The idyllic nature, sheer tunefulness and general sunny disposition of Brahms's Symphony No. 2 earned its composer an unmitigated triumph in its premiere performance in Vienna in 1877. Since then, it has been described as the sunny counterpart to the storm clouds of his First Symphony.
His Fourth and final symphony is a work that conveys Brahms’ imaginative writing combining sheer intelligence with unexpected comic turns. The Finale is still considered to be one of the most exhilarating movements in the entire orchestral repertoire.
The Philharmonia Orchestra is widely recognised as the UK’s finest orchestra with an impressive recording legacy. This recording is conducted by the Philharmonia’s Honorary Conductor for Life, Christoph von Dohnányi.
Format: 2CDs
Release Date: 25/08/2011
Catalogue number: SIGCD132