Brahms – The Symphonies
Gewandhausorchester; Riccardo Chailly
Decca 4785344
The Four Symphonies including some revised and original material: Tragic Overture, Haydn Variations, Academic Festival Overture; Intermezzi, Liebeslieder Waltzes, Hungarian Dances (3 CDs in a hard-bound book). Here are some notes to myself as I made them listening to this set in preparation to write a review:
Hits the ground running ... Not traditional weighted-down performance ... Keeps moving ... The music flows ... Thrilling ... Could be the Beethoven Tenth ... Hearing with new ears ... Perfect balances ... Translucent ... Clearly hear the pluck in the plucked basses.
Vivid recording, you can see the orchestra ... Outstanding string section that doesn’t swamp the woodwinds ... Instruments clear without spotlighting ... Clearly hear the inner instrumentation in true perspective.
Feels like hearing the works for the first time ... Outstanding dynamics ... Texture in the horns reminiscent of Szell ... Tempos fluid and forward-looking ... Well-rehearsed but no sense of hearing a routine performance ... No trudging through well-worn paths ... Not dutiful or obligatory.
Gorgeous singing winds ... Excitingly fresh ... Spectacular ... Confident ... Brahms restored ... Chailly, the orchestra a perfect match ... Brings to mind Toscanini’s 1951 recording of the First ... Unique interpretations ... Enthusiastic, firm, clear, articulate, translucent ... This is how Brahms was heard at the first performances before there were any coats of traditions to wear.
I guess what I’m saying is “Highly recommended!”
