COMPOSERS: Brahms
LABELS: DG Originals
WORKS: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 3; Symphony No. 4
PERFORMER: Berlin PO/Eugen Jochum
CATALOGUE NO: 449 715-2 ADD mono (1951-6)
These are real performances, with minimal editing, and all the flow, coherence and occasional imprecision which that implies. Jochum’s tempi are flexible and well-judged, apart from a rather hurried first movement in the Third Symphony, and the tempo relationships within movements are always natural – the finale of the Fourth Symphony is a model here. The sound of the Berlin PO (very much Furtwängler’s orchestra at the time) is muscular, with vibrant strings, characterful woodwind and finely honed internal balance. To be enjoyed. Martin Cotton
Brahms: Symphony No. 1; Symphony No. 2; Symphony No. 3; Symphony No. 4
These are real performances, with minimal editing, and all the flow, coherence and occasional imprecision which that implies. Jochum’s tempi are flexible and well-judged, apart from a rather hurried first movement in the Third Symphony, and the tempo relationships within movements are always natural – the finale of the Fourth Symphony is a model here. The sound of the Berlin PO (very much Furtwängler’s orchestra at the time) is muscular, with vibrant strings, characterful woodwind and finely honed internal balance. To be enjoyed. Martin Cotton
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:33 pm