Customer Reviews

Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

It's not all the time that it happens, but every once in a while, a symphonic cycle box set made by an orchestra that is not universally seen as a world-class outfit makes an impact. Such is the case here with this cycle of Brahms' four symphonies and various other works performed here by the Houston Symphony Orchestra under the leadership of Christoph Eschenbach, who served as Music Director from 1989 to 2001.

This Brahms cycle was made during the early 90s, and shows both Eschenbach and the Houston Symphony in top form. Eschenbach observes the first-movement exposition repeats of the first three symphonies, thus making their running times longer (the opening of No. 1 is almost nineteen minutes; that of No. 2 nearly twenty-two; and that of No. 3 over thirteen and a half), but the quality is never sacrificed. Dunja Vejzovic and the male voices of the Houston Symphony Chorus are excellent on the recording of Brahms' early choral work Alto Rhapsody; and the orchestra does good work on the Haydn Variations, the Academic Festival Overture, and the highly charged Tragic Overture.

Given all of this, it is bewildering that it has only been in recent times that the Houston Symphony has achieved the respect it has long deserved. After all, many big names had stood on the podium before Eschenbach: Beecham, Stokowski, Barbirolli, and Previn. But Eschenbach seemed to break through the orchestra board's long-time ultra-conservative musical mentality, and thus he elevated the Houston Symphony to world-class status. The proof can be found in this superbly recorded and superbly priced Brahms set, which is well worth seeking out.

When I saw this inexpensive 4cd box set, I knew that I had to get it, especially after hearing Eschenbach's recording of Bruckner's 6th w/Houston SO (the best ever btw). Some conductors (eg. Karajan) try to take you into different worlds in the different symphonies. However Eschenbach takes you to different places withnin the same world, giving the listener a more organic-whole musical listening experience. The rhythms are sharp, the readings are dark (Brahms was a hard-core loner) and intense. The opening of the first sym. reminds me of Klemperer, so deep and powerful. The stings are flawless and full of support. When one looks at set prices like Abbado's...the eschenbach set is one of the best Brahms bargain sets of all time. The filler pieces are equally strong, as are the singers in the alto rhap. A must have for all Brahmsians!!

Brahms was the torchbearer of the First Viennese School, holding down tradition's fort in the face of the Liszt/Wagner music of the future. Despite his preference for Classical forms and structure, his temperament was unquestionably Romantic. Brahms resolved these seemingly opposite forces in his music, but realizing Brahms' vision in performance can be elusive. Among the symphony cycles, rarely has Brahms sounded so fully Classical and fully Romantic simultaneously than in this set.

The critical element in Eschenbach's readings is that they are somewhat slower than most, with tempi similar to those of Furtwangler's. This approach allows the thick orchestration to breathe, making it easier to appreciate Brahms' unrivaled mastery of musical architecture. Furthermore, it highlights his imagination while remaining within the confines of the traditional symphonic forms. For the slow movements, it fully showcases Brahms' lyricism that a faster tempo would have glossed over.

I did find the first movement of the Fourth to be a little slow, but it was still within the realm of reasonable interpretation. I'm sure it will grow on me as I listen more.

The inclusion of four add-ons is a nice bonus--most Brahms sets include only the Academic Festival and Tragic Overtures. No revelations here, but they are well performed.

Overall, an unbeatable value.

After reading all the five-stars reviews here and having been more or less disappointed by all the other recordings, I have got a copy of this 4 CD set. What a surprise! Even my ears are so trained by Karajan's 1970's set, I still put Eschenbach's over his. That is to say, this set is in my opinion more appealing than Solti's, Gardiner's, Haitink's to name a few.

I am mostly impressed by Eschenbach's interpretation of Brahms' Adagio or Andante of all the symphonies here. He really took his time and make sure every nuance be heard. Soft and smooth, the music line never gets boring. All the supplements are of excellent quality too.

Sorry to disagree with the otherwise unanimous five star reviewers. After listening to Eschenbach's fresh rendering of the Dvorak New World Symphony, I had HIGH expectations. Alas, I agree with the reviewer drawing comparisons with Otto Klemperer. To me, the pace was mostly plodding, lacking in excitement, and the overall sound was kind of muddy. Even the Haydn Variations just poked along.

In fairness, I'm spoiled from listening to very best Brahms ever recorded. I'm speaking, of course, of Bruno Walter's monumental Columbia recordings from the early 1960's. Szell and Furtwangler also seemed to "get" these works. I guess I respect a conductor's attempt to do "something different", but Eschenbach's Brahms falls very flat with me.

If you love Brahms, get the Walter set. It's definitive.

This is great in every respect: sound quality, interpretation, packaging and, especially when you consider the quantity and quality of the fillers, price.

Very happy to have discovered it. A real highlight.

Very highly recommended.

This is quite not famous Brahms Symphonic cycle. I am really wondering why. May be the lable or Houston Symphony? I have 5 more Brahms Cycles (Abbado, Bernstein, Karajan, Haitink, Giulini) and they are all wonderful. But Houston Symphony with Escenbach sounds not less fabolous than Berlin Philharmonic with Abbado and Karajan, or Vienna Phil with Giulini. They are all different but amazing.The biggest difference is the price. I got so excited to get these CD'd for 7$ the set, I bought two sets. Do not hesitate but buy this digital set from Amazon

great sound, mucho music and no better JB out there.massive, expansive, powerful. slow? no, others too fast. buy it. and play it loud.

This is a wonderful box set of the complete Brahms symphonies, as well as Haydn Variations, Alto Rhapsody, Tragic Overture, and Academic Festival Overture! The sound is great. The repeats of the expositions are observed. Very highly recommended! For a even less expensive set, I would recommend Brahms: The Complete Symphonies / Karajan, Berlin PO.

CD 1:
Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68
1st mov. - 18:55
2nd mov. - 11:12
3rd mov. - 5:07
4th mov. - 18:21
Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80 - 11:10

CD 2:
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73
1st mov. - 21:38
2nd mov. - 10:49
3rd mov. - 5:24
4th mov. - 9:12
Variations on a theme by Haydn Op. 56a - 17:29

CD 3:
Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90
1st mov. - 13:31
2nd mov. - 9:10
3rd mov. - 7:47
4th mov. - 8:56
Alto Rhapsody Op. 53 - 13:55

CD 4:
Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98
1st mov. - 13:29
2nd mov. - 12:56
3rd mov. - 6:27
4th mov. - 10:23
Tragic Overture - 14:46

What an unexpected surprise! The previous reviewers have it right: a truly remarkable set from Houston and Eschenbach. The guts and glory of Brahms' 4 great symphonies in superb sound. (I own the original Virgin release from England.)

At ANY price, this is a set to own.

(Who would have thought it? Well, my loss for not knowing about it sooner.)