First rate, my new favorite
Jeff Brown | Portland, OR | 12/09/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I must admit that if this recording were to have come out several years ago, I would have avoided it, but given the wonderful Brahms cycle by this group and strong reviews at [...], I was intrigued. I'm so glad I did because I love this recording and it is now my new favorite. In comparison to two other recordings, Kubelik and Tilson-Thomas, I think this recording by Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony beats them both. The SACD sound is better and the energy is higher than both of them. The spring awakening in the first movement is held with much intensity, the boldness of the second movement is on full display, the ridiculousness of the third movement is wonderful, and the finale is very powerful. Throughout, the playing is truly first-rate. Of special note are the horns, who play with such confidence as I have never before heard. My only draw backs are that there is not a multichannel layer and the price is quite steep. Still, I found it used for $18 and that seems reasonable. Highly recommended without reservation."