Title: Commendable Performance, Great Recording
Review: I thought perhaps I should add my impressions, if only to add perspective given the other review. I found this to a be a very good "central" interpretation, and one which may well be a first choice if you prefer big-band Brahms. The recording and the orchestra are excellent and the performance is quite good, if a bit plain and under interpreted. Should Decca reissue this at mid-price or lower it would be quite competitive. Those considering Karajan or Abbado's readings would be well advised to seek this out, as it is - to these ears - a far better alternative.In the long run, it is not as distinctive as Wand or (if you prefer the early-music approach) Mackerras, but it does sound fantastic and is easy to live with. Walter is an acceptable alternative, but one must put up with a poor orchestra and a recording that's not very good. Again, worth considering if you favor an old-world style of performance and can find a copy at a discount.
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