One aim of this blog is to bring to attention extremely fine recordings particularly among those which are less well known or which are only available intermittently. One of these is Szell's 1957 recording of Brahms's 1st symphony which was issued by The George Szell Edition.
Brahms's 1st is naturally core repertoire and I have heard innumerable recordings. This is probably the finest and I certainly know none which is better.
The key to Szell's interpretation is the first movement. Its grim relentless power, maintained by a very fast tempo and tremendous rhythmic power displayed by the Cleveland Orchestra, is extremely special. In this case not even Toscanini, Furtwangler, Klemperer or Tennstedt match the feeling of savagery and struggle unleashed by Szell. A consequence is that the last movement, also taken fast, appears superbly triumphant because of the deep darkness out of which it has emerged. The symphony is therefore wonderfully bound together.
An incandescent performance. In the UK it is now only available on Amazon from secondary sellers which indicates it is being deleted. For those who appreciate Brahms 1st this is CD to acquire while it is still available.
It is still available from Amazon in the US as an MP3 download but this is significantly less good quality than the CD.
Comments