Customer Reviews

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Haydn-Variations; Tragic Overture

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sanderling is less well-known in the US than others - Abbado, Karajan,
Bernstein, and many others. But no one has produced a more
consistently excellent set of Brahms symphonies than this....

Brahms
is my favorite composer, so I've heard lots of recordings of all four
of these symphonies. In my opinion, Sanderling's Third and Fourth are
better than any other recordings I have heard - and that includes
Szell, Walter, Abbado, and Kleiber's Fourth - all highly praised. The
Second, although it lacks the excitement and vigor of Kertesz or the
currently unavailable Steinberg, is as loving and beautiful as anyone
could make it. Only in the First Symphony do I find Sanderling
uncompetitive with the very best. His performance there just seems a
bit rough and scrappy for my taste. The sound is as good as you could
ask for. This set is one of the least known true jewels of the entire
catalog. If you love Brahms, then you MUST have it!

While Barbirolli rules in Symphony #1, Sanderling's recording is still
quite wonderful. One must forgive the quavery horn solo in the
introduction to IV; but given that this is the one mar in the
performance, it's hardly worth mentioning. Such horn considerations
are more absent in the rest of the set, even in 3:III. Symphonies 2
and 3 are radiant (of course, Barbirolli is again to be recogned with
in 2 (his 3 is just awful, though), and Walter on Sony still dominates
in 3), and 4 is very exciting (although here Reiner on Chesky and
Kleiber on DG (tinny sound on the copy I heard) or Exclusive!
(brightly lit, but the Vienna warmth comes through well) are even
better.... You even get an exciting Tragic Overture, here brought off
very well, and a satisfying performance of the Haydn Variations. And
you get the wonderful Dresden string tone to wallow in. The
remastering and transfer to CD are fine. Another...set to look
out for, but I haven't heard yet (although the conductor has received
many raves) is Mandeal on Arte Nova with his Enescu orchestra.

This complete Brahms Symphonies Cycle by Sanderling recorded in 1971
is certainly one of the best which we may find actually. The sound of
the Staatskapelle Dresden Orchestra is simply magnificent and the
balance between strings and wind instruments perfect. We cannot avoid
comparison with the CSO under the baton of B.Walter which was also
memorable. The two last movements of the Third symphony and the entire
Fourth are amazing and outstanding, emotional! The final them in the
third has no equivalent, rhythm, sound, everything is magnificent;
Sanderling has done something genius there, and you do not need to be
an expert to see the difference. The Fourth is remarkable and
comparison with the famous C.Kleber version is equal, and without
doubt some of us could prefer the equilibrium & sound of the
Dresden Orchestra. I like very much the first movement and the emotion
passing in the second movement, but all of it is so nice! I have
three versions of the Fourth (Walter, Kleber, Sanderling) and this one
is my choice without hesitation. The same conclusion could be for the
third! To appreciate you need some difference, and the value is only
between the best choices: so happy to have them! Another advice: for
full benefits of listening such masterpiece, magnificent harmony of
sounds and romantism, use a good set of headphones, therefore you may
appreciate the performance Sanderling has achieved! The Second and
Third in the Walter Edition by Sony are also unique and a very good
choice!...

This is undoubtedly one of the best Brahms symphony cycles ever committed to disc. Kurt Sanderling's view of these ubiquitous scores is one firmly steeped in the 19th century performing tradition. His rythmic impulse is steady while his gesture unerringly grand, which pays huge dividens in the opening of the third symphony: just the way it should be! The way Sanderling eases the tempo and lets the music soar slowly and steadily in the closing pages of the first movement of the second symphony is particularly telling. The first and fourth are slightly less alert and sound a bit bloated to my taste but that does nothing to detract from the greatness of this set. My only serious complaint is that Sanderling does not observe the exposition repeat in the first movement of the first sysmphony, which I think is essential to maintain the tension and cohesiveness of the argument. The recorded sound in this particular incarnation is a bit boxy and congested at times. These four recordings are now newly remastered by Denon, sounding better than ever, and separately available. They may be purchased through Amazon com. Japan or HMV Japan. Kurt Sanderling also recorded the first symphony live in 1973 in Tokyo, and that recording, which I think is better than the one in this set, is now available from TDK and may be obtained through HMV Japan.

