Search - Johannes Brahms, Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic :: Brahms: 4 Symphonies

Johannes Brahms, Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic
Brahms: 4 Symphonies
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (5) - Disc #1
1. Symphony no.1 in c, op.68: 1. Un poco sostenuto-Allegro
2. Symphony no.1 in c, op.68: 2. Andante sostenuto
3. Symphony no.1 in c, op.68: 3. Un poco Allegretto e grazioso
4. Symphony no.1 in c, op.68: 4. Adagio-Piu Andante-Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
5. Tragic Overture, op.81: Allegro non troppo-Molto piu moderato-Tempo primo-un poco...
Track Listings (8) - Disc #2
1. Symphony no.2 in D, op.73: 1. allegro non troppo
2. Symphony no.2 in D, op.73: 2. Adagio non troppo-L'istesso tempo, ma grazioso
3. Symphony no.2 in D, op.73: 3. Allegretto grazioso (Quasi Andantino)-Presto ma non...
4. Symphony no.2 in D, op.73: 4. Allegro con spirito
5. Symphony no.3 in F, op.90: 1. Allegro con brio
6. Symphony no.3 in F, op.90: 2. Andante
7. Symphony no.3 in F, op.90: 3. Poco Allegretto
8. Symphony no.3 in F, op.90: 4. Allegro
Track Listings (14) - Disc #3
1. Symphony no.4 in e, op.98: 1. Allegro non troppo
2. Symphony no.4 in e, op.98: 2. Andante moderato
3. Symphony no.4 in e, op.98: 3. Allegro giocoso-Poco meno presto-Tempo I
4. Symphony no.4 in e, op.98: 4. Allegro energico e passionato-Piu Allegro
5. Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, op.56a: Chorale St. Antoni: Andante
6. Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, op.56a: Variation I: Poco piu animato
7. Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, op.56a: Variation II: Poco vivace
8. Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, op.56a: Variation III: Con moto
9. Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, op.56a: Variation IV: Andante con moto
10. Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, op.56a: Variation V: Vivace
11. Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, op.56a: Variation VI: Vivace
12. Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, op.56a: Variation VII: Grazioso
13. Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, op.56a: Variation VIII: Presto non troppo
14. Variations on a Theme by Joseph Haydn, op.56a: Finale: Andante

CD Details

All Artists: Johannes Brahms, Herbert von Karajan, Berlin Philharmonic
Title: Brahms: 4 Symphonies
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Polygram Records
Original Release Date: 1/1/1991
Re-Release Date: 1/18/1991
Album Type: Box set
Genre: Classical
Styles: Historical Periods, Modern, 20th, & 21st Century, Symphonies
Number of Discs: 3
SwapaCD Credits: 3
UPC: 028942760226

Synopsis

Amazon.com

These last versions of the Brahms symphonies (Herbert von Karajan did three cycles for DG alone) are probably the best of the lot. Karajan's Brahms was never that persuasive, largely because his smoothly blended sonority made the orchestration sound even murkier and thicker than it already was, with nary a woodwind line in sight. These performances, though, are a bit less "compacted" in sonority, and a bit leaner in the strings, which is all to the good. They also sound better--clearer and less manipulated in perspective. If you like Karajan generally, this is the Brahms cycle to get, even if the earlier ones are available for less money. --David Hurwitz

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CD Reviews

Not highly recommended.

08/12/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Once again, David Hurwitz (the Amazon reviewer) seems to have missed the mark: this is definitely not Karajan's best Brahms cycle. His best version of the first symphony is in the DG "Originals" series, coupled with Schumann's first symphony (both of which Mr. Hurwitz hates!). These recordings are very harsh on the ear--perhaps if they are digitally remastered, the performances will shine through more convincingly. But these digital recordings, as they are right now, are like a kick in the teeth! I'm a big fan of Karajan, so that's a major disappointment, particularly since the overtures are included in this set. Karajan was very involved in the technical aspects of his recordings, so I'm surprised at the poor quality. It goes to show that digital is not always the best. For instance, there is a crackling noise at the very opening of the first symphony. The loud parts are very murky, and the winds, although they can be heard, do not blend well with the strings. For the best digital versions, I would turn to Claudio Abbado, with the same orchestra. Daniel Barenboim's recordings with the Chicago Symphony are also pretty good. Or you can buy the works separately: Karajan (1964) #1, Solti #2, Abbado #3, and Barenboim #4."