Brahms: Complete Symphonies & Concertos - Sir Colin Davis / Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (5CD)

Digital recordings from 1988-1995. This is a value box set featuring representative recordings from the tenure of British conductor Sir Colin Davis as chief conductor of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra (1983-1992). It includes four symphonies, the Academic Festival Overture, the Tragic Overture, and Variations on a Theme by Haydn, as well as two piano concertos with Gerhard Oppitz as soloist, and the Violin Concerto with Kyoko Takezawa. These are all contained on 5 CDs. The pyramid-shaped sound, with its emphasis on the low frequencies characteristic of this conductor, and the beautiful phrasing perfectly match the essence of Brahms' works, resulting in masterful performances. By eschewing grand gestures and maintaining a refined yet robust form, Davis heightens the inner intensity, successfully drawing out rich and dense music from every piece. Aided by the superb skill of the world's best broadcast orchestra, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, this is truly an outstanding complete collection for Brahms enthusiasts who appreciate a more subdued romanticism. The recordings are also excellent.

Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73
Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90
Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98
Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80
Tragic Overture, Op. 81
Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a
Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major, Op. 83
Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 77

Gerhard Oppitz (Piano)
Kyoko Takezawa (Violin)
Sir Colin Davis (Conductor) Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra

Digital recordings from 1988-1995