As one would expect of the maestro, whose sprightly appearances with the Philharmonia in London are treasurable, this is a deeply considered, broadly conceived account of the C minor Symphony.
“Brahms: Symphony No. 1 & Tragic Overture” performed by the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig conducted by Herbert Blomstedt, is The Sunday Times’ Recording of The Week! Read the full review below!
During his period as Gewandhauskapellmeister, Blomstedt, 92 when these recordings were made last year, conducted and recorded several works by Brahms, but this, I think, marks the beginning of his first complete cycle. As one would expect of the maestro, whose sprightly appearances with the Philharmonia in London are treasurable, this is a deeply considered, broadly conceived account of the C minor Symphony. It is notable for the beauty of the Leipzigers’ playing — exquisite woodwinds in the opening Un poco sostenuto and the slow movement, resplendent horns in the triumphant finale — but there is drama too in his momentous build-up to the “Beethoven” theme of the last movement. He maintains an inexorable momentum towards the climactic brass chorale. The disc is crowned with a thrilling performance of Brahms’s Tragic Overture.
Hugh Canning
Photo by Chris Christodolou/BBC
