The Brahms Symphonies

The list author says:
	"Brahms as Pre-Raphaelite. This is a thrillingly dramatic and almost unbearably gorgeous set which owes a lot to Furtwängler. The Chicago Symphony is on cracking form and the recording is excellent."

The list author says:
	"Brahms as Pointillist. Chailly's set is bright, sparkling, and fresh. Textures are transparent, the woodwind is ravishing, and the brass is very stylish. If you thought Brahms was stodgy think again."

The list author says:
	"Brahms as Impressionist. Yes it's slow but the playing is utterly committed and the VPO sound like angels. It's what Brahms must sound like in heaven. Incidentally Böhm's is my favourite of all 4ths."

The list author says:
	"Brahms as Romantic. Jochum is passionate and impulsive and the Berliners are staggeringly intense. It's a mono recording but very clear and well balanced. Great example of the German Brahms tradition."

The list author says:
	"Brahms as El Greco. Klemperer's Brahms is slow but hugely imposing and rhythmically incisive. The Kingsway Hall sound is gaunt but the Philharmonia plays superbly and Klemperer is very insightful."

The list author says:
	"Brahms as Old Master. The Karajan BPO sound of infinitely deep string tone, luscious brass and glowing woodwind make this irresistible. Karajan understood Brahms perfectly and doesn't put a foot wrong"

The list author says:
	"Brahms as Rubens. By far the most joyous and uplifting Brahms cycle. Harnoncourt's fastidious attention to detail may grate but the momentum and sheer enthusiasm of these performances is priceless."

The list author says:
	"Brahms as Brahms. The NDR Symphony has a peerless German orchestral sound. Günter Wand had the trick of seeming to allow the music to play itself. Magnificent realisations of these great scores."