Our Summer BAL 13: Brahms Symphony No 3

[Barbirollians]

Which of the two, Philips or SDG? They are 18 years apart, and first was one of the earliest recordings with the ORR.
Interpretively similar (though by no means identical) they are very distinct in sound, and this changes your whole response to the performance of this lovable work.

Philips. Though my favourite JEG recording of all is another Requiem - Mozart’s on Philips.

[jayne lee wilson]

Philips. Though my favourite JEG recording of all is another Requiem - Mozart’s on Philips.

The you really need the SDG. Much warmer and more appealing, more immediate and less analytical in its (excellent very engaging) sound, and expressively an advance on the earlier one. With that lovely Howard Hodgin Artwork, hardback-book presentation.

It soon became my out-and-out favourite for one of my inner musical icons.

[RichardB]

I've now listened to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Symphonies with JEG; this is how I always imagined Brahms could sound. As for the Requiem, I spent many hours with the Herreweghe recording when it came out, can it have been 25 years ago, yes it seems that it can, featuring the underrated soprano Christiane Oelze (she of the breathtaking precision in Boulez's second Webern set), but it might well be time to try something new.

[jayne lee wilson]

I've now listened to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Symphonies with JEG; this is how I always imagined Brahms could sound. As for the Requiem, I spent many hours with the Herreweghe recording when it came out, can it have been 25 years ago, yes it seems that it can, featuring the underrated soprano Christiane Oelze (she of the breathtaking precision in Boulez's second Webern set), but it might well be time to try something new.

They are very striking aren't they? I sampled a few movements late last night (and still noticed those reservations creeping in, if less so this time round!).
But I like to take my time these days, so I'll hear another one in full this evening. The sound - the warp and weft of sonority - is very compelling. As for the Requiem, RB, see above! The SDG is wonderful.

[Barbirollians]

Another Victrola that helped shape many a 60s’ collection.

Late 1959 was it not ? The Schubert 5 with which it is coupled on the CD I found is very bright and enjoyable too. Both performances have a very fresh air feel to them.