Brahms - Symphony No.4; Schicksalied Op.54

Johannes BRAHMS (1833-1897)

Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op.98

Schicksalied Op.54

For Chorus and Orchestra

Text by Fiedrich Hölderlin

Westminster Symphonic Choir

New York Philharmonic

Kurt Masur

It's never as good or as bad as the critics suggest. That's my standard when buying classical cd's and it applies equally here as well. Masur's conception of Brahms is one of rather slow and lyrical tempi, buttressed by cello-heavy and rather dense tonal weight. But it would be wrong to completely dismiss this performance. The NYPhil here sounds fantastic - the recording is excellent and clearly live (there are several very badly timed coughs on the CD which at times intrude - just an FYI, why do recording companies allow artists to record live in Winter during the cold and flu season? Just a thought....)and those who enjoyed Karajan's last Brahms cycle will find some things to greatly admire here. Those whio find Mackerras' to be the true Brahmsian