I just didn't get Brahms until I listened to The Joshua WeIlerstein podcast on the various symphonies. Since then I've listened to lots but always hated the overblown big band heavy sound, SO, i Really enjoyed this cycle. Nice to get the Germanic cobwebs swept away and I for one am happy with the number of strings. Truly exciting readings. If I want more strings however, it has to be Chailly.
@djquinn4212 So what is the issue with Philly? They are not under exclusive contract so why didn't he record his Brahms with them? Or is it that old trope - "European orchestras are wa-a-a-ay cheaper than American orchestras"?? 🤔
Just heard the 1st. A problem is that the reduction of the string section does not only affect the volume but also the beauty of the sound. Of course, there is clarity but in these conditions clarity seems easier to accomplish. What there is not much of is mystery and depth. The outcome sounded to me a little shallow and incidental. A matter of taste, of course.
I'm a little harder on this cycle, and on YNS's conducting overall, than you are. But it's nice to see we agree on the need for more strings, especially in the opening movements of Nos. 3-4.
Thanks Dave for this and delighted to hear that you think positively about this one. Goes on my shopping list. BTW, how does it compare with Mackerras on Telarc (I think)…
By chance, I was A-Bing this morning. YNS is better recorded: the sound is quite sharp and immediate, with a very full low-end and a good balance. For the actual direction, Mackerras probably has a more coherent vision, but I found YNS quite exciting, and I haven't noticed any questionable choices, unlike his Beethoven cycle. Both are very enjoyable.
I discovered this video very much by accident when looking for reviews of the cycle. It had been on my mind recently, as I ordered the hard copy CD after reading an eloquent defence of it in a social media group. I've just been wondering. Has Nezet-Seguin matured as a conductor in the time since he released the Beethoven set? Also, does he respond better to the Brahms symphonies, or do the Brahms symphonies respond better to his touch?
I never really connected much with this music until i followed up on your recommendation of Jochum which totally made me love these works for the first time. The phrases should just feel like they go on forever. Unfortunately as much as i WANT to like YNS they just pale in comparison. So in short I blame you Dave for introducing me to Jochum!
I can accept that. This is a very different Brahms, but I like the energy and the willingness to let the orchestra play at full force--if only there were more of them!
I've just listened to symphony no.1 on Qobuz hires. The recording of the string section sounds extremely fizzy and compressed to my ears. Has anyone else found this?.
I was worried by the number of times Dave used the word”exciting” in this review - not sure we want to use the word exciting too often in Brahms! Think conductors using chamber forces speed up to cover thinness of forces. Safer to stick with Klemperer, Walter or Bohm in Brahms.
Hi Dave! Not Brahms related, but I have been looking for a talk on the best Mozart Requiem, if you ever did one. If not I would suggest it to you! Best regards, Paulo
I'm sorry-I just don't are for the work, so I usually avoid talking about it, but please see my late colleague David Vernier's views on ClassicsToday.com.
Hi Dave, I wanted to ask how this cycle compres to Jarvi's with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen. I'm asking because I like Jarvi's performances except for the 1st, which seems too light and breathless to me. (He also in many spots needs more strings). Thanks for your many insights.
I heard Yannick step in for Barenboim conducting these symphonies with the Stastskapelle Berlin at Carnegie last season and it was one of the worst things that ever happened to me, worsted only by Yannick’s Mahler 5. It is a tribute to your immaculate taste that I am considering listening to even a second of this cycle!
I intentionally waited to hear this cycle until you reviewed it because I didn't like other cycles Nézet-Séguin has done; Sibelius is decent so far. Regarding using a small ensemble, I cherish the cycles by Mackerras (Telarc), Chailly (Decca), Dohnányi (Teldec) and Levine (DG).
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I just didn't get Brahms until I listened to The Joshua WeIlerstein podcast on the various symphonies. Since then I've listened to lots but always hated the overblown big band heavy sound, SO, i Really enjoyed this cycle. Nice to get the Germanic cobwebs swept away and I for one am happy with the number of strings. Truly exciting readings. If I want more strings however, it has to be Chailly.
Too bad he didn’t record it with Philly. Could’ve really been a contender. But I am excited to hear it.
