Composer: Johannes Brahms
Works: Symphony No. 1 in C minor Op. 68 (1876), Symphony No. 3 in F Major Op. 90 (1883)
Performers: NDR Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Günter Wand
Recording: Friedrich-Ebert Halle, Hamburg, 1982 and 1983, DDD, STEREO
Label: RCA 74321 68009-2
Brahms, often seen as the torchbearer of the German symphonic tradition following Beethoven, faced immense pressure in crafting his symphonic output, especially in his First Symphony. Completed in 1876 after a protracted gestation period, this work is steeped in historical significance, not only as Brahms’s response to the towering legacy of Beethoven but also as a pivotal moment in the evolution of the symphony in the 19th century. The Third Symphony, emerging a mere seven years later, reflects a composer who had fully embraced his identity, offering a work characterized by lyrical introspection and autumnal melancholy.
Günter Wand’s interpretation of both symphonies is marked by a forthrightness that captures Brahms’s robust thematic material. In the First Symphony, Wand leads the NDR Symphony Orchestra with a clarity of purpose that underscores the dramatic tension of the first movement. The opening, with its bold orchestral declaration driven by the timpani, is executed with a keen sense of dynamics and phrasing. Wand’s approach to the development section reveals a deft handling of thematic conflict, notably the struggle between the primary motif and its various transformations. The subsequent slow movement, with its poignant solo violin, is rendered with a delicate touch that heightens the emotional weight of Brahms’s writing, showcasing the orchestra’s strings in a manner that feels both intimate and expansive.
The recording quality of this remastered release significantly enhances the listening experience. The clarity in the string tone is notably improved, allowing the lush textures of Brahms’s orchestration to shimmer without the muddiness that occasionally marred previous iterations. The firm bass foundation provides a palpable depth, anchoring the expansive soundscape that Brahms so masterfully constructs. This sonic clarity is particularly evident in the Third Symphony, where each movement’s quiet conclusion, a hallmark of its reflective character, resonates with profound stillness. The brass, especially the prominent trombones in the introduction of the final movement, are distinctively articulated, ensuring that their contributions are both powerful and integrated.
Wand’s interpretation of the Third Symphony evokes the joyous spirit described by Dvořák, who was one of its early admirers. The performance emerges as a celebration of Brahms’s melodic richness. Wand’s ability to sustain the lyrical lines, particularly in the second movement, highlights the symphony’s unique character, which departs from the more turbulent nature of the First. However, while this performance is compelling, it does not quite reach the emotional brink of Bruno Walter’s famed interpretation, which remains a touchstone for many listeners due to its urgent expressiveness and dramatic contrasts.
The combination of a historically significant repertoire with an interpretation that balances strength and sensitivity makes this release an important addition to Brahms’s discography. The remastering elevates the listening experience, allowing both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to appreciate the intricate interplay and emotional depth of these symphonic masterpieces. Wand’s readings stand firm in the pantheon of Brahms interpretations, offering a robust yet nuanced perspective on these works that continue to resonate deeply within the orchestral repertoire.
