Immerse yourself in the profound musical genius of Johannes Brahms with this captivating album, released on September 30, 2013, under the LSO Live label. This collection is a testament to Brahms' mastery of classical composition, featuring two of his most celebrated symphonies, a dramatic overture, and a set of intricate variations.
The album opens with Brahms' Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68, a monumental work that showcases the composer's ability to blend emotional depth with structural complexity. The symphony's four movements take you on a journey from the somber and introspective to the triumphant and exhilarating.
Following this is the Tragic Overture, Op. 81, a powerful and dramatic piece that highlights Brahms' skill in creating intense, programmatic music.
The second half of the album is dedicated to Brahms' Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73. This symphony, with its lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies, offers a more serene and introspective counterpoint to the first symphony.
The album concludes with the Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a. This set of variations, based on a theme by Joseph Haydn, demonstrates Brahms' admiration for his musical predecessor and his own virtuosity in developing and transforming musical ideas.
With a total duration of 2 hours and 5 minutes, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Brahms' symphonic and orchestral works. Whether you're a longtime fan of classical music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2013 London Symphony Orchestra Ltd2013 London Symphony Orchestra Ltd
Tracks
Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68: I. Un poco sostenuto – AllegroJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68: II. Andante sostenutoJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68: III. Un poco allegretto e graziosoJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68: IV. Adagio – Allegro non troppo, ma con brioJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Tragic Overture, Op. 81Johannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73: I. Allegro non troppoJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73: II. Adagio non troppoJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73: III. Allegretto grazioso (quasi andantino)Johannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73: IV. Allegro con spiritoJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a: I. Thema - Chorale St. Antoni - AndanteJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a: II. Variation I, Poco più animatoJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a: III. Variation II, Più vivaceJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a: IV. Variation III, Con motoJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a: V. Variation IV, Andante con motoJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a: VI. Variation V, VivaceJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a: VII. Variation VI, VivaceJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a: VIII. Variation VII, GraziosoJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a: IX. Variation VIII, Presto non troppoJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56a: X. Finale, AndanteJohannes Brahms, London Symphony Orchestra, Valery Gergiev