@djquinn4212 So what is the issue with Philly? They are not under exclusive contract so why didn't he record his Brahms with them? Or is it that old trope - "European orchestras are wa-a-a-ay cheaper than American orchestras"?? 🤔
Just heard the 1st. A problem is that the reduction of the string section does not only affect the volume but also the beauty of the sound. Of course, there is clarity but in these conditions clarity seems easier to accomplish. What there is not much of is mystery and depth. The outcome sounded to me a little shallow and incidental. A matter of taste, of course.
I'm a little harder on this cycle, and on YNS's conducting overall, than you are. But it's nice to see we agree on the need for more strings, especially in the opening movements of Nos. 3-4.
The opening to the third is an interesting interpretation to put it politely 😂 had to check it out based off your description
Thanks Dave for this and delighted to hear that you think positively about this one. Goes on my shopping list. BTW, how does it compare with Mackerras on Telarc (I think)…
I prefer Mackerras.
By chance, I was A-Bing this morning. YNS is better recorded: the sound is quite sharp and immediate, with a very full low-end and a good balance. For the actual direction, Mackerras probably has a more coherent vision, but I found YNS quite exciting, and I haven't noticed any questionable choices, unlike his Beethoven cycle. Both are very enjoyable.
Makes sense to me.
I discovered this video very much by accident when looking for reviews of the cycle. It had been on my mind recently, as I ordered the hard copy CD after reading an eloquent defence of it in a social media group.
I've just been wondering. Has Nezet-Seguin matured as a conductor in the time since he released the Beethoven set? Also, does he respond better to the Brahms symphonies, or do the Brahms symphonies respond better to his touch?
David love the Brahms Symphonies and enjoy your reviews but i have about 10 sets and do i need another one ?
I think I like the way you pronounce his name better.
I never really connected much with this music until i followed up on your recommendation of Jochum which totally made me love these works for the first time. The phrases should just feel like they go on forever. Unfortunately as much as i WANT to like YNS they just pale in comparison. So in short I blame you Dave for introducing me to Jochum!
I can accept that. This is a very different Brahms, but I like the energy and the willingness to let the orchestra play at full force--if only there were more of them!
I've just listened to symphony no.1 on Qobuz hires. The recording of the string section sounds extremely fizzy and compressed to my ears. Has anyone else found this?.
I was worried by the number of times Dave used the word”exciting” in this review - not sure we want to use the word exciting too often in Brahms! Think conductors using chamber forces speed up to cover thinness of forces. Safer to stick with Klemperer, Walter or Bohm in Brahms.
Or Jochum and Levine
Great review, Dave! How does it compare to Jarvi’s cycle with Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen?
Hi Dave! Not Brahms related, but I have been looking for a talk on the best Mozart Requiem, if you ever did one. If not I would suggest it to you! Best regards, Paulo
I'm sorry-I just don't are for the work, so I usually avoid talking about it, but please see my late colleague David Vernier's views on ClassicsToday.com.
@@DavesClassicalGuide thank you Dave. I’m just interested because my chorus is singing it. Not a big fan either😉
Re: Elgar, I'm always amazed when I hear his 2nd Symphony how often it makes me think of Wagner's Meistersinger.
I never noticed that...
Not sure if this is related, but the first chord of the 2nd movement of the Violin Concerto sounds so like the opera Siegfried
Hi Dave, I wanted to ask how this cycle compres to Jarvi's with the Deutsche Kammerphilharmonie Bremen. I'm asking because I like Jarvi's performances except for the 1st, which seems too light and breathless to me. (He also in many spots needs more strings). Thanks for your many insights.
Honestly, I'm uncomfortable generalizing along those lines. You really should sample and decide for yourself.
More strings or more cowbell?
He is in good company failing in the 3rd. Very few have mastered it. I enjoy Brahms strings so I'll give this a miss.
a la tooth past tube? Chuckle.
I heard Yannick step in for Barenboim conducting these symphonies with the Stastskapelle Berlin at Carnegie last season and it was one of the worst things that ever happened to me, worsted only by Yannick’s Mahler 5. It is a tribute to your immaculate taste that I am considering listening to even a second of this cycle!
Can you also review the Jaarvi Brahms cycle with the Bremen orchestra? In my opinion, it is kinda boring and monotonous.
I intentionally waited to hear this cycle until you reviewed it because I didn't like other cycles Nézet-Séguin has done; Sibelius is decent so far.
Regarding using a small ensemble, I cherish the cycles by Mackerras (Telarc), Chailly (Decca), Dohnányi (Teldec) and Levine (DG).
Nazgul Nezet-Seguin? lol
No! Nazgul Snezzek-Yeggin.