Search - Johannes Brahms, Bernard Haitink, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra :: Brahms: Symphony No. 1; Tragic Overture; Academic Festival Overture

Unexpected energy and excitement from Haitink--a great Brahm

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 02/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've had the Philips box set of Brahms symphonies from Haitink on my shelf for four years without really listening to it. The neglect isn't entirely my fault. Haitink made two other Brahms cycles in later years with the Boston Sym. and more recenlty the London Sym., and both rre dull. What a difference in this First Sym. from 1972 with the Concergebouw--it turns out to be a real firebreather. Few conductors since Toscanini have lit into the first movement with such vitality (Haitink is more genial than Toscanini, however), and Philips has provided wide-ranging sound with lots of impact, recorded close up.



Haitink reverts to type a bit in the second movement, which doesn't have as much intensity but is very concentrated and musical nonetheless. Throughout he manages a light hand with rubato and makes potentially rhetorical phrases sound new and fresh. The Scherzo really dances and is as light on its feet as any I've ever heard. The finale opens strongly, with real depth of tone but no false prtentousness--few conductors have kept the momentum of the line as well as Hatink does. Karajan, whose Brahms I greatly admire, seems grandiose by comparison. the finale's big tune sounds glorious in the hands of the concertgebouw's famously golden string section.



I can only say that I'm surpised and delighted. Against all odds, this Brahms First shoots to the top of my list."