Search - Johannes Brahms, Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, Hallé :: Brahms: Symphony No. 3 & Variations on a Theme of Haydn / Skrowaczewski

Brahms's Third Symphony is his least popular for two reasons. First, it's very difficult to conduct, particularly from the standpoint of making rhythmic sense of the thick textures in the first movement. Second, it ends quietly, which means that most applause-craving conductors, don't like to put it on the second half of a concert program where it really belongs. At home, of course, this second consideration is irrelevant, though the musical issues remain. Skrowaczewski has those well in hand too--this is a very able performance of exemplary clarity and urgency, and I recommend it accordingly. --David Hurwitz