Search - Johannes Brahms, Neville Marriner, Academy of St Martin in Fields :: Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

Marriner Doesn't Sink

Will Miller | Ann Arbor, Michigan | 06/28/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Of course there is no shortage of fantastic Brahms cycles available on compact disc, but I believe there is a place for this one as well. The St. Martin in the Fields Orchestra plays with such fantastic clarity, and Sir Neville Marriner provides such admirable interpretive lucidity, that I would venture to declare this the modern cycle to get. While the First is certainly adequate--I prefer to be a bit more overwhelmed than I was here--the Second is really exceptional. It is in this piece that the chamber atmosphere and impeccable technique of the Orchestra really comes out to the advantage of the work. Instead of undermining the Romanticism of this remarkable symphony, the small ensemble pulls off an entirely unique, entirely valid performance. Whole new elements are revealed merely by the fact that every point and every counterpoint is completely audible. The gorgeous cello melody in the first movement leaps out in all of its euphoric, euphonic glory, and yet you can still hear what's going on behind it. This, obviously, also has something to do with the recording job, which is practically unrivaled.So to fill out your Music Collection and complement your Gunter Wand and Bruno Walter with a great sounding, wonderfully played, whole new way to hear the Brahms Symphonies, there is not a better choice--in my opinion--than this cycle."