Beethoven: Symphony No. 2 - Brahms: Symphony No. 2 (Live)

Album review

There is no denying that Mariss Jansons is one in a handful of truly great living conductors, with a superlative baton technique and a strong interpretative profile. There is no denying that the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam is one of the greatest orchestras in the world, with superb soloists and a superlative ensemble sound. And there is no denying that the recordings Jansons and the Concertgebouw have made together since he became chief conductor have been among the best. But, while there is no denying that Jansons and the Concertgebouw are a wonderful combination, there is also no denying that these 2004 recordings of the second symphonies of Beethoven and Brahms are merely adequate. This is not to say that they are not splendidly performed -- the warmth and weight of the Concertgebouw is marvelously matched by the lyricism and drive of Jansons -- but it is to say that neither Jansons nor the Concertgebouw have much to say about either work and, apparently, no particularly compelling reason to say anything. The Beethoven Second is a standard-issue Viennese High Classical symphony, while Brahms' Symphony No. 2 is an off-the-rack late German Romantic symphony, and no one who already knows the works will learn anything new about them from these recordings. RCO Live's sound is clear, open, and deep.

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