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Johannes Brahms: Symphonies 1 & 2 / Serenade No. 2 / Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Brahms, Kertesz, Wiener Philharmoniker
Johannes Brahms: Symphonies 1 & 2 / Serenade No. 2 / Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Genre: Classical
 
  •  Track Listings (5) - Disc #1
  •  Track Listings (9) - Disc #2

When Istvan Kertesz drowned while swimming in Israel, the world lost a major conductor of irresistible musicality and charm. The performance of the Haydn Variations is famous. The orchestra finished it without the condu...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Brahms, Kertesz, Wiener Philharmoniker
Title: Johannes Brahms: Symphonies 1 & 2 / Serenade No. 2 / Variations on a Theme by Haydn
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 0
Label: London / Decca
Release Date: 4/9/1996
Genre: Classical
Styles: Forms & Genres, Serenades & Divertimentos, Symphonies
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 028944819724

Synopsis

Amazon.com essential recording
When Istvan Kertesz drowned while swimming in Israel, the world lost a major conductor of irresistible musicality and charm. The performance of the Haydn Variations is famous. The orchestra finished it without the conductor, as a tribute to him after his death. Kertesz was very much alive for the performances of the First and Second Symphonies, however, and his relaxed and genial interpretations really let this great orchestra shine. These are just as much "their" performances, as is the case with the Variations, and the fact that the conductor doesn't impose his personality on this great ensemble is something that would have bothered Kertesz not a bit. It's still great Brahms. --David Hurwitz

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CD Reviews

Rampant interpretations, aristocratic panache, visceral conc
Hiram Gomez Pardo | Valencia, Venezuela | 05/04/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"
To interpret successfully the First Symphony of Johannes Brahms requires from any director a true epic and even titanic effort. This is undoubtedly, one of the most extraordinary musical achievements in the history of music. The impressive range of distinct approach depends in last instance, of you as conductor and you as listener.



Despite all the facts, there just have been a bunch of egregious conductors that have been able to express with accurate precision and notable idiomatic sense, the whole meaning of this sumptuous Opus 68.



This performance of Istvan Kertesz, still stands out as one of the most legendary and febrile performances that the history reminds. Vitality, energy, radiant expression, sublime conviction, nuance and that autumnal feature are blended with solvent honesty and fervent commitment Maybe you lack the impressive mercurial robustness of Arturo Toscanini conducting the Philharmonia Orchestra, the cosmuic gaze of Fürtwangler or the granitic conception of Otto Klemperer, but undeniably this version possesses the main ingredients to be recognized and even estimated performance among the great ones.



The Second Symphony is performed cheerfully, but to my view, no other version may be compared with the legendary version of Bruno Walter from 1953 with the New York Philharmonic.



Don't miss this version, because it belongs to that reduced Pantheon of immortal versions.

"