Search - Brahms, Haydn, Steinberg :: Symphony 1

Steinberg, a forgotten master

Dr. Paul R. Terry | Bedworth, Warwickshire United Kingdom | 04/28/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is the earlier of Steinberg's two studio versions of the Brahms 1st Symphony. It's a great reading, fairly swift, and beautifully played by the marvellous Pittsbugh Orchestra (previously Reiner's ensemble). Steinberg's approach is akin to that of his colleague (and possibly mentor) Klemperer. The Haydn Symphony makes a delightful filler. The recording is a little reverberant, and may sound slightly less analytical to younger ears (I don't have a problem personally) so I've given it four stars in recognition of the age of the recording (now more than half a century, though it's hard to credit it!). I encourage younger listeners in particular to sample the wisdom & musicianship of a great conductor of an earlier era- they will not be disappointed, I think. Older music-lovers to whom Steinberg is more than just a name will already know of his sterling qualities, ably demonstrated in this splendid issue."

Magnificent playing, true musicianship, a must have

scholarboy | NYC | 02/19/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the best Haydn Surprise on record, easily outdistancing Szell and Davis, both of whom I love. If it weren't for a slightly less emphatic fortissimo chord in the second movement, i.e. the "surprise" it would be perfect. In fact, the playing, by the then, and perhaps still, world's most grossly underrated orchestra, is amazing, light yet impactful; they "Out-Cleveland" the Clevelanders. Can anyone play and conduct like this anymore? The Brahms is also truly excellent if perhaps not quite at that exalted level. Still, as I often don't even like the Brahms first in certain performances as compared to his other symphonies, I love this performance. The sound, which is completely servicable, is far more natural in timbre than most modern digital recordings. Altogether a "must-have" for those who love classical music, played in the classical manner."