When so much is happening for your ear and you try to take it all in, well, it seems awfully fast. This is one of the things Arthur Rubenstein had in mind when he admonished young pianists that if they wanted to play fast they had to slow down. Toscanini kept the orchestral tempi up, but made each moment full to capacity of music.

The NBC Symphony Orchestra was created for Toscanini by David Sarnoff in 1937 and was led by the master for seventeen years. The orchestra not only recorded with him, but made public concerts and even toured. And it made money! Sadly, and to Toscanini's distress, the orchestra was disbanded when he retired in 1954. It was renamed the Symphony of the Air and led by Stokowski into the sixties, but its great day had passed.

These recordings of the four symphonies are from 1951 and 1952. And while they have been digitally remastered and sound great for their time, they do not have the full sound of a modern recording. However, you should not care. You should do a little mental translation and enjoy the exquisite beauty of this great music led by one of the great conductors and played by some quite fine musicians. The performances are all quite well done. The album notes do highlight a couple of the changes Toscanini made to Brahms' score to make things sound out better, but notes that a couple of them might be too much, like the addition of tympani in the finale of the third symphony (bars 172-77) and the 32nd note accacciaturas at the end of the symphony that simply make the orchestra sound a bit sloppy.

This is a set to have in your library of recordings of these great works. Really it is a must have.

Brilliant Brahms.......2005-12-30

One of the mainstays of Arturo Toscanini's repertoire was the four symphonies of Johannes Brahams (1833-1897). He returned to this music again and again, as he sought to achieve definitive performances of the master's music. His very first NBC Symphony Orchestra broadcast performance, on December 25, 1937, included a powerful rendition of the Brahams first symphony. His commercial recording, made in the early 1950's, was one of his greatest achievements. This is very dramatic music and the Maestro recognized this. He excelled in dramatic works and the first symphony clearly excited him. To his credit, the more sensitive, lyrical sections of the symphony were handled with great care. Nevertheless, the first and fourth movements of the symphony are absolutely amazing.

The second and third symphonies of Brahams are generally lighter than the first and fourth symphonies. Indeed, the third symphony is filled with grace and dignity, with each movement ending quietly. Tchaikovsky complained that Brahms' music was too academic and too often "on a pedestal." Friends tried to convince Tchaikovsky that Brahms' band of romanticism was equally valid and this is quite clear in these works. Toscanini's renditions are poetic, containing great contrasts of dynamics.

The fourth symphony, which is still considered the most original and most curious of Brahms' four symphonies, was given a powerful performance by Toscanini and the NBC orchestra in this session. I have seldom heard the symphony played so convincingly and with such grandeur and majesty. The first movement virtually grabs the listener of this performance. Toscanini, to his credit, continues to amaze us throughout this work. The fourth movement, which is such an amazing piece, has a tendency to run away in some conductor's hands; this is not the case with Toscanini. He keeps things under control while still managing to excite and intrigue us.

All four of these symphonies benefited from recording in Carnegie Hall, rather than the NBC Symphony's longtime home of Studio 8-H. There is some reverberation and a definite boost to the acoustics. Digitally remastering of the original magnetic tapes is a plus. These performances remain hallmarks of the artistry of Toscanini.

By contrast, one may listen to Toscanini's concert performances of the four symphonies with the Philharmonia Orchestra, recorded in the fall of 1952 in London. These are equally wonderful recordings and proved to be Toscanini's very last performances in the United Kingdom.

Average customer rating: I can name that tune in three notes A Fabulous CD Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks! Fun Sampler Useful.

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Classical Music for People Who Hate Classical Music Best of the Millennium: Top 40 Classical Hits ASIN: B000003FPT Release Date: 1995-02-14

Tracks:

