Composer: Johannes Brahms
Works: Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73; Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98
Performers: Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam, Willem Mengelberg, conductor
Recording: 4/4/1940 and 30/11/1938, Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, Holland
Label: Naxos Historical 8.110158
Brahms occupies a distinct and revered place in the pantheon of symphonic composers, his music encapsulating a profound emotional depth balanced by structural rigor. The Second and Fourth Symphonies, both encapsulating his mature style, reveal the composer’s exploration of the symphonic form in profound and varied ways. The Second Symphony, often characterized as sunny and pastoral, contrasts sharply with the Fourth, a work imbued with a sense of tragic profundity and intellectual depth. This recording, led by the legendary conductor Willem Mengelberg with the Concertgebouw Orchestra, offers a window into a historical performance style that is as captivating as it is instructive.
Mengelberg’s interpretation of these symphonies is marked by an expressive freedom that some may find imprudent, yet it resonates with a warmth and vitality that captures the essence of Brahms’s music. His direction emphasizes a fluidity in tempo and an emphasis on rubato that brings out the lyrical qualities of both symphonies. In the first movement of the Fourth Symphony, for instance, Mengelberg allows the thematic material to breathe, creating moments of tension and release that feel organic rather than forced. The ebb and flow he cultivates is not merely a stylistic choice but a reflection of Brahms’s own emotional landscape, inviting listeners to experience the music in a deeply personal way.
From a technical standpoint, the Concertgebouw Orchestra delivers an exemplary performance, showcasing both individual virtuosity and collective cohesion. The strings, in particular, demonstrate a lush, sonorous quality that elevates the pastoral themes of the Second Symphony. The woodwinds are clear and articulate, weaving through the dense orchestration with a bright clarity that is particularly engaging in the third movement of the Fourth, where the interplay between the strings and woodwinds is both intricate and beautifully balanced. Mengelberg’s emphasis on the orchestra’s dynamic range allows for both subtle pianissimos and explosive fortissimos, creating a compelling contrast that enhances the emotional trajectory of the music.
The sound quality of this historical recording is noteworthy given the challenges associated with early 20th-century technology. Ward Marston’s restoration work brings the original Telefunken recordings to life with impressive clarity, successfully minimizing the surface noise that typically mars such vintage recordings. The acoustic of the Concertgebouw is captured with a warmth that allows the listener to appreciate the spatial qualities of the performance. While some might argue that Mengelberg’s interpretative choices reflect a bygone era of performance practice, they nonetheless provide a fascinating lens through which to appreciate Brahms’s symphonic language. The slight background hiss remains a reminder of the recording’s historical context, yet it does little to detract from the overall listening experience.
This release stands as a valuable addition to the growing catalog of historical performances, offering an insightful glimpse into Mengelberg’s artistry and the unique sound of the Concertgebouw Orchestra during a peak period in its history. The interpretations, while rooted in the early 20th-century performance practice, are imbued with a vibrancy and immediacy that continues to resonate with modern audiences. The Naxos Historical label has succeeded in resurrecting these remarkable performances, allowing them to shine anew. A commendation to Naxos for preserving and presenting this vital part of the Brahms legacy, as well as to Mengelberg and his orchestra for a performance that, while perhaps unorthodox by current standards, reveals the enduring power of Brahms’s music in a fresh and exhilarating light.
