WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln - Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1-4, Variations on a Theme by Haydn & Overtures (2018)

Tracklist
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CD1
01. Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68: I. Un poco sostenuto-Allegro
02. Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68: II. Andante sostenuto
03. Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68: III. Un poco allegretto e grazioso
04. Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68: IV. Adagio-Allegro non troppo ma con brio
05. Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90: I. Allegro con brio
06. Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90: II. Andante
07. Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90: III. Poco allegretto
08. Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90: IV. Allegro

CD2
01. Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73: I. Allegro non troppo
02. Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73: II. Adagio non troppo
03. Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73: III. Allegretto grazioso (Quasi andantino)
04. Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73: IV. Allegro con spirito
05. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a St. Anthony Variations: Theme. Andante
06. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a St. Anthony Variations: Var. 1, Poco più animato
07. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a St. Anthony Variations: Var. 2, Più vivace
08. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a St. Anthony Variations: Var. 3, Con moto
09. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a St. Anthony Variations: Var. 4, Andante con moto
10. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a St. Anthony Variations: Var. 5, Vivace
11. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a St. Anthony Variations: Var. 6, Vivace
12. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a St. Anthony Variations: Var. 7, Grazioso
13. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a St. Anthony Variations: Var. 8, Presto non troppo
14. Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a St. Anthony Variations: Finale. Andante

CD3
01. Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: I. Allegro non troppo
02. Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: II. Andante moderato
03. Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: III. Allegro giocoso-Poco meno presto
04. Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: IV. Allegro energico e passionato-Più allegro
05. Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80
06. Tragic Overture, Op. 81


Issued on three CDs between 2013 and 2018, these Brahms recordings by Jukka-Pekka-Saraste and the WDR Sinfonieorchester comprise a standard set of the four symphonies, the Academic Festival Overture, the Tragic Overture, and the Variations on a Theme of Haydn. These seven works are commonly packaged together, and Saraste's set bears comparison with many similar packages, both in his interpretations and the orchestra's performances. Saraste's approach to the symphonies is conventional and not too far removed from mid-20th century readings, with no overt attempts at imitating a period style or reducing the orchestra's size to 19th century norms. However, the playing is surprisingly light and agile, which are qualities seldom found in mainstream Brahms, and Saraste aims for clarity of details and transparent textures, which are among the goals of historically informed performances. His attention to internal parts and emphasis on distinct instrumental colors give the music a certain freshness, and the generally fleet tempos and propulsive rhythms maintain a feeling of energy and vitality. Profil's reproduction is clear and cleanly engineered, with a vibrant sound and spaciousness that approaches audiophile quality. Highly recommended.