Search - Johannes Brahms, Michael Gielen, SWF Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden :: Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4

Collectors around the world have eagerly sought after Michael Gielen?s recordings for Hänssler Classic. His unique, disciplined approaches to the full spectrum of repertoire, from Beethoven to Boulez, are among the finest ever committed to disc. Gielen?s understanding of the idioms of the twentieth century is universally acknowledged but his unique, straightforward approach to the Romantic repertoire serves as a model for future generations. This current Brahms cycle is certain to rank among the finest productions of a long and distinguished career. This is the final release in a cycle of the complete Brahms symphonies recorded by Gielen and the SWR. Michael Gielen was born in Dresden. After emigrating to the West he studied philosophy, piano, theory, and composition in Buenos Aires. In 1950 he was nominated Kapellmeister at the Vienna Staatsoper, where a short time later he made his debut as a conductor. Gielen was Chief Conductor of the Royal Opera Stockholm, the Orchestre National de Belgique, and the Netherlands Opera as well as Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC in London. Between 1977 and 1987 Gielen was Opera and Music Director of the Frankfurt Städtische Bühne, and then subsequently Music Director of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra before becoming Chief Conductor of the SWF Symphony Orchestra in 1986. Gielen is a frequent guest conductor with all the major European and American orchestras.