Search - Johannes Brahms (Composer), Claudio Abbado, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra :: Brahms: The Symphonies; Overtures; Haydn Variations, etc.. / Abbado, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

A fine set, vastly underrated and sadly overlooked

Joey Joe Joe Jr. Shabadoo | Boston, MA USA | 11/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a shame too. Abbado seems to fly under the radar with a lot of folks. And that's too bad, because he is a gifted interpreter, especially when it comes to Brahms (I also like his Beethoven/Vienna set from the 80's, and his Tchaikovsky's 5th from 1978/Sony). His textures are lush, and yet he still leaves Brahms' many layers exposed to the listener. The Berlin Philharmonic plays exceptionally well, and the recording quality is first rate. I honestly enjoyed all of his interpretations of these works, and his 1st is my favorite (better than Karajan, Bohm, Giulini, Bernstein, Solti, or Sanderling), and his 3rd and 4th are among my favorites. I would state that it really depends on how you like your Brahms: If you want Szell-style, all business-like and very lean sounding, you'd best pick the Bohm, the Mackerras or the Harnoncourt. But if you like your Brahms thick, dense and lush like the Black Forest, a la Karajan, Giulini or Ormandy, then this is the set to get. It is a bit pricey, but definitely worth it."

Absolutely Wonderful

G. S. Thompson | 06/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've read this may be considered the very finest of all Brahms Symphony recordings. I don't know, except to say these are an absolute wonder. The elegent quality of sound, the flawless playing, the joy and confidence of these interpretations are like meeting the composer for the first time. Modern, refined, great power and empathy. It's as though this orchestra peels away at the dark surfaces of Brahm' works to find a very personal and beautiful world in every phrase.



What makes the series especially wonderful is the thoughtful addition of other Brahms work, carefully chosen pairings to go with each of the four symphonies to round out four CD's.

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Wonderful set

Kostadin Dyulgerski | 03/17/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Very expensive but wonderful set of music. I recommend you to buy it second hand like I did. Other other cd sets that can compete with this one are the Giulini/Vienna Philharmonic one recorded for DG in the beginning of the 90s and the Eschenbach/Houston Symphony recorded for Virgin Classics in the 90s as well - it costs less than 10$ but it is wonderful"