German Record Critic's Award - Quarterly Choice 4/2020.
Featuring
Philippe Jordan
Wiener Symphoniker
Johannes Brahms
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Interpretation
Philippe Jordan, the conductor, believes that a Viennese orchestra like the Wiener Symphoniker brings more 'sensuality in sound' to Brahms' music.
Performer Biography
Philippe Jordan, the conductor, is the current Music Director of both the Wiener Symphoniker and the Opéra national de Paris, and will become Music Director of the Vienna State Opera in 2020.
Historical Context
The construction of the Musikverein, where this album was recorded, took place in the same era that Brahms composed his symphonies.
Notable Performances
Two of Brahms' symphonies, the Second and Third, were premiered in the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein, where this recording was made.
Compositional Technique
Brahms often uses dynamic markings like 'poco' (a little), 'dolce' (sweetly), and 'mezza voce' (half voice) in his symphonies, reflecting their nuanced character.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Robert Schumann, a German composer and critic, described the young Brahms' piano playing as revealing 'wonderful regions' and hearing 'sonatas, veiled symphonies rather'.
Recording & Production
The four symphonies of Johannes Brahms were recorded in the Golden Hall of the Vienna Musikverein with the Wiener Symphoniker.
