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Experience a powerful and compelling interpretation of a monumental work with this exceptional recording conducted by Sir Simon Rattle. While the piece itself is grand and imposing, Rattle’s leadership ensures it remains accessible and engaging, revealing nuances that might otherwise be overlooked. The second movement is as expansive as one could desire, yet it concludes with a sense of vitality and freshness in its final minutes. Throughout the performance, Rattle’s clarity and energetic direction stand out, steering clear of a lament-like tone and instead emphasizing vitality and expressiveness.
The fourth movement, titled "Wie lieblich sind deine Wohnungen," appears to sway gently under Rattle’s baton, functioning almost as a light interlude within the larger work. Meanwhile, the "Ich habt nun Traurigkeit" movement exudes warmth, with all pomp fading away to reveal a more intimate and heartfelt expression. The fugal sections are rendered with crystal-clear precision, despite the large orchestra and chorus, demonstrating the performance’s technical mastery. Notably, this is a non-period instrument performance, yet it maintains remarkable clarity and balance.
Both soloists, baritone Thomas Quasthoff and Dorothea Röschmann, deliver their parts with meticulous attention to the text, adding depth and nuance to their singing. The Berlin Philharmonic and Rundfunkchor contribute superbly, elevating the entire interpretation to a level of exceptional artistry. This reading of a work that can sometimes seem forofferding is both beautiful and highly recommended, offering a fresh perspective on a challenging masterpiece.
Product Description
This latest release on EMI Classics features Sir Simon Rattle and the Berliner Philharmoniker revisiting the 19th-century Germanic repertoire that has been the foundation of the orchestra’s heritage for over 125 years. Following in the footsteps of legendary EMI artists such as Klemperer, Celiofferache, Tennstedt, Fischer-Dieskau, and Schwarzkopf, Rattle presents Brahms’s most substantial yet intimate large-scale work, showcasing the orchestra’s rich tradition and exceptional artistry.
- Brand: Warner Classics
- Product Type: ABIS_MUSIC
- Genre: Classical / Sacred & Religious
- Artist: Sir Simon Rattle
- Format: audioCD
- Publication Date: 2007
- Number of Discs: 1
- Subject Keyword: Recorded Music / Classical
