Brahms: The Four Symphonies

CD1

1. Symphony No. 1 in C minor op. 68
2. Symphony No. 1 in C minor op. 68
3. Symphony No. 1 in C minor op. 68
4. Symphony No. 1 in C minor op. 68
5. Tragic Overture op. 81
6. Academic Festival Overture op. 80

CD2

1. Symphony No. 2 in D major op. 73
2. Symphony No. 2 in D major op. 73
3. Symphony No. 2 in D major op. 73
4. Symphony No. 2 in D major op. 73
5. Symphony No. 3 in F major op. 90
6. Symphony No. 3 in F major op. 90
7. Symphony No. 3 in F major op. 90
8. Symphony No. 3 in F major op. 90

CD3

1. Symphony No. 4 in E minor op. 98
2. Symphony No. 4 in E minor op. 98
3. Symphony No. 4 in E minor op. 98
4. Symphony No. 4 in E minor op. 98
5. Variations on a theme by Haydn op. 56a
6. Variations on a theme by Haydn op. 56a
7. Variations on a theme by Haydn op. 56a
8. Variations on a theme by Haydn op. 56a
9. Variations on a theme by Haydn op. 56a
10. Variations on a theme by Haydn op. 56a
11. Variations on a theme by Haydn op. 56a
12. Variations on a theme by Haydn op. 56a
13. Variations on a theme by Haydn op. 56a
14. Variations on a theme by Haydn op. 56a

The music of Brahms held an important place in Sir John Barbirolli’s repertoire and these recordings of the symphonies, made with the Vienna Philharmonic in 1966 and 1967, stand as one of the peaks of his discography. Barbirolli’s relationship with this music is rooted in his time as an orchestral cellist, and these performances are notable for their rich, ripe sonorities and expansive warmth.