Bernstein’s readings of Brahms have never been conventional, neither could they be described as being tied to tradition. These skillfully recorded concerts provide an exciting interpretation from a passionate musician who was never content with reproducing the ordinary – a legendary document.
This collection includes all four Brahms symphonies with Leonard Bernstein, conducting two of his favorite orchestras: Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra.
Bernstein began his career as a conductor in Tanglewood in 1940. He was studying under Sergei Koussevitzky (founder of the Tanglewood Festival) and it filled him with pride to conduct Brahms symphonies Nos 2 & 4, 1972 at the Tanglewood Festival, as he recalled his teacher conducting the same two symphonies there.
Since his first engagement with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in the mid-1940s, the famous musician worked closely with the ensemble on numerous concerts that span half a century, and later took the role of honorary conductor.
