Brahms Choral Works
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Johannes Brahms
Label: Ovation
Magazine Review Date: 9/1992
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 68
Mastering:
ADD
Catalogue Number: 425 030-2DM
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Rinaldo |
Johannes Brahms, Composer
Ambrosian Chorus Claudio Abbado, Conductor James King, Tenor Johannes Brahms, Composer New Philharmonia Orchestra |
Schicksalslied |
Johannes Brahms, Composer
Ambrosian Chorus Claudio Abbado, Conductor Johannes Brahms, Composer New Philharmonia Orchestra |
Nänie |
Johannes Brahms, Composer
Ernest Ansermet, Conductor Johannes Brahms, Composer Lausanne Pro Arte Choir Suisse Romande Orchestra Suisse Romande Radio Chorus |
Author:
This reissue fills an important gap in that no other recording of Rinaldo is available. Critical response to this cantata has been very mixed over the years, but if detractors of the past had been able to hear Abbado's performance they might be more impressed. To this listener it certainly seems a richly inventive, deeply felt work, and very typical of its composer. When Abbado recorded Rinaldo in 1968 he was near the beginning of his recording career, and there is a fresh, eager response in his conducting. The Ambrosians sing beautifully, the orchestra is excellent and James King is a committed soloist, though some might find his somewhat strenuous delivery rather unattractive. The performance of Schicksalslied seemed to me to be slightly less impressive, for the opening seems a little lacking in character, and the middle section is taken at a rather hectic tempo. Both works have the benefit of vintage Decca 1960s sound, as does Nanie. The veteran Swiss conductor was a fine Brahms interpreter, and he produces a warm, understanding, somewhat objectively stated performance. His choirs are a little less well-disciplined than the Ambrosians, but singing and playing are more than satisfactory.'
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