COMPOSERS: Brahms
LABELS: Classics for Pleasure
WORKS: Symphony No. 4; Haydn Variations
PERFORMER: Hallé Orchestra/James Loughran
CATALOGUE NO: CDCFP 4615 ADD (1974)
The reissue of Loughran’s fine performance of the Fourth Symphony with the Hallé completes what is now one of the most recommendable Brahms cycles available at any price. The Hallé is on excellent form, with some particularly eloquent wind playing, and the reading itself has warmth, power and a natural flow – the third movement taken slightly slower than usual. The coupling is an equally good performance of the Haydn Variations. David Michaels
Brahms: Symphony No. 4; Haydn Variations
The reissue of Loughran’s fine performance of the Fourth Symphony with the Hallé completes what is now one of the most recommendable Brahms cycles available at any price. The Hallé is on excellent form, with some particularly eloquent wind playing, and the reading itself has warmth, power and a natural flow – the third movement taken slightly slower than usual. The coupling is an equally good performance of the Haydn Variations. David Michaels
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:34 pm