This is such a brilliant piece by Brahms. To me, the name reflects the image, the tediousness of academia, the explosive burst of excitement when knowledge is attained, and the simple celebration of learning!
How beautifully conductor Bernstein shapes the tempo in the recap of the glorious second theme, altering the tempo from 7:39, big ritenuto at 7:42 to launch in, phrasing at 7:53 and 7:55 and another amazing pullback at 7:59. Not to mention skilfully quieting down the orchestra 7:43-7:44 and then the first violins (7:45) to showcase the violas (their finest hour) and then letting them shine at 7:48-7:50. Crikey. And that's only 11 seconds of his conducting. Unparalleled.
This is hands down the perfect interpretation of this overture. So prominent, so powerful, so elegant!!!! Many recordings are so fast or so slow yet this really allows the piece to express itself in it's most purest form! Thanks for the upload!
La Universidad Nacional de Córdoba usa en todos sus actos académicos y como clausura de los mismos la última parte de la Obertura. El Gaudeamus Igitur, es nuestro himno académico.
Bernstein vs Karajan ...Deux grands chefs aux destinées antagonistes. Les interprétations musicales des oeuvres dirigées par l'un et l'autre sont autant de moments d'anthologie. Deux fortes personnalités. L'un est allé à Harvard quand l'autre dirigeait déjà les meilleurs orchestres d'Allemagne et donc planétaires. Reste qu'ils se détestaient plus à travers leurs auditeurs.
It's such a pleasure to watch Berstein conduct especially with the way he's so interactive and in direct control of both the music and the musicians. At 4.44 for example, he puts up a finger that seems to say "hold on" to the rest of the orchestra and then when he puts his baton down: "okay go". Absolutely brilliant!
this is Brilliant very good basoon players and players hands down the conductor is full of life which makes it even better to watch this is another reason why the Vienna Phil is my fav,im playing this for my Youth symphony orchestra in Barbados and this vid helped me alot
I just felt like listening to Brahms' Academic Overture on RU-vid, but I couldn't find any video with more than 100,000 views (at least suggesting of good quality)...It's wonderful that I found this! Bravo! Disciplined, emancipated, romantic and expressive. If I'm not wrong, the conductor looks like... Leonard Bernstein!
This is the audition piece for next year's IMEA (Illinois Music Education Association) orchestra, and we just got this today. Probably my favorite audition piece so far. (I'm a violist)
No, it wasn't exactly "commissioned" - Brahms was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Breslau in 1879, he composed the overture in 1880 as a gesture of thanks to the University and conducted the first performance at a convocation in 1881.
For me the definitive recording of this wonderful, joyous music was made by George Szell and that marvelous Cleveland Orchestra that did such great justice also to the entire output of Antonin