Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68: I. Un poco sostenuto - Allegro
2. Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68: II. Andante sostenuto
3. Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68: III. Un poco Allegretto e grazioso
4. Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68: IV. Adagio - Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
5. Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68: V. Alternate movement II. Initial Performing Version of the Second Movement
6. Academic Festival Overture, for orchestra in C minor ('Akademische Festouvertüre'), Op. 80

Disc 2:

1. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73: I. Allegro non troppo
2. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73: II. Adagio non troppo
3. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73: III. Allegretto grazioso (Quasi Andantino)
4. Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73: IV. Allegro con spirito
5. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a: Chorale St. Antoni - Andante
6. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a: Var. I. Poco più animato
7. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a: Var. II. Più vivace
8. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a: Var. III. Con moto
9. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a: Var. IV. Andante con moto
10. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a: Var. V. Vivace
11. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a: Var. VI. Vivace
12. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a: Var. VII. Grazioso
13. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a: Var. VIII. Presto non troppo
14. Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations), Op. 56a: Finale. Andante

Disc 3:

1. Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90: I. Allegro con brio
2. Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90: II. Andante
3. Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90: III. Poco allegretto
4. Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90: IV. Allegro
5. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: I. Allegro non troppo
6. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: II. Andante moderato
7. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: III. Allegro giocoso
8. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: IV. Allegro energico e passionato

Disc 4:

1. Alyn Shipton interviews Sir Charles Mackerras on the unique aspects of this chamber-sized Brahms cycle

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #78812 in Music
• Released on: 1997-07-29
• Number of discs: 3
• Dimensions: .47 pounds

Amazon.com
This fascinating set of the complete Brahms symphonies reflects Charles Mackerras' researches into late Romantic performance techniques. Using contemporary letters from the composer and his close associates, Mackerras makes a convincing case that conductors of the late 19th century typically preferred very wide variations in tempo within a movement, and a flexible sense of rhythm. This, of course, is something that many conductors have always done, but Mackerras combines the technique with an orchestra similar in size to the one that premiered many of these symphonies, and which Brahms himself preferred. The result is fresh and exciting, with many passages of Brahms' thick orchestration marvelously clarified. Add to this Telarc's gorgeous sound, and the result is a delight. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews

At Last -- Performances Worthy of the Music!
I've been on the hunt for wonderfully performed versions of these magnificent symphonies for years. My love for them was born decades ago listening to the incomparable Toscanini recrdings on LP (performances still happily available on CD and well worthwile despite the unavoidable loss of sonic quality compared to modern recordings). Mackerras's set is simply superb.

I couldn't agree less with the reviewer who expresses dislike of Mackerras's version of the First. I cannot think of a peer to this performance and am overwhelmed by what McKerras has done with a work that has few peers in all of the symphonic lterature. My view? Bravo!! Not just to the First, but to all four.

My last stop in my hunt before the McKerras versions was the Sandlerling set, which I have reviewed at length at the Sanderling recording site. There I express more completely my admiration for the McKerras recordings, discovered only after I gave up on Sanderling, and my views concering certain other conductors' Brahms efforts. I won't repeat them here, but suggest a visit to the Sanderling cite if you're interested.

What I must say, however, in conclusion, is that Brahms does not sound very interesting when performed indifferently. Most of the performances I've listened to, in recordingas and in concert, have been so slow, so overfed (stuffed with lush strings), so droopy and uninspired that I've been slightly surprised that to find anyone who still listens to this music with attention and interest. (The old Toscanini recordings couldn't have been expected to bear the burden of interesting people in this music alone forever.) After hearing the fabulously conducted Mackerras versions, revealing again and anew the incredible, timeless beauty and energy of these great works, I don't think I need fear this any longer.

Thank you, Maestro Mackerras!

Brahms without the murk...
Finally, Brahms without all that icky thickness that we usually blame him for! This Brahms cycle strikes an excellent balance between clarity and richness of sonority. Mackerras's interpretations are full of vitality -- except in the Fourth, alas! I frankly cannot understand how Mackerras gives such an underpowered interpretation of the Fourth after giving such powerful interpretations of the first three symphonies. Perhaps he views this piece as resigned rather than defiant or tragic. Oh well, no matter. I'm glad I own this cycle. I can't really single out anything in the first three symphonies since everything is excellent. I have a feeling Gardiner will have something to say about these works, but for now, I'm happy with Mackerras, as well as my old Bruno Walter CD for the Fourth. Forget about Herby von K., Lenny B., and all those other people who claim they know Brahms.

This is an inspired recording
This, in my opinion, is the definitive recording with a CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, how it was meant to be. Anyone lucky enough to have heard Mackerras and the orchestra give live performances of these works will share with me the enthusiasm and colour that Mackerras gives the orchestra.

Forget comparisons, the SCO may not have the starts of the Berlin Phil, or be as highly paid as the Met, but they are a European Orchestra and have an affinity with the music (try their recordings of Mendelssohn 3&4 to prove this). Particularly impressive are the Double Basses, led by the dynamic young virtuoso Nicholas Bayley, while the woodwinds are clear.

Not forgetting the brass, always clear, precise and articulate.

Mackerras might not be as big a name as others, and this might be a touch $$$, but cough up, this is a quality set, if only for the orchestral playing - its inspired!