Search - Johannes Brahms, Bruno Walter, Columbia Symphony Orchestra :: Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 2 & 3

Masterful Insight to an Original

Johannes Marlena | Los Angeles, CA | 10/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Symphony No. 3:

"Original" is always a moniker used to described Brahms' Third, and it's surprising how the description still holds up today. Whereas most composers use the symphonic form to express highly epic themes (a la Beethoven, Mahler, Strauss, Tchaikovsky, Shostakovich et al.), the Hungarian composer among German and Slavic titans presents a surprisingly intimate and peaceful vision with his Third, surely one of the greatest of symphonies. Bruno Walter, after decades of working closely with Mahler's music, brings a level of concentration unmatched by any other conductor to bring together the disparate four movements of a work that threatens to become unglued at any moment's notice. Walter's vision is understated and unforced, and perhaps a little too detached to some ears (like mine), but its gentle power takes over the most casual listener. This is a piece that struggles throughout to resolve the turbulence and tension within to find that ultimate state of peace - Brahms, meanwhile, gives us plenty of gorgeous melody and orchestration along the way - and Walter succeeds masterfully to capture the drama. Furtwangler and The Berlin will always be my favorite for this, but all in all, a classic performance. ****1/2



Other References: Top Recommendation from Gramophone, Rough Guide, Jim Svejda's Classical Guide, Penguin Guide; High Recommendation from Classical Music: Third Ear





Symphony No. 2:

Brahms' Second is a great work in itself, though not as landmark as the Third, but many a connoisseur's favorite among Brahms' symphonies. Walter's work here may be even greater than on No. 3. Finely detailed, full of color and with perfect weight - it is a very mature interpretation. His understanding is deep and he is in complete control, seamless from one movement to the next. The Columbia Symphony, no great orchestra, responds with some of their best playing. Walter could even make you believe you're listening to The Vienna Phil - and that's saying a lot. Much is made of comparing this to Beethoven's Sixth, and if we're talking about richness in melody, genius in orchestration, having a rustic feel, surprising us with its occasional minuet-dance rhythms and finishing off with a grand final movement that thrills and leaves you breathless - sure, the comparisons ring true. But make no mistake, Brahms is a true original. *****



Other References: Top Recommendation from Gramophone, Rough Guide, Penguin Guide



*In both accounts, Sony has done a superb job in the sound remastering to bring more body and clarity to the orchestra as compared to the original CBS releases.*"

Bruno Walter was a great Brahms interpreter

Alan Majeska | Bad Axe, MI, USA | 08/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I remember seeing Bruno Walter's Columbia Symphony recordings of Brahms Symphonies on LPs in the 1970s, and became more familiar with them when a college student, 1977-81. Walter was born in 1876, so was 21 in 1897 when Brahms died: their lives overlapped, and Walter, a product of the late Romantic age and student of Gustav Mahler(1860-1911), applies the needed affection and emotion to his interpretations of Brahms Symphonies.



There was a New York Philharmonic Brahms cycle conducted by Walter in the 1950s, and he conducted all 4 Brahms Symphonies with the Vienna Philharmonic and other orchestras in the earlier years of his career. Walter's name then, is authoritative in these works.



I especially like his affectionate treatment of Symphony 2: every phrase is caressed with just the right amount of needed expression and affection, yet he never overdoes it. IV moves along, but not as quickly as some other conductors, such as Steinberg with the Pittsburgh Symphony (Command LPs or MCA CD, from about 1988). Symphony 3, while revealing a few slight flaws, is done "con amore" (with love) and IV really blazes in the development section: the trombone chords will lift you out of your chair. The sound in both symphonies is very good late 1950s stereo, with rich mid range, clear highs, and strong bass.



I also like Walter's recordings of Brahms 1 and 4 (some feel 4 is over rated, but I find it charming). I believe these, along with Karl Bohm's 1975 Vienna Philharmonic cycle (Deutsche Grammophon 3 CD set), to be the best recordings of the Brahms Symphonies available in the US today."