1. Adagio
2. Air on the G String: Air on the G String, Excerpt
3. Brandenburg Concerto: Third Movement, Excerpt
4. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Excerpt
5. Tocatta & Fugue: Excerpt
6. Adagio for Strings: Excerpt
7. Synphony No. 5: First Movement, Excerpt
8. Symphony No. 9: Fourth Movement, Excerpt
9. Fse: Excerpt
10. Turkish March: Turkish March, Excerpt
11. Moonlight Sonata: Excerpt
12. Symphonie Fantastique: March Ot the Scaffold, Excerpt
13. Damnation of Faust: Excerpt
14. Carmen - Habanera: Habanera, Excerpt
15. Toreador Song [From Carmen]
16. Minuet: Minuet, Excerpt
17. Prince Igor: Polovtsian Dance No 17, Excerpt
18. Hungarian Dance No. 5: No 5, Excerpt
19. Lullaby: No 4, Lullaby, Excerpt
20. "Minute" Waltz: Excerpt
21. Grande Valse Brillante: Excerpt
22. Marche Fune: Marche Fune
23. Appalachian Spring: Excerpt
24. Fanfare for the Common Man: Excerpt
25. Clair de Lune: Excerpt
26. Prelude to the Afternoon: Excerpt
27. Lakm Flower Duet: Flower Duet, Excerpt
28. Symphony No. 9 "New World": Second Movement, "Going Home" Theme, ...
29. The Sorcerer's Apprentice: Excerpt
30. Pomp & Circumstance: Excerpt
31. El Amor Brujo
32. Pavane: Excerpt
33. Rhapsody in Blue: Excerpt
34. American in Paris: Excerpt
35. Funeral March of Marionette: Excerpt
36. Piano Concerto in a Minor: Excerpt
37. Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 - Morning: Morning, Excerpt
38. Messiah - Hallelujah Chorus: Hallelujah Chorus, Excerpt
39. Water Music - Hornpipe: Hornpipe, Excerpt
40. Symphony No. 94 "Surprise": Second Movement, Excerpt
41. The Planets - Mars: Mars, Excerpt
42. Sabre Dance: Sabre Dance, Excerpt
43. Pagliacci: Vesti la Giubba, Excerpt
44. Hungarian Rhapsody
45. Liebestraum No. 3: No 3, Excerpt
46. Cavalleria Rusticana - Intermezzo: Intermezzo, Excerpt
47. Midsummer Night's Dream - Wedding March: Wedding March, Excerpt
48. Symphony No. 4 "Italian": Fourth Movement, Excerpt
49. Rondeau: No 1, Rondeau
50. Piano Concerto No. 21: Andante, Excerpt
51. Eine Kleine Nachtmusik: First Movement, Excerpt
52. The Marriage of Figaro - Overture: Overture, Excerpt
53. Sonata in A - Rondo Alla Turca: Rondo Alla Turca, Excerpt
54. Symphony No. 40: First Movement, Excerpt
55. Night on Bald Mountain: Excerpt
56. Pictures at an Exhibition - Great Cave of Kiev: Great Gate of ...
57. Barcarolle: Barcarolle, Excerpt
58. Orpheus in Hades - Theme II: Excerpt (Theme)
59. Carmina Burana - O Fortuna: O Fortuna, Excerpt
60. Canon: Canon, Excerpt
61. Romeo & Juliet - Montagues & Capulets: Montagues & Capulets, Excerpt
62. Lt. Kije's Wedding: Lt. Kije's Wedding, Excerpt
63. Turandot - Nessun Dorma: Nessun Dorma, Excerpt
64. Piano Concerto No. 2: Second Movement, Excerpt
65. Symphony No. 2: Third Movement, Opening, Excerpt
66. Rhapsody on a Theme: Variation 18, Excerpt
67. Bolero
68. Flight of the Bumblebee
69. Concierto de Aranjuez - Adagio: Adagio, Excerpt
70. The Barber of Seville - Overture: Excerpt
71. The Barber of Sville - Largo Al Factotum: Largo Al Factotum, Excerpt
72. William Tell Overture - Theme II: Excerpt
73. Danse Macabre: Excerpt
74. Gymnope No. 1
75. Symphony N0. 8 "Unfinished": Excerpt
76. Ave Maria: Excerpt
77. Finlandia [Finale: Finale, Excerpt]
78. Valse Triste: No 1, Valse Triste, Excerpt
79. Stars & Stripes Forever: Excerpt
80. Semper Fidelis: Excerpt
81. Blue Danube Waltz: Excerpt
82. Tales from the Vienna Woods: Excerpt
83. Also Sprach Zarathustra: Fanfare, Excerpt
84. Firebird - Infernal Dance & Main Theme: Infernal Dance & Main ...
85. The Nutcracker - Waltz of the Flowers: Waltz of the Flowers, Excerpt
86. Swan Lake - Waltz: Waltz, Excerpt
87. Sleeping Beauty -: Waltz, Excerpt
88. Romeo & Juliet - Theme II: Theme LL, Excerpt
89. Piano Concerto No. 1 - Opening: Opening, Excerpt
90. 1812 Overture - Finale: Finale, Excerpt
91. Fantasia on "Greensleeves": Excerpt
92. Alda - Grand March: Grand March, Excerpt
93. Il Trovatore - Anvil Chorus: Anvil Chorus, Excerpt
94. Requiem - Dies Irae: Dies Irae, Excerpt
95. Rigoletto - La Donna Mobile: La Donna Mobile, Excerpt
96. The Four Seasons "Spring" - Allegro: Allegro, Excerpt
97. The Four Season "Winter" - Largo: Largo, Excerpt
98. Lohengrin - Bridal Chorus: Bridal Chorus, Excerpt
99. Die WalkRide of the Valkyries: Ride of the Valkyries, Excerpt

Customer Reviews:

I can name that tune in three notes.......2005-02-19

My family likes to put this disc in on shuffle and play name that tune. I wish they made more discs like this, only with more obscure works.

A Fabulous CD.......2004-10-14

The Idiot's Guide to Calssical Music is an awesome Cd for those people who want to have a tiny sample of all the great classical compositions. Track 61 and 63 are my favorite.

Mega-Sampler! This really does have 99 tracks!.......2002-03-20

Yes, this CD really does have 99 tracks. How do they do it? Each is about a minuet long. Some are longer, some are shorter, but you get the micro-essential moments of the music.

If you like burning your own CDs, then this is a great source for intra-track fillers, along the lines of They Might Be Giants' "Apollo 18" album, which has all of those short tracks on the end. The idea is to put your CD player on shuffle, so the short tracks get mixed in with the bona fide songs. The result being a very unusual album.

The booklet gives an explanation of the track, where you heard it (i.e. the Warner Brother's Cartoons, or on famous films), and where you can get the full piece of music. So it's a mega sampler CD.

I can honestly say that this CD is a great gift for the friend who has everything.

Fun Sampler.......2001-11-09

For the beginner. You will be surprised at how many of the 99 themes you recognize here. It is an easy introduction to classical music. Nice booklet too.

Useful........1999-03-22

Take it for what it is, a clever and useful GUIDE to classical music. No, it is NOT an uncut rendition of Beethoven's 9th symphony. It IS a cd that will jog your memory. You have heard many of the tunes presented here, but not always knowing what the work was. This is your chance to catch up with all the great classical music you have been exposed to. Cheap too.

Average customer rating: