Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, & 4 ~ Celibidache [Import]

Johannes Brahms (Composer), Sergiu Celibidache (Conductor), Münich Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Münich Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Sergiu Celibidache
• Composer: Johannes Brahms
• Audio CD (August 10, 1999)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Format: Import
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B00000JQI7
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #203,792 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Dangerous Recording, May 14, 2000

By 

John B Wolff (Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, & 4 ~ Celibidache (Audio CD)

I have listened many times to these recordings. The danger is that you may reach the decision that I am about to implement. After this, all the other recordings of these symphonies seem like cold gruel. There are no rivals to these recordings. Listen to the breathing of the orchestra; it not an orchestra as we know it; it is a chamber ensemble. Each phrase is started and ended in a manner that is so natural and so human that is gives a palpabilitiy to the emotional as well as the intellectual; it truly is music that breathes. I am 70 years old. I am so glad I lived long enough to hear this wonderful conductor and to say thanks to the family and EMI for making it possible to listen to this great man and his great music. If you like classical music then buy these symphonies. You will never be sorry. P.S. The sound is fine!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of two., November 27, 2008

By 

Roger W. Wood "Music Lover" (Jacksonville, Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, & 4 ~ Celibidache (Audio CD)

Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Celibidache was marvelous on Brahms. I also just heard the 1995 VHS with Sergiu Celibidache and Daniel Barenboim on Brahms great 2nd concerto. Finest performance I've heard of the 2nd. It's in a class by itself. Why isn't it on CD? I haven't heard many performances of the 2nd I have loved, but this one by Barenboim and S. Celibidache is in a class by itself. It produced in me the greatest thrill since I learned the concerto by listening to the faster Richter/Leinsdorf/CSO version as a younger man. I have listened to Brahms for 50 years. I have heard a lot of a lot. And there are few on Celibidache's level beside Wilhelm Furtwangler and the man I will mention next. I agree with those who estimate that Toscanini "Beethoven-ed" (I just created a word.) his way through Brahms. A fatal mistake, even if he Beethovened his way with excellence.

Celibidache had a conducting soul-mate called Carlo Maria Giulini when it came to Brahms. Both breathed Brahms. Giulini recording the symphonic circuit on Brahms at least three times to my knowledge with the Philharmonia (of London)on EMI, the LA Philharmonic on DG, and the Vienna Philharmonic (late 80's) on DG. Those of you who cherish Celibidace, as I do, will also cherish his Italian romantic counterpart, who was also one of the 20th century greats on Brahms and a much recorded Verdi sensation. If you love one, you'll love the other. Neither rushed the tempos, and the music just pours forth with excellence.

Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Celibidache was great. Now do yourself another favor. Widen your world. Get hold of Giulini's LAPO and Vienna PO performances, and rejoice again. The Vienna performances are, to my knowledge, also live performances. Certainly his Requiem is.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very special, November 30, 2007

By 

Syracuse Violinist (Syracuse, NY United States) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2, 3, & 4 ~ Celibidache (Audio CD)

Celibidache was a truly great musician who, on principle, refused to make edited studio recordings. All his recordings with Munich are live concert recordings. There is great beauty of sound and a wonderful "breathing" flexibility in these performances. I rarely just sit down and listen to a recording--especially of pieces I've played for years and which I know so well. If I do, I tend to be fairly critical and hard to please. I, however, found these performances to be very beautiful and moving.

There have been many great recordings of Brahms Symphonies through the years and I would hesitate to recommend one version as "the best".
Celibidache, though, is definitely near the top of my list.