Search - Johannes Brahms, George Szell, Eugene Ormandy :: Brahms: Symphony No. 1; Haydn Variations; Hungarian Dances

A powerful, tense Brahms First in the Toscanini style--but g

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 08/04/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Only Toscaninni led the Brahms First with more tension and drive, but the closest approximation is this classic Szell performance, which has been widely admired for over four decades. The budget issue pictured above is from 1991, in indifferent sound. As of August, 2006, there's a new DSD version in Sony's Great Performances series. And great performance it surely is. Szell's condcuting, as always, is disciplined and devoid of rubato or sentimental softness. The secret when the reins are held this tight is to propel the music forward as if in one breath, never letting the stainless steel thread sanp.



It's an unconventional way to approach Brahms but a bracing one. Fortunately, Szell doesn't lapse into rigid time-beating: this reading is alive inside, full of dramatic events in every movement. The Cleveland Orch. plays with great power and transpaency, and the refurbished sonics are twice as good as they ever were on Epic lPs when this recording first appeared. Of a piece is Szell's highly controlled reading of the Haydn Vairations. Curiously, in both this version and the new reissue, Sony has tacked on five Hungarian Dances by Ormandy, which don't sound like they even come from the same planet as Szell's Brahms but make nice listening.



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De gustibus, you know, but it's still a great performance

Paul S. Rottenberg | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | 03/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In music, as in any art, personal taste is a powerful determinant of evaluations. As the old Latin phrase goes, de gustibus non est disputandum (beautiful, no?), or, in other words, there's no disputing taste. George Szell had a reputation for being a cool conductor, and I think it is this IDEA rather than any objective criteria which determines the taste of many listeners when it comes to Szell's recorded performances. Some don't like 'em. OK! So, it's not for you, perhaps, but Szell's recording of the Brahms symphonies is still, by any measure, one of the greatest. ONE of the best, not the ONLY one. There is no such thing. Reiner, Karajan, Kertez, Abbaddo, Toscannini, Klemperer, Walter, Mackerras, et al., have all recorded great versions of the Brahms symphonies. They are all good and they are all different (some very different from others), and, of course, they all have different qualities of recorded sound based on the label technicians, etc. So, pick the one you like based on your taste. If you like fast and classical, Szell and Mackerras are good (also, Klemperer can be pretty fast in some of his Brahms); if you like slower and more romantic, Karajan, Abbado, Walter are all good. It's up to you. Try 'em. Listen to the radio. Go to your public library and see what they have. You may find that you like several versions, or all of the above (and more!), which I do. ENJOY! It's art, not politics!"

Classic Szell, Excellent Ormandy

Xyp | Cincinnati, OH | 10/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is, simply put, classic George Szell. In fact, this performance of the Brahms 1st takes its place near the top of the heap. It is a great performance and an excellent addition to any collection, especially at bargain price. If you're looking for the a bit more overt emotion, try Bruno Walter or Otto Klemperer- they turn in ectsatic and soulful readings. Szell's take has a quicker, drier, and more immediate feel to it, but he totally makes it work: in my opinion that goes for just about everything he performed (there was a reason he is known for his precision). The Ormandy performances of the Hungarian Dances are equally rewarding, played with shining flourish. Classic."