Brahms: The 4 Symphonies / Haydn Variations / Academic Festival & Tragic Overtures, Opp.80,81

Johannes Brahms (Composer), Leonard Bernstein (Conductor), Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Leonard Bernstein
• Composer: Johannes Brahms
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Number of Discs: 4
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000001G6Q
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #174,630 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68: 1. Un poco sostenuto - Allegro

2. Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68: 2. Andante sostenuto

3. Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68: 3. Un poco allegretto e grazioso

4. Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68: 4. Adagio - Allegro non troppo ma con brio

Disc: 2

1. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73: 1. Allegro non troppo

2. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73: 2. Adagio non troppo - L'istesso tempo, ma grazioso

3. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73: 3. Allegretto grazioso (Quasi Andantino) - Presto ma non assai - Tempo 1

4. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73: 4. Allegro con spirito

5. Academic Festival Overture, for orchestra in C minor ('Akademische Festouvertüre'), Op. 80

Disc: 3

1. Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90: 1. Allegro non brio

2. Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90: 2. Andante

3. Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90: 3. Poco Allegretto

4. Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90: 4. Allegro

5. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a

Disc: 4

1. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: 1. Allegro non troppo

2. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: 2. Andante moderato

3. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: 3. Allegro giocoso - Poco meno presto - Tempo 1

4. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: 4. Allegro energico e passionato - Più Allegro

5. Tragic Overture, in D minor, Op. 81

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars David Hurwitz--what are you thinking?, September 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Brahms: The 4 Symphonies / Haydn Variations / Academic Festival & Tragic Overtures, Opp.80,81 (Audio CD)

I can't even begin to describe just how unfair and inaccurate many of David Hurwitz's reviews for Amazon are! Usually, he praises Bernstein's works and saves his unqualified, immature remarks for Karajan and Abbado. But, my goodness, did he ever screw up when it came time to review Bernstein's Brahms! First of all, the movements are *not* twice as long. Some are a bit longer than usual, but Bernstein is not the only conductor to choose these tempi. Secondly, no matter how much you disagree with Bernstein's approach, it simply cannot be denied that these are moving, thought-provoking interpretations. The great conductor has most certainly *not* made a mess of Brahms--he has only conducted these symphonies in a way that Hurwitz doesn't like. The truth is, Bernstein does a fabulous job in realizing the chamber-like qualities of Brahms's symphonies, and the beautiful string section of the Vienna Philharmonic creates a layered almost transparent feeling, while plenty of attention is paid to the details in the wind sections. If David Hurwitz doesn't like this approach, that is fine--but he ought to allow the listener to decide just how enjoyable these CDs truly are, instead of carrying out is own agenda of personal taste. Finally, the fact is, many reviewers have given Bernstein's Brahms very high praise, including the "Bible" of classical music, the Penguin Guide. One notable book listed Bernstein's version of the 2nd symphony as its top recommendation, saying it was the most passionate since Beecham's. Only you can decide if you like these versions. But I hope you will bear in mind that Bernstein *always* brought his genius, passion, and intellect to every performance, and even though he obviously wasn't perfect at all times, it's *never* wise to completely dismiss him. And, speaking of dismissing--perhaps Amazon.com should save some face and consider dismissing David Hurwitz!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, Energetic, & Powerful, April 5, 2001

By 

Trevor Gillespie "sol_man" (San Jose, California United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Brahms: The 4 Symphonies / Haydn Variations / Academic Festival & Tragic Overtures, Opp.80,81 (Audio CD)

After having bought Brahms Symphony no. 1 individually, I had to buy the box set. Leonard Bernstein had recorded these symphonies before, but here he brings such raw emotional power to the symphonies, as well as the Haydn Variations and Overtures. DG has done an excellent job at recording these works. The digital sound is incredibly revealling with a full range of sound from top to bottom. I have a number of complete cycles of Brahms symphonies (i.e. Karajan, Abbado, Mackerras, and Solti). Although I love each cycle for various reasons, this one stands out particularly. The combination of forces between the Vienna Philharmonic and Bernstein produces a cycle of symphonies that remind you (if you've forgotten) just how incredible Brahms was as a composer.

More specifically, my favorite highlights in these symphonies are as follows: As I said before, the sheer power of the first that Bernstein creates encouraged me to buy the box set. The finale is built incredibly sustaining a tension that is hard to match. The III movement in the fourth symphony has to be one of the best played--technically and emotionally. It is what I call a 'rollicking good time'. The third symphony as a whole is a great performance as well.

This cycle is not the cheapest of Brahms symphony cycles, but it certainly is one of the very best. If you like how Leonard Bernstein conducted later in his life (a little slower with a heavier hand), then you're bound to love this set. Even if you don't care for the performances, you'll appreciate the beauty of the recorded sound.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Brahms Symphony Cycle?, April 12, 2001

By 

John Kwok (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brahms: The 4 Symphonies / Haydn Variations / Academic Festival & Tragic Overtures, Opp.80,81 (Audio CD)

Without a doubt, this splendid set of recordings ranks with the Sanderling/Dresden Staatskapelle cycle as two of the finest Brahms symphonies cycles ever recorded. These are passionate, inspired performances where Bernstein succeeds in illuminating the complex emotional energy of Brahms' scores. Under his baton the Vienna Philharmonic responds as though it was a chamber orchestra, playing with ample warmth and brilliance. I have seen repeated references to Bernstein's version of the 2nd symphony as the definitive recording in the Penguin Guide and elsewhere; his versions of the other symphonies and overtures are superb too. Do not heed David Hurwitz's advice. If you are looking for a definitve set of Brahms' symphonies, then this has to be it.