Album

Avie's triple-SACD set of Johannes Brahms' four symphonies is breathtaking for its absolutely clear DSD sound and deep, multichannel reproduction, but it is most rewarding for the magnificent performances by Semyon Bychkov and the WDR Sinfonieorchester Köln. One is constantly reminded of legendary performances from the past, and Bychkov's richly conceived and penetrating interpretations rank with them, without doubt. If Walter, Szell, or Toscanini come to mind, it is because Bychkov's standards are just as high, and he inspires his orchestra to deliver truly noble performances that meet his extraordinary demands. It may be equally extraordinary to say that Bychkov's humanity and spirit permeate these sublime performances, but there is a real generosity of expression that could only come from this passionate conductor; and it is not unreasonable to note that the music's warmth, subtlety, and clarity reflect Bychkov's ability to communicate with his musicians. The spacious grandeur in the Symphony No. 1, the jubilant excitement in the Symphony No. 2, the pensive yearning in the Symphony No. 3, and the decisive power in the Symphony No. 4 can be credited to Bychkov's profound understanding of the scores and his exceptional rapport with the orchestra. Hearing these recordings is a deeply satisfying experience, and this set is absolutely recommended.

© Blair Sanderson, All Music Guide

CD 1 of 3
Johannes Brahms Composer Symphony No.1 in C-, Op.68 Work 49:30 Semyon Bychkov Conductor, Orchester des WDR Köln Orchestra
1	1.Un poco sostenuto. Allegro	17:18			Album Only
2	2.Andante sostenuto	8:46			$0.99
3	3.Un poco allegretto e grazioso	5:05			$0.99
4	4.Adagio. Piu andante. Allegro non troppo, ma con brio	18:21			Album Only
CD 2 of 3
Johannes Brahms Composer Symphony No.2 in D, Op.73 Work 42:08 Semyon Bychkov Conductor, Orchester des WDR Köln Orchestra
1	1.Allegro non troppo	19:23			Album Only
2	2.Adagio non troppo	8:20			$0.99
3	3.Allegretto grazioso, quasi andantino	5:19			$0.99
4	4.Allegro con spirito	9:06			$0.99
CD 3 of 3
Johannes Brahms Composer Symphony No.3 in F, Op.90 Work 37:52 Semyon Bychkov Conductor, Orchester des WDR Köln Orchestra
1	1.Allegro con brio	12:59			Album Only
2	2.Andante	9:12			$0.99
3	3.Poco allegretto	6:24			$0.99
4	4.Finale: Allegro	9:17			$0.99
Johannes Brahms Composer Symphony No.4 in E-, Op.98 Work 40:09 Semyon Bychkov Conductor, Orchester des WDR Köln Orchestra
5	1.Allegro non troppo	12:44			Album Only
6	2.Andante moderato	11:16			Album Only
7	3.Allegro giocoso	6:17			$0.99
8	4.Allegro energico e passionato	9:52			$0.99