Search - Johannes Brahms, Thomas Sanderling, Philharmonia Orchestra of London :: Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Tragic Overture

Sanderling is a conductor to watch, as few like him exist.

Will Saar | ramapo valley, NJ | 02/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have the first three CD's, symphonies 1-3 and the overture. I got them at the bargain bin (for 20 bucks!) after deciding upon Sanderling's Mahler 6th as the best digital version available (analog I go with Barbirolli's rare live New Philharmonia version, recorded in London) and the missing 4th Cd (anybody want a free Brahms symphony# 3?) was the reason for the bin inclusion.
That said, what I do know of this recording is sufficient to recommend it most highly, even as a first buy. Thomas Sanderling keeps a living pulse to the scores, throughout- I never got the impression that it was coasting along, or just beating time. I got a sense that a deep understanding of what the symphony can say was being passed on, like a shared experience. More clearly, Sanderling illuminates the interacting voices, always with a fresh but fitting perspective. Even sick and tired of Brahms people will find new views expressed in these performances (at least symph. 1-3). The versions I compared with were the Music and Arts Furtwangler box, Mackerras with the Scottish Chamber, Klemperer's studio set and Kurt Sanderling's. Comparison in music may be misleading but the spirit (not literal treatment) I found this most akin to was Furtwangler's.
RS has a penchant for impeccable recording quality, beautiful tight low frequencies and separation that allows you to see what's going on if you close your eyes.
And I thought all my favorite conductors were dead white guys.
Hats off, gentlemen(and ladies)!"