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Johannes Brahms - Orchestral & Choral Works
In 2008, the London Symphony Orchestra performed a concert series entitled "Love Brahms?", exploring the apparent sharp split between those who adore his music and those who simply cannot stand it. While it could be argued that this is a somewhat simplistic approach (I'm sure that for any composer it's possible to find a similar love/hate divide), it does seem to me that Brahms perhaps polarises opinion more than most composers.
Well, I'm definitely on the "love" side of things, and so it's been a pleasure to revisit some of my favourite recordings of his orchestral and choral music. I've tried to include some of the usual suspects as well as recordings that are not necessarily the obvious choices, so hopefully even for hardened Brahms aficionados there might be some new discoveries to be found below.
Orchestral Works
Vladimir Jurowski conducts the London Philharmonic in this set featuring radiant, live performances of Brahms's first two symphonies. Tempos are generally brisk (listen to the opening of Symphony No. 1 and you'll see what I mean!), but this is no bad thing, and it makes for breathtaking conclusions to both symphonies - the audience erupts with tumultous applause, and it's hard not to want to join in when the performances are this good!
Available Formats: 2 CDs, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
This recording with the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique under John Eliot Gardiner is one of the most urgent readings of this symphony I can recall, especially in the outer movements, and it certainly makes for a tremendously exciting performance, with some thrilling horn playing in particular.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Perhaps the most predictable choice on my list, but there's a reason why people revere Carlos Kleiber's classic recording with the Vienna Philharmonic, and that reason is apparent from the opening bar. The way Kleiber shapes each phrase is just magical; the Vienna strings play with a sheen that is extraordinary even by their own standards, and there's some exquisite trombone playing in the last movement.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
The two Serenades are perhaps often overlooked pieces in Brahms's output, but this recording conducted by Claudio Abbado makes you wonder why! The Berlin Philharmonic play with real warmth. These works are complemented by performances of the Academic Festival and Tragic Overtures (also with the Berlin players), and a highly characterful set of Hungarian Dances, this time with the Vienna Philharmonic.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
A charming recording from the Bamberger Symphoniker under Robin Ticciati of Brahms's set of variations on a theme formerly attributed to Haydn. There's some nicely elegant playing from the Bamberg winds, and the disc also includes delightful recordings of the Serenade No. 1 and three of the Hungarian Dances.
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC
Concertos
Maurizio Pollini is the magnificent soloist in both concertos, and treats us to some wonderful playing that is by turns lyrical and dramatically fiery. There's also some sublime orchestral playing from the Berlin Philharmonic under Claudio Abbado, particularly in the slow movement of the First Concerto, and a refined cello solo in the third movement of the Second Concerto.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
An expressive performance of the Concerto for Violin and Cello from LSO principals Gordan Nikolitch and Tim Hugh. The opening cello statement is rich in tone, and the second movement is full of eloquence, not least from the LSO under Bernard Haitink. It's coupled with an equally splendid performance of the Second Symphony, with some great brass playing at the end of the work.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
Choral Works
Of all the pieces featured here, this was the one that took me the longest to decide which one to choose! With two soloists as well as the chorus and orchestra, there are so many factors to get right, and in the end I settled for perhaps a slightly unusual choice. Valery Gergiev's interpretations of Brahms have certainly divided opinion, but I think his experience in the opera house makes this performance with the LSO very compelling, with Sally Matthews and Christopher Maltman an ideal pair of soloists.
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
A collection of some of Brahms's shorter vocal and choral works from Philippe Herreweghe conducting Collegium Vocale Gent and the Orchestre des Champs-Elysées, led by a ravishing performance of the Alto Rhapsody sung by Ann Hallenberg, and full-blooded performances of the Gesang der Parzen (Song of the Fates) and Schicksalslied (Song of Destiny).
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
Bertrand de Billy conducts the Vienna State Opera Chorus and Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra in a superb recording of Brahms's little-known cantata for male voices and orchestra. Tenor Johan Botha brings his best heroic, ringing tone to the title role.
Available Formats: SACD, MP3, FLAC
Collections
This 3-CD set from Riccardo Chailly and the Gewandhausorchester was named Record of the Year at the 2014 Gramophone Awards, and it's not hard to hear why. With frequently sprightly tempos, Chailly sweeps away the cobwebs and makes the music sound fresh. Also included are exhilarating performances of the Academic Festival Overture, and a poised account of the Haydn Variations.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
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