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General Category => Gustav Mahler and Related Discussions => Topic started by: Leo K on November 24, 2009, 04:10:13 PM

Title: OT: Rattle/BPO Complete Brahms Symphonies
Post by: Leo K on November 24, 2009, 04:10:13 PM
(http://www.independent.co.uk/multimedia/archive/00247/clarevrattle_247332t.jpg)

Wish I had time for a more detailed review, but frankly, I'm amazed at the sound and beautiful pacing of the performances...totally recommended. 


--Todd

 ;D
Title: Re: OT: Rattle/BPO Complete Brahms Symphonies
Post by: alpsman on November 25, 2009, 07:33:15 PM
These are really exceptional performances. I listen to them slowly-in cd and dvd-and I have so far listened 2,3 and 4. The sound is really impresive( in my japanese presings), the playing outstanding and the interpretation totaly warm and absorbing.

I have also a Brahms 4 in dvd live from Berlin, recorded 1st May 2007, and this is a fantastic performance. I also listened Rattle live in the Brahms-Schoenberg quartet and found that concert one of the best.

So Rattle and Brahms with Berliners makes a unique partnership.
Title: Re: OT: Rattle/BPO Complete Brahms Symphonies
Post by: Leo K on December 02, 2009, 03:39:33 AM
I'm really tempted to get the japanese pressing with the DVD's!


Still enjoying my Rattle Brahms set.

--Todd
Title: Re: OT: Rattle/BPO Complete Brahms Symphonies
Post by: alpsman on December 05, 2009, 08:43:41 PM
I complete the listening with the 1st.

The set is outstanding! I heard imediatelly the finale of the 1st again for a second time( something I never do), and then listened Karajan's Decca with VPO.My impressions for Rattle remains.  Rattle, the Berliners and the sound are magnificent.
Title: Re: OT: Rattle/BPO Complete Brahms Symphonies
Post by: John Kim on December 06, 2009, 01:11:21 AM
What has been letting me down when it comes to Rattle/BPO/EMI recordings is the less than ideal sound quality. For reasons I cannot quite follow, the EMI engineers opt for an unusually low level recording that sounds cavernous and opaque without a wide dynamic range and the kind of impact that we are all used to in this digital era. The sound that EMI (a different team, I presume) created for Rattle's earlier recordings, e.g., CBSO account of M2nd, was much better and more lifelike in this sense.

So, how does the new Brahms cycle sound? ???

John,
Title: Re: OT: Rattle/BPO Complete Brahms Symphonies
Post by: alpsman on December 06, 2009, 12:54:48 PM
The difference in sound between Birbigham and Berlin recordings must be that of the halls.

As for the Brahms cycle: I already said that I find the sound splendit, BUT in Japanese pressings. I don't know the Europian release but  imagine that will be mediocre in the best case.

In Japan release the sound is full, warm, immediate, without glare in strings. I listen at full volume without the least discomfort. This is not the "audiophile" sound of Telarc, Exton, xrcd etc. and I find this much more good. You concertrate totally to the glorious music.
And you have the fantastic bonus of the 2dvds with all the symphonies.
Title: Re: OT: Rattle/BPO Complete Brahms Symphonies
Post by: Leo K on December 06, 2009, 02:36:11 PM
I am very happy with the European release sound quality, very much like Alpsman described  :D  It the best sounding Rattle release from EMI IMHO.  Although I thought the M9 sounded good too, but Japanese pressing was much better.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Japanese pressing for the Brahms has the edge though.

--Todd
Title: Re: OT: Rattle/BPO Complete Brahms Symphonies
Post by: John Kim on December 06, 2009, 06:04:08 PM
The difference in sound between Birbigham and Berlin recordings must be that of the halls.
I don't think so. Just compare the Rattle/CBSO M2nd with all the rest in the cycle. You'll see what I mean.

The only exception was the M10th in the DVD Audio format (I have not heard the M8th in this format).

John,
Title: Re: OT: Rattle/BPO Complete Brahms Symphonies
Post by: Amphissa on December 19, 2009, 04:20:35 PM

Is the release containing the DVD available in the U.S.? Because I'm certainly not willing to pay $70 to get it from Japan.