Brainwave Symphony CD 4

Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 4 in G major – Edith Mathis, soprano; Berliner Philharmoniker; Herbert von Karajan
Classical | 1 CD | EAC Rip | 238 MB, 3% recovery | FLAC+LOG+Cue | Complete scans
Publisher: DGG/Universal | Recorded: 1987 | Published: 1990

…Such playing (though if I'm to be hyper-critical I don't care for some of the solo-violin playing), such excellent recording balance and, above all, such conducting, Karajan at his most relaxed and winning, making all the humorous and fantastic points in the score with such affection. - The Gramophone

Piotr Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F minor Op. 36; Francesca da Rimini, Fantasia after Dante Op. 32 -
London Symphony Orchestra; George Szell; New Philharmonia Orchestra; Lorin Maazel
Classical | 1 CD | EAC Rip | 355 MB, 3% recovery | FLAC+LOG+Cue | Complete scans
Publisher: Decca Eloquence| Recorded: 1962;1971 | Published: 2005

George Szell's excellent Tchaikovsky Fourth Symphony, long absent from the catalog, has made a welcome return on several different labels, most recently Universal's not overwhelmingly successful Penguin Classics line. Here, it comes coupled with a sensational Francesca da Rimini that has Maazel and the New Philharmonia in razor-sharp form throughout. –David Hurwitz

Reference Recordings proudly presents the Symphony No. 4 of Johannes Brahms, with James MacMillan’s Larghetto for Orchestra, in exceptional performances from Manfred Honeck and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. We are excited that this release coincides with the orchestra’s 2021-2022 season and triumphant return to live concerts! These works were recorded live in beautiful and historic Heinz Hall, now celebrating its 50th Anniversary season.

In many ways the Fourth Symphony illustrates Krenek's independence from any one musical style – and ultimately from his teacher(s) and those who influenced him, like Busoni, too. It has a thread of mid-century anguish and uncertainty. But it could never be described as avant-garde or experimental. Yet it's of a pleasing unity, has direction and thrust which make it more than merely stimulating listening. Like all but those of the first and second symphonies, this one on cpo is the only recording. It's full of purpose, clarity and of transparent, open, yet very …….

Mark Sealey @ classical.net

Johannes Brahms: Variation on a Theme by Joseph Haydn op. 56a; Nänie op. 82; Symphony No. 4 in E minor op. 98 -
Rundfunkchor Berlin; Berliner Philharmoniker; Claudio Abbado
Classical | 1 CD | EAC Rip | 374 MB | FLAC+LOG+M3U+Cue | Complete scans | FP & RS links
Publisher: Deutsche Grammophon | Recorded: 1989 | Published: 1998

This last installment in Claudio Abbado's fine Brahms cycle has the same virtues as the previous recordings: excellent playing, fine recording, and an intensely lyrical response to the music that never precludes a healthy dose of energy where required. The high point of the cycle is the Third Symphony, followed by the Second. If you have those and wish to collect the others, they are not far behind in quality and you can buy this disc (and the one with the First Symphony) with complete confidence. The couplings are also very well done. –David Hurwitz

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Kevin Puts (b. 1972) is known for his distinctive and richly coloured musical voice. Making their label début, Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra perform Kevin Puts’ Symphony No.4 (From Mission San Juan), inspired by Native American melodies. Opening this programme of world première recordings, Craig Hella Johnson leads Conspirare in two choral settings of texts by women poets: 'To Touch the Sky' and 'If I Were a Swan'.

Alfred Schnittke - Symphony No. 4 & Requiem (1990) {BIS Schnittke Edition, BIS-497} (Item #7)
EAC rip (secure mode) | FLAC (tracks)+CUE+LOG -> 234 Mb | MP3 @320 -> 186 Mb
Full Artwork @ 300 dpi (jpg) -> 54 Mb | 5% repair rar
© 1990 Grammofon AB BIS | BIS-CD-497
Classical / Contemporary Classical / Symphony

Two large scale Schnittke works featuring choir. The Symphony No. 4 is brittle, frequently dissonant and abstract, but not wholly inaccessible; not a piece to immediately grab at a listener. While demanding, the work has sections of alien beauty, such as before and after the entrance of "Ave Maria". Unfortunately the entire piece is relegated to a single track on the CD. The Requiem is more immediately approachable. Eerie and gothic, I'm surprised that it hasn't shown up in a soundtrack. The rock drumming near the end seems a little shocking but is surprisingly effective without seeming a pandering fusion piece.