BRAHMS: Symphonies Nos. 3 and 4

Chronique

This disc contains the final two symphonies of Johannes Brahms, completing Hänssler's set featuring longstanding conducting superstar Michael Gielen. Hänssler's previous releases of the First and Second symphonies were mastered from recordings that date from 1995 and 2005, respectively. The Third and Fourth symphonies, featured here, have been issued from somewhat earlier performances that date from 1993 and 1989. There is a great deal to like about this disc. The Third Symphony begins impressively enough; the two colossal opening chords feel full and energized but not overpowered, and the strings match character with a succulent and sweet tone throughout. Gielen achieves a wonderful sense of phrasing in the gorgeously lyrical third movement and doesn't -- like many conductors -- gloss over any of the beautiful inner voices. Quite the contrary, in fact: Gielen's strength lies in his ability to impress details and elicit nuances from his dependable SWR Sinfonieorchester. Now for the downsides, the majority of which materialize during the performance of the Fourth. That lovely, sweet sound the strings play with feels thin and lacking in depth of emotion here. Tempi feel rushed throughout (the Third suffers from this as well), and large-scale structures are noticeably absent. While Gielen seems to have the right idea in some places, he tends to overdo it. For instance, take the first eight bars of the Fourth's Passacaglia. In a noble attempt to connect and blend the brass chorale together, Gielen lends extra effort to create a subdued sound, sucking out all of the drama, the shock, and the passion in the process. While the SWR Sinfonieorchester is a solid orchestra whose musicians play with considerable polish, it is difficult to compare them with the ranks of the Vienna or Berlin Philharmonic. There are occasional string blunders, the woodwinds seem out of balance at times, and the timpani sound is murky and out-of-sync. Dynamic contrasts are also lacking, creating a monochrome palette that prevents the orchestra from ever truly achieving any breathtaking moments. Although most certainly not breathtaking, this disc does have its merits. The problem lies in the numerous other recordings of these two masterworks with superior sound and performance. As such, this is a tough disc to recommend outside of the collector market.
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