Search - Brahms, Zehetmair, Cvo :: Brahms: Symphony no 3 & 4, Violin Concerto, Haydn Variations

Great Performances

02/25/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The Cleveland and Christoph von Dohnanyi provide very interesting performances on these discs. I especially enjoy the powerful (and thoughtful at the same time) performance of the 4th symphony. I have never heard this symphony performed better. I'm not sure exactly why, but the performance just "works". I can listen this recording day after day without tiring of it. In that sense it is definitely a recording you can "live with".The 3rd symphony and Violin concertos are also strong though I have had heard more convincing performances. For a very different (and I believe best ever) recording of the violin concerto check out the 1994 Joshua Bell london album.If you are a fan of the Brahms symphonies or Violin conerto don't hesitate to buy this CD."

Cristoph von Dohnányi and Brahms

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 02/26/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The number of the grand old men of the podium seems to be receding far too quickly, so many are the number of truly brilliant young and youngish conductors before the orchestras today. But there are times when the mellow approach to the greats such as the Brahms symphonies surface and we are reminded of what longevity with the baton yields.



Such is the case with Cristoph von Dohnányi. He is a mighty, weighty master whose depth of knowledge brings something very special to performances. On this generous 2 CD set he molds the Cleveland Orchestra into his appreciation for the mighty architecture of the Brahms Symphonies 3 and 4, and while both performances are deeply moving and beautifully realized, surely this performance of the 4th is in the echelon with Bruno Walter and Carlo Maria Giulini, and stronger praise does not come easily. Yet spend unfettered time alone with this recording and feel how all of Brahms' thoughts and orchestral effects become universal in this staggering beautiful symphony. von Dohnányi has found all the secrets and the passion and delivers an extraordinary performance.



That is not to neglect the fine performance of Thomas Zehetmair as the soloist in the Violin Concerto. Again, here is a committed performance that goes for the soul of the work rather than the surface virtuosity. And von Dohnányi includes a fine reading of the Variations on a Theme of Haydn for orchestra in B flat major (St. Anthony Variations) to complete this satisfying survey of Brahms in the hands of a master. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, February 06

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