Brahms: The Four Symphonies

Johannes Brahms (Artist), Sir Charles Mackerras (Artist), Scottish Chamber Orchestra (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 29, 1997)
• Number of Discs: 3
• Label: Telarc
• ASIN: B000003D2C
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #198,182 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. I. Un Poco Sostenuto/Allegro

2. II. Andante Sostenuto

3. III. Un Poco Allegretto E Graziso

4. IV. Adagio/Allegro Non Troppo, Ma Con Brio

5. Alternate Movement II - Initial Performing Version Of The Second Movement

See all 6 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. I. Allegro Non Troppo

2. II. Adagio Non Troppo

3. III. Allegretto Grazioso (Quasi Andantino)

4. IV. Allegro Con Spirito

5. Chorale St. Antoni - Andante

See all 14 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. I. Allegro Con Brio

2. II. Andante

3. III. Poco Allegretto

4. IV. Allegro

5. I. Allegro Non Troppo

See all 8 tracks on this disc

Disc: 4

1. Alyn Shipton Interviews Sir Charles Mackerras On The Unique Aspects Of This Chamber-Sized Brahms Cycle - Sir Charles Mackerras

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars At Last -- Performances Worthy of the Music!, May 3, 2003

By 

Andrew M. Klein (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Brahms: The Four Symphonies (Audio CD)

I've been on the hunt for wonderfully performed versions of these magnificent symphonies for years. My love for them was born decades ago listening to the incomparable Toscanini recrdings on LP (performances still happily available on CD and well worthwile despite the unavoidable loss of sonic quality compared to modern recordings). Mackerras's set is simply superb.

I couldn't agree less with the reviewer who expresses dislike of Mackerras's version of the First. I cannot think of a peer to this performance and am overwhelmed by what McKerras has done with a work that has few peers in all of the symphonic lterature. My view? Bravo!! Not just to the First, but to all four.

My last stop in my hunt before the McKerras versions was the Sandlerling set, which I have reviewed at length at the Sanderling recording site. There I express more completely my admiration for the McKerras recordings, discovered only after I gave up on Sanderling, and my views concering certain other conductors' Brahms efforts. I won't repeat them here, but suggest a visit to the Sanderling cite if you're interested.

What I must say, however, in conclusion, is that Brahms does not sound very interesting when performed indifferently. Most of the performances I've listened to, in recordingas and in concert, have been so slow, so overfed (stuffed with lush strings), so droopy and uninspired that I've been slightly surprised that to find anyone who still listens to this music with attention and interest. (The old Toscanini recordings couldn't have been expected to bear the burden of interesting people in this music alone forever.) After hearing the fabulously conducted Mackerras versions, revealing again and anew the incredible, timeless beauty and energy of these great works, I don't think I need fear this any longer.

Thank you, Maestro Mackerras!

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is an inspired recording, July 6, 2002

By 

A scottish bassist (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brahms: The Four Symphonies (Audio CD)

This, in my opinion, is the definitive recording with a CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, how it was meant to be. Anyone lucky enough to have heard Mackerras and the orchestra give live performances of these works will share with me the enthusiasm and colour that Mackerras gives the orchestra.

Forget comparisons, the SCO may not have the starts of the Berlin Phil, or be as highly paid as the Met, but they are a European Orchestra and have an affinity with the music (try their recordings of Mendelssohn 3&4 to prove this). Particularly impressive are the Double Basses, led by the dynamic young virtuoso Nicholas Bayley, while the woodwinds are clear.

Not forgetting the brass, always clear, precise and articulate.

Mackerras might not be as big a name as others, and this might be a touch $$$, but cough up, this is a quality set, if only for the orchestral playing - its inspired!

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brahms without the murk..., December 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Brahms: The Four Symphonies (Audio CD)

Finally, Brahms without all that icky thickness that we usually blame him for! This Brahms cycle strikes an excellent balance between clarity and richness of sonority. Mackerras's interpretations are full of vitality -- except in the Fourth, alas! I frankly cannot understand how Mackerras gives such an underpowered interpretation of the Fourth after giving such powerful interpretations of the first three symphonies. Perhaps he views this piece as resigned rather than defiant or tragic. Oh well, no matter. I'm glad I own this cycle. I can't really single out anything in the first three symphonies since everything is excellent. I have a feeling Gardiner will have something to say about these works, but for now, I'm happy with Mackerras, as well as my old Bruno Walter CD for the Fourth. Forget about Herby von K., Lenny B., and all those other people who claim they know Brahms.