Un-sensational Brahms One generally tends to think of Georg Solti as a sensationalistic conductor--going for spectacular orchestral effects even at the expense of line, structure and mood. Whether this generalization is in any sense apt is an open question, but it certainly doesn't apply to Solti's remarkably cogent Brahms cycle.
Surprisingly, the performances in this box are closer in style to Klemperer than to Stokowski or Bernstein. That means slow and steady rather than febrile or opulent. The First begins grandly with a hugely powerful and perfectly paced introduction, and thereafter tends to sobriety. Even in the finale Solti favors structural cohesion over dramatic incident, though the big moments (such as the return of the chorale in the coda) are undeniably effective. The Second is more upbeat, as it should be, but the emphasis once again falls on majesty rather than visceral excitement. The finale brims with energy, yet everything is under control. The Third is quite magnificent, with an evocative ramble through the slow movement and a particularly haunting (and daringly slow) treatment of the third movement. I have heard more effective balancing of the triumphal and the troubling in the finale, but otherwise Solti does well in holding this difficult movement together. The Fourth is monumental, at times even marmoreal, with the tragic impulses held in check by a certain stoicism. The two overtures evince similar virtues: neither the rambustiousness of the *Academic Festival* nor the *Sturm und Drang* of the *Tragic* is overdone, though there is plenty of warmth in the CSO's playing of both pieces. Indeed, the CSO acquits itself splendidly throughout Solti's Brahms cycle; the winds in particular convey the long line with just the right amount of expressive pointing. The recording is rich and full, though somewhat bass-heavy as others have noted.
Altogether, this is one of the finest Brahms cycles I have auditioned, though as regards interpretation I wouldn't put these performances ahead of those by such great historical figures as Furtwängler, Walter, Klemperer--or even by the sadly neglected (and currently unavailable) Steinberg. At least as far as Brahms is concerned, Solti emphasizes majesty over sonic thrills, and that speaks well of this sometimes maligned conductor. The one disadvantage is that Decca/Universal didn't see fit to include the *Haydn Variations* which could have been easily accommodated given the skimpy playing time on a couple of these discs.
Solti and Szell are a few of my LEAST favorites for Brahms symphonies What is it about Brahms's orchestra music that makes it a favorite of mine? The melancholy, the autumnal sound, the lovely sadness, particularly of the 2nd movements. Brahms is not just another Beethoven. Some orchestras and conductors just don't get it. My favorites are Toscanini, Furtwangler, Munch, Walter, Karajan, to mention just a few. This same lovely sound is also available to you by way of the Clarinette Quintet with Oppenheim and the Budapest, the Alto Rhapsody, the German Folk Songs with the Roger Wagner Chorale, the Song of Destiny. Just one music nut's opinion. 50svinyl
Good but not memorable for me I purchased this cycle with eager anticipation but was frankly disappointed when I opened up the set and popped it in my stereo. I love the CSO/Solti sound (esp the brass section) as much as anybody but I am disappointed with the energy, balance, and precision of entrances and note lengths. If you want a great set, buy the HSO/Eschenbach!
Brahms symphonies I'll make this simple. If your interested in a great set of the four Brahms symphonies pick this up immediately. Great sound(late analogue warmth), terrific performances(Solti and Chicago are sturdy as always), and an extremely low price.
This set has several distinct advantages over some of the others out there. For starters each symphony occupies its own cd. Sounds simple enough but I'm quickly tiring of sets that split up symphonies under 80 minutes long just to pack each cd to the brink. Nothing's worse than having a complete symphony and half of another on one cd and the other half of the second symphony on disc number 2. No sense switching discs to listen to one work unless that work is over 80 mintues long(ie- Mahler). I'm also getting sick of sets that couple insequential symphonies together to fill up discs(ie- symphonies number 1 and 4 on one disc). I like to listen in sequential order.
This set allows that. One symphony per disc. Discs two and three each have an overture to fill up some time and that's fine since both are after the symphony. How about Abbado and others putting these overtures and other 'bonus' works _before_ the main attraction? What's that about?
I mentioned it early but the price issue is also huge. Sure, you could buy Abbado's Berlin set which is great but be ready to shell out over $120(!) on Amazon. You'll get a couple of additional short works with that set but come on. Is it worth another $100 or so? Your call but I'd say no way. Pick this up for around $20 and be assured that your getting quality Brahms at a great price.
sloppy It's sloppy. Interpretation not well thought through. Solti is a well known name, but I wasn't impressed. It sounds uninspired. Check out a different set of the Brahms' symphonies.
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