Search - Zehetmair, Dohnanyi, Cleveland Orchestra :: Brahms: Symphonie No. 3; Concerto pour violon

Dignified and Profound

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 02/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Though there are many versions of covers for this August 2002 Teldec recording of Brahms' Symphony No. 3 and the Brahms Violin Concerto, the contents of this CD are so fine that lovers of fine orchestral and concerto playing should grab which ever one is available!



Christoph von Dohnányi conducts the Cleveland Orchestra in a soaring performance of the Brahms Third Symphony, the kind of performance in the style of Guilini, Walter, Sawallish and the other old masters. This is a reading of Brahms uncluttered by idiosyncrasies, one that simply obeys the notes and markings of Brahms' score and the result is a resplendent, transporting experience. Having just experienced hearing von Dohnányi conduct this work with the Los Angeles Philharmonic (part of a two week survey in which he performs symphonies 3 and 1 on one week and 2 and 4 on the following) makes this recording even more treasureable. von Dohnányi is a grand man on the podium, drawing all the rich textures and the string conversations with the brass and winds into a complete architectural masterpiece. It is one of the finest recordings available - and that is from one who has sworn by the Bruno Walter recordings for years!



And as if the Symphony No. 3 weren't reason enough to grab this CD, the accompanying work is none less than the immensely impressive Thomas Zehetmair performing the Violin Concerto much in the manner von Dohnányi conceives Brahmsian architecture. Gorgeous of tone and sensitive and dramatic of phrasing, this is an amazingly beautiful and adroit performance, one than stands with the very finest. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, February 07"