Best Modern Brahms Symphony Cycle in Digital Sound

[jayne lee wilson]

I have read you eulogizing the Berglund cycle elsewhere on these boards, Jayne. I suppose the chamber orchestra takes away some of the oomph but reveals more detail, does it not?

Yes to the detail, but the COE gives you impact enough with Ondine's sonics! It's a lovely full balance. If only I could link to the Gramophone archive RC review, where he just preferred it to Mackerras...
(But I do have the new G. archive now and it is superb! More than worth the extra £2 over the regular sub).

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

"Anything"? I think that's pushing it a bit. A few recordings, maybe. But not all, not by a long way.

O.K. Perhaps I over-egged the pudding. But I would put some of the Decca/Culshaw recordings well ahead of many of the two-dimensional and over-lit modern recordings

[jayne lee wilson]

I think Richard Osbourne might not agree.

"Awash with insights and excitements though his readings are, he has yet to bring these within the folds of a settled vision"

Says RO in the July 2012 G... Good old (new) archive! He's fairly positive really, and I'm less troubled by the Helsingborg Horns or Manze's musings about how orchestras used to play it, since I find the results so refreshing and moving. (I also find Manze's 3&4 best, rather than 1!). But then, these days I always want a new view ( I can't listen to big-band Haydn or Mozart anymore etc.) and rarely pick out old favourites for the classic cycles...

[Pianoman]

I've only heard bits of the Manze and plan to hear more, but I completely endorse the Berglund which to me was a real ear-opener, similar to Mackerras and SCO, but just that bit more convincing in its overall sweep and passion. Of big band Brahms I would also agree Abbado who seems to get things right in just about every movement.

[cloughie]

Most people find the two co-exist rather nicely, serving separate needs.

Which two - I use computers a lot but prefer my conventional hi-fi systems for playing music and limit the use of downloading.

[cloughie]

O.K. Perhaps I over-egged the pudding. But I would put some of the Decca/Culshaw recordings well ahead of many of the two-dimensional and over-lit modern recordings

[Thropplenoggin]

Which two - I use computers a lot but prefer my conventional hi-fi systems for playing music and limit the use of downloading.

Aren't we rather off topic now, especially for someone who so loves to remain ON topic?

If the idea of a digital Brahms offends you so much, why bother replying to the thread with passive-aggressive statements about the necessity for such?

[cloughie]

Aren't we rather off topic now, especially for someone who so loves to remain ON topic?

If the idea of a digital Brahms offends you so much, why bother replying to the thread with passive-aggressive statements about the necessity for such?

I don't feel they were particularly anti or aggressive - just a point of view - and being branded a luddite isn't particularly nice, whe I'm not! - let's agree to differ and just enjoy our music!

[Mandryka]

I would take issue with Thropplenoggin's criticism of the sound quality of the Klemperer cycle. I've listened to it several times and have no problems with the sonics - though, admittedly, not on a car stereo.

But I would also endorse the Abbado cycle, for the best digital sound. For the best interpretations, though, I think you must stick with the analogue era.

[Stanfordian]

Best modern Brahms cycle in digital sound? Rattle/BPO.

I am in full acccord I too love the accounts of the Brahms symphonies from the Berliner Philharmoniker under Sir Simon Rattle on EMI. Of the older non-digital versions it has to be Otto Klemperer and Philharmonia also on EMI.

[BeethovensQuill]

I am in full acccord I too love the accounts of the Brahms symphonies from the Berliner Philharmoniker under Sir Simon Rattle on EMI. Of the older non-digital versions it has to be Otto Klemperer and Philharmonia also on EMI.

I completely agree the new Rattle with the Berlin Phil is stunning No.3 and 4 especially, although i do prefer Jansons recording of No.2 the rush of adrenalin in the finale that Jansons generates sweeps away the Rattle. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brahms-Bavar...9718954&sr=1-1

I really enjoy the Klemperor as well, i think the sound is actually very good.

[Parry1912]

Slightly OT but I love Rattle's 'German Requiem'

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

am i alone in liking the Gardiner?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

am i alone in liking the Gardiner?

I like the use of natural horns, but it wouldn't be a library choice.

[aka Calum Da Jazbo]

I like the use of natural horns, but it wouldn't be a library choice.

i would be grateful if you would care to elaborate Eine A