Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68:
[1] I. Un poco sostenuto - Allegro - 14:40
[2] II. Andante sostenuto - 10:40
[3] III. Un poco allegretto e grazioso - 5:20
[4] IV. Adagio - Allegro non troppo ma con brio - 17:06
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73:
[5] I. Allegro non troppo - 15:32
CD2
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73:
[1] II. Adagio non troppo - 10:39
[2] III. Allegretto grazioso - 5:55
[3] IV. Allegro con spirito - 9:00
Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90:
[4] I. Allegro con brio - 13:12
[5] II. Andante - 9:32
[6] III. Poco allegretto - 6:20
[7] IV. Allegro - 9:12
CD3
Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98:
[1] I. Allegro non troppo - 12:41
[2] II. Andante moderato - 12:17
[3] III. Allegro giocoso - 6:23
[4] IV. Allegro energico e passionato - 9:12
[5] Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a - 20:12
Furtwangler conducts the Brahms Symphonies (Virtuoso CD box) Berlin
Philharmonic (1948-1952). Virtuoso 2699072 (3 CDs).
Just as Brahms revitalized traditional musical form through his own
resourcefulness, so Furtwängler reconceived Brahms in deeply personal
terms. Every one of these readings is a knockout, inspiringly
conducted, brilliantly played, well recorded and at a super-budget
price. If you can't find this set, an alternative can be pieced
together. Music & Arts 804 (4 CDs priced as 3) boasts even finer
wartime Symphonies 2 and 4 but decidedly lesser versions of the others,
further hampered by wow and thin sonics. A 1951 Hamburg Symphony # 1 is
on Memories 4531 or Tahra 1001, abetted by superb sound (albeit in fake
stereo on the Memories version). An excellent 1954 Symphony # 3 is on
DGG 423592-2. And that astounding finale of the Symphony # 1 from
January, 1945 is on Music & Arts 805.
Recording Information:
Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68: Berlin, 10/2/1952
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73: Munich 7/5/1952
Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90: Berlin 18/12/1949
Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98: Berlin 24/6/1950
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a: Berlin 20/6/1950
