Fresh-Sounding Brahms from Atlanta
11/13/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Since I've been listing to and thinking about Brahms lately, and having put in a good word for Charles Mackerras's recordings of the two serenades, I'd be remiss not to say something about this CD featuring Yoel Levi and the Atlanta Symphony. If you relish a classical sound in Brahms's First Serenade, an obvious tribute to similar pieces by the likes of Mozart, you'll appreciate Levi's way with the music. Working with a bigger orchestra, he produces much the same kind of performance as Sir Charles: lean, propulsive, youthfully fresh. No special point-making over niceties--all is forward thrust, letting this charming music speak for itself. Yet the sweetly pastoral slow movement sings as it should, and grazioso is properly gracious. The same virtues are found in the Haydn Variations, maybe Brahms's most perfect orchestral work. Levi gives it dignity and grace while keeping things moving as they should.For those wanting old-school, monumental Brahms, this is not the place to turn. But then I think Levi has a handle on the real Brahms, a romantic composer with strong classical ties and sentiments. Clean, full-bodied sound in the best Telarc/Atlanta fashion."