Brahms Symphonies and Concerti

[Mark from HFR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoundsGood RCA have finally released James Levine's Brahms Symphonies with the Chicago Symphony (along with many other RCA Levine sets) on CD in a box set! This is the first time they have all been released on CD. Only 1 and 3 were ever put to CD as far as I know. Unfortunately, they are only available in Japan as far as I'm aware. I have not heard if RCA is planning on releasing it in the US or not. It's tempting me quite a bit right now. http://www.hmv.co.jp/product/detail.asp?sku=1371401

Hmm, if they release that stateside, I might pick it up to replace my records. It is a damn fine set. The only one I don't like a lot is the 3rd, where Levine was a little too influenced by Toscanini's mannered opening.

M

 

[augustwest]

Another couple of outstanding versions of the Brahms Concerti that are worth investigating, are the ones by Moravec & Brendel:

Piano Concerto #1
Conductor: Jirí Belohlávek
Performer: Ivan Moravec
Orchestra: Orchestr Ceská Filharmonie
Label: Supraphon
< http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=glance&n=5174 >

Piano Concero #2
Composer: Johannes Brahms
Conductor: Jirí Belohlávek
Performer: Ivan Moravec
Orchestra: Orchestr Ceská Filharmonie
Label: Supraphon
< http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=glance&n=5174 >

and -

Piano Concerto #1
Composer: Johannes Brahms
Conductor: Claudio Abbado
Performer: Alfred Brendel
Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker
Label: Philips
< http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=glance&n=5174 >

Piano Concert #2
Composer: Johannes Brahms
Conductor: Claudio Abbado
Performer: Alfred Brendel
Orchestra: Berliner Philharmoniker
Label: Philips
< http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=glance&n=5174 >

- augustwest

 

[DarkAngel]

Ordered for my mono collection of Brahms:
Walter/NYPO/Sony 1-4

Early 1950s mono recordings remastered in France with good sound quality by Sony imports, reportedly combines the smooth flowing quality of later Columbia stereo releases with more powerful and energetic climaxes of Walters younger days before retirement to California (and columbia SO recordings) Comes in two individual CDs 1,2 & 3,4 with no overtures.

These will join other mono sets:
Toscanini/RCA
Furtwangler/Musical Heritage
Jochum/DG

 

[DarkAngel]

Am seriously considering ordering the Levine/CSO import 1-4 set.....

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark from HFR Well, I suppose I'll have to follow Tyson's tip and hunt down the stereo Jochum set. Of course, even if I find it up their with the best, I can still complain about the lack of good Brahms now, because the set is over twenty years old. DA- Interesting on your side note about Solti. I would slightly rearrange the list for me. I like his Mahler, Bruckner, and Brahms, but hate his Tchaikovsky! M

Did you get the Jochum/EMI 1,2,3 2CD set yet.......it is essential Brahms!

The Solti Brahms 1-4 set is OK but very atypical sound for Solti, sounds more like his early LSO years in 1960s with more relaxed broader tempos and doesn't really soar when needed like other sets.

Solti's Tchaikovsky 4,5,6 sound similar to Mravinsky to me, red blooded dramatic performances.

 

[daycart1]

Ordered for my mono collection of Brahms:
Walter/NYPO/Sony 1-4

I've got the old Walters on vinyl and love 'em, esp. the 4th.

Ivan Moravec is my favorite pianist, though these recordings (and the Denons) are a bit weak in orchestra and in engineering IMO.

You're right, Darkangel, about the Solti/cso set (also on vinyl for me). The tempi tend to be VERY broad--it seems they were trying to show off the CSO sound--especially in the brass (e.g. in the 3rd).

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by daycart1 Ordered for my mono collection of Brahms: Walter/NYPO/Sony 1-4 I've got the old Walters on vinyl and love 'em, esp. the 4th. Ivan Moravec is my favorite pianist, though these recordings (and the Denons) are a bit weak in orchestra and in engineering IMO. You're right, Darkangel, about the Solti/cso set (also on vinyl for me). The tempi tend to be VERY broad--it seems they were trying to show off the CSO sound--especially in the brass (e.g. in the 3rd).

People who are just familiar with Walters later stereo works would be shocked to hear some of his earlier mono stuff, can be very dramatic and energetic. His famous 1938 VPO Mahler 9th for instance is so much faster than current 9ths you think there must be some mistake......no that is a younger Walter full of passion and fire.

Will be very interesting to compare these mono NYPO Brahms performances to later stereo Columbia SO versions which do at times seem too relaxed and wayward, even if they are often good fit for some Brahms movements.

 

[Mark from HFR]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkAngel Will be very interesting to compare these mono NYPO Brahms performances to later stereo Columbia SO versions which do at times seem too relaxed and wayward, even if they are often good fit for some Brahms movements.

I like the warmth of the stereo 3rd and 4th, but the mono set blows the stereo remakes right out of the water in terms of intensity and energy, especially in the 1st and the finale of the 2nd. Nice to see 'em available again.

M

 

[JohnFerrier]

Sorry, folks it's hard to sort through all past posts to determine people's current thoughts. Recommendations for Brahms no 3? Extra credit for Brahms Alto Rhapsody. TIA.

 

[Tyson]

Sym 3 is Jochum and the LPO on EMI, clearly tops if you like intense/exciting brahms.

 

[JohnFerrier]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyson Sym 3 is Jochum and the LPO on EMI, clearly tops if you like intense/exciting brahms.

Jochum, great. I'm aware that those two pieces were used to tune a new concert hall (not Disney). I'm thin on Brahms, but know that there are people here that "grok" Brahms. (Though, of course, not as much as Bruckner or Mahler...wow : ).

 

[JayG]

Tyson, have you heard Jochum's transversal of the Brahms symphonies on DG Originals with the BP? If so, how does it compare to the EMI set of Nos. 1-3?

-Jay

 

[Tyson]

Yes, I have the Jochum DG set too (of course!), and it's an even better performance, more intense, searingly intense. But the sound quality is much worse. So, I usually listen to the EMI set because you can hear so much more going on, but the DG is a very good backup.

 

[DarkAngel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkAngel Ordered for my mono collection of Brahms: Walter/NYPO/Sony 1-4 Early 1950s mono recordings remastered in France with good sound quality by Sony imports, reportedly combines the smooth flowing quality of later Columbia stereo releases with more powerful and energetic climaxes of Walters younger days before retirement to California (and columbia SO recordings) Comes in two individual CDs 1,2 & 3,4 with no overtures. These will join other mono sets: Toscanini/RCA Furtwangler/Musical Heritage Jochum/DG

This Walter/NYPO/Sony mono set is really great, one of the very best by any performance standard, and the sound is very good mono if you get the French import remastered direct from master tapes, highly recommended.

You won't belive this is Walter if all you have heard are the broad paced later Columbia SO versions, the NYPO 2nd final movement has to be one of the fastest most vibrant I have heard, what a finish! Really goes out in a blaze of glory.........all the other works have intense dramatic impact similar to Klieber/DG 4th for instance, essential Brahms.

 

[Tyson]

I picked up the Walter/NYPO 1&2 with 3&4 on the way. This is very, very good. Comparable to Jochum EMI, if not quite so intense. I'm shocked and amazed at how good it is. Sound quality is on par with the Jochum/DG set (not that great), but the passion of the performance still shines through.