COMPOSERS: Brahms
LABELS: Philips Duo
WORKS: A German Requiem; Variations on a Theme by Haydn; Tragic Overture; Alto Rhapsody
PERFORMER: Wilma Lipp, Aafje Heynis, Franz Crass; Singverein der Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde, Vienna SO/Wolfgang Sawallisch
CATALOGUE NO: 438 760-2 ADD (1959-62)
This is a highly collectable anthology of Sawallisch’s Brahms of 1959-62 vintage. The Vienna Symphony, of which he was then principal conductor, plays splendidly, and the Singverein is no more unbearable than most Viennese choirs (at least its words are audible). I liked the tempi in the Requiem, the excellent baritone Franz Crass and the reedy oboe tone which has today all but disappeared. Sound is admirably clear and full-bodied in the Requiem, slightly less good elsewhere. Stephen Maddock
Brahms: A German Requiem; Variations on a Theme by Haydn; Tragic Overture; Alto Rhapsody
This is a highly collectable anthology of Sawallisch’s Brahms of 1959-62 vintage. The Vienna Symphony, of which he was then principal conductor, plays splendidly, and the Singverein is no more unbearable than most Viennese choirs (at least its words are audible). I liked the tempi in the Requiem, the excellent baritone Franz Crass and the reedy oboe tone which has today all but disappeared. Sound is admirably clear and full-bodied in the Requiem, slightly less good elsewhere. Stephen Maddock
Our rating
4
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:30 pm