Brahms struggled with his First Symphony for almost sixteen years, destroying all sketches and fragments towards the end of his life.
Cultural Impact
The grand C major melody from the finale of Brahms' First Symphony was used as a school song at the High School of Music and Art in New York City, where David Zinman studied.
Instruments
A melody Brahms heard on an alphorn in Switzerland appears in the First Symphony and is still played on the alphorn as an interval signal in Zurich's Tonhalle concert hall.
Composer Biography
Brahms was the only living composer to be immortalized in the ceiling fresco of the Tonhalle's Large Hall when it was inaugurated in 1895.
Recording & Production
This album features the first live recordings made by conductor David Zinman with the Tonhalle Orchestra Zurich.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brahms once said he wished his ninth symphony would sound like the slow movement of Haydn's 88th Symphony, acknowledging his struggle with the symphonic form.
Performer Biography
Conductor David Zinman's first major performances were arranged by Pierre Monteux, who noticed Zinman during his conducting studies at the Tanglewood Music Center.
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