Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4; Serenades Nos. 1 & 2 Haydn Variations

Description

There have been many recordings of the Brahms symphonies but few have the passion, vitality and drive of Istv n Kert sz’s Vienna Philharmonic cycle. This 4CD collection brings together all of Kert sz’s Brahms recordings for Decca. The two Serenades were recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra. His Wiener Philharmoniker Brahms cycle began in May 1964 with a recording of the Second Symphony and continued in 1972-73 with the remaining symphonies and the Variations on a theme of Haydn. Recording of the Variations commenced on 1 March 1972, and upon Kert sz’s passing (16 April 1973), the orchestra completed the recording on 14 May 1973, conductor-less, in his memory.