Brahms Symphony N.4

The classical decoder! Clément Lebrun is a born pedagogue: in just a few words, this inspired all-rounder makes the greatest works of classical music accessible… In this programme intended for all ears, he tells the story of Brahms’s Fourth Symphony, movement by movement, with the enthusiastic participation of the Orchestre de Paris (conducted by Fabien Gabel), which is also heard performing the work in its entirety under the direction of Simone Young. Just listen to the Fourth and you too will love Brahms…

Beethoven: “Egmont” Overture; Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor op. 98 –
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra; Rene Leibowitz (Beethoven); Fritz Reiner (Brahms)
Classical | 1 CD | EAC Rip | 229 MB | FLAC+LOG+Cue | Full scans | RS links
Publisher: Chesky Records

Editorial Reviews- Amazon.com
Noted podium tyrant and sadist Fritz Reiner must have scared the daylights out of the Royal Philharmonic, which plays this music as though their very lives depended on it. This is one of the great Brahms Fourth Symphonies, a performance of eruptive force and barely contained fury. It's been superbly transferred to CD, and anyone who loves this symphony simply has to own this recording. No question about it. –David Hurwitz

This Sony-made 30CD classical music collection covers almost all classical music, from the early Baroque period represented by Bach to the schools of classical music by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms represent romantic, national and even modern musical schools led by Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Dvorak, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, etc. representative, everything wonderful and vivid.

Once celebrated as 'Beethoven's Tenth', Brahms' first attempt at the symphonic genre was generally greeted as the most promising answer to Beethoven's legendary legacy, and solidified his musical reputation. For Blomstedt, bringing these Brahms pieces into the world in the strange year of 2020 has a special significance, as Robert Schumann, Brahms' close friend and mentor, once pointed out that it is the musician's mission 'to bring light into the depths of the human soul'. The euphoric finale of Brahms' 'First Symphony', evidently inspired by Beethoven's 'Ode to Joy', fully conveys this message of hope and Blomstedt's unshakable belief in the imperishable power of the human spirit.

The Italian conductor Claudio Abbado is one of the most outstanding conductors of the 20th century. It was his unique ability to make sound and music shine (Deutschlandfunk Kultur), for which he was celebrated internationally by both the press and the audience. In addition to his long-standing relationship with the Berliner Philharmoniker and the Vienna Philharmonic, he has also been chief conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra for many years (1979 to 1986), with which he has recorded a rich discography over the years.

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

Johannes Brahms: Symphonies No. 3 in F major Op. 90 & No. 4. in E minor Op. 98 -
The Cleveland Orchestra; George Szell, conductor
Classical | 2 CD | EAC Rip | 543 MB | FLAC+LOG+M3U+Cue | Full scans | 3 RS links
Publisher: Sony Classical

Szell's performances are very satisfying indeed. His Brahms is robust in strong movements, yet expressive in quiet ones, even if not so deeply embtional as we hear from some conductors. He practically never allows any mannerisms of interpretation… As to the playing, it is very fine; and it is good to be reminded again of this orchestra's soaring violins, its distinguished solo playing, its corporate discipline and rhythm. Very thrilling Brahms. T. H. Gramophone 1973