I've loaned out so many of my favorite copies of Brahms symphonies, that when I want to listen to one, I have to go to my shelves of vinyl. All of my Brahms symphonies are so plowed, that not even my good B&O turntable can rescue them.

As a kid, I listened over and over to a Steinberg recording, especially of the 1st Symphony. I now find it harsh and overbearing, but the First remains my favorite. I finally settled on the Bruno Walter recording. Now I have heard this one; it is a peak experience on a recording. The strings are lush, without crushing anything, and the rapid runs are like a kid's first light bulb ignition. The brass color is like seeing a real Renoir for the first time, and the solos and winds aren't even a conscious thing, until it's all over. The Whole is overwhelmingly gentle.

The conductor has to be special but I also purchased this same orchestra, doing Bruckner with a different conductor. Is it possible that this orchestra plays itself? They truly listen to one another. GREAT!

This is one of the finest sets of Brahms' symphonies that I have heard and show the Dresden Staatskapelle at its finest. Under Kurt Sanderling's direction, the orchestra sparkles, with lush, warm sound. I especially enjoyed the vibrant, lively performances of the 2nd and 4th symphonies, but the others are just as terrific too. Indeed, the only performances of the 4th symphony that I think are better are Kleiber's legendary recording with the Vienna Philharmonic, Haitink's with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Bernstein's with the Vienna Philharmonic. Kurt Sanderling's conducting isn't as emotionally stirring as Bernstein's, but is just as fine. Speaking of Bernstein, only his acclaimed Deutsche Grammophon Brahms cycle with the Vienna Philharmonic eclipses this set with regards to sound quality and performance, but barely by a whisker. And Bernstein's set is nearly three times the price of the Sanderling/Dresden Staatskapelle cycle.

....and the angles said, "Sanderling shall conduct the 4 Sym. of Brahms",and this is exactly what it sounds like Sanderling has conducted these symphonies in a way that no human thought possible.The bass is so heavy yet clear and in no way inhibits the growth of the other soft instruments. This is nirvana for all Brahms lovers,you won't live long enough to regret it. Don't take my word for it, buy it and listen to it or the clips on this web site.

Reading through the handful of less than stellar reviews makes one mindful of the time-worn dictum that you can't please everybody. The overwhelming positive reviews are enough to diffuse any necessity for an impassioned rant and perhaps it is best to let sleeping dogs lie, even if they are having nightmares. Instead it is more useful and constructive to praise what deserves praise and leave the burying of nay-sayers to others. So. Brahms' symphonies are rich, lush and packed with harmonic and melodic beauties. Arguably his most brilliant writing was in the symphonies and he was crowned with the distinction of writing "Beethoven's Tenth" when critics heard his First. That can be an intimidating thing to composer, orchestra and conductor! That is a lot of pressure and nobody want to be the one to drop that ball! With music this rich and full of wonderful creative ideas, it takes restraint, strength and resolve as well as long term vision to pull of the music properly. Quite simply that is what Sanderling does. He is absolutely true to the music without going off the rails anywhere or in the least. In my world that is what makes a reference recording. One that is firmly grounded yet allowing just the right amount of leash to unfold the music most naturally and beautifully. Believe me folks, that is what we have here. Arguably the best Brahms of the stereo pre-digital era. (and to some, that is the summit of the recording industry's art) I admittedly love Mackerras' recordings of the symphonies on Telarc and hearing the music with a smaller orchestra is revealing in a satisfying manner. If you like your Brahms full, lively and paced to perfection though, I feel this is simply and clearly the place to be. Of all the sets, I think this one comes the closest to the ideal of all. Very highly recommended.

I am going to have to agree with Mr. Hurwitz on this one, this cycle is a gem. Own many Brahms recording on balance these Symphonies more than match the competition.

It's hard to understand why Kurt Sanderling doesn't have a greater following. He is the last link with the greats - Furtwangler, Klemperer, Jochum, Celibedache and Mravinsky. His Brahms cycle with the Dresden Staatskapelle is simply magnificent. These are performances that highlight the strength in Brahms' symphonic writing. The companion pieces are also excellent. The sound is perfectly good - indeed, preferable to the digital excesses of Karajan's final cycle. While Furtwangler's EMI set remains my favourite Brahms, its rough sound will rule it out for most buyers. The Sanderling is great!