This double CD set brings together live recordings of Brahms's 2nd and 4th symphonies, conducted by the Philharmonia Orchestra's Honorary Conductor for Life, Christoph von Dohnányi, in one of the first two releases under a new CD partnership between the Philharmonia and Signum Records. The recording of the 2nd symphony was made at Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall in June 2007, shortly after the hall re-opened following its extensive refurbishment; the 4th symphony was recorded next door in the smaller Queen Elizabeth Hall in January 2007.
Composer: Brahms
Conductor: Christoph von Dohnányi
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Hall (London)
Genre: Orchestral
Period: Romantic
Moods: Invigorating, Joyful, Romantic
Date: Sun 4 Feb 2007
About the piece
Brahms delayed writing his first symphony until his 40s because he was so fearful of negative comparison with his idol Beethoven, but then wrote all four of his symphonies within a decade.
Brahms's symphonies were all rapturously received at their premieres, and are regarded by many as the most important body of symphonic work after that of Beethoven.
The 4th Symphony is seen as his masterpiece; both the 1st and 4th movements can almost be regarded as symphonies in their own right. The 4th movement is made up of no less than thirty variations on its initial theme.
What is a symphony?
A symphony is a large scale musical piece for the orchestra in several movements.
About the composer
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was a German pianist and composer. He wrote four symphonies and four concertos (two for the piano, one for the violin and one for the violin and the cello The Double Concerto). He also wrote chamber music for many combination of instruments; songs; song cycles as well as choral music including the famous German Requiem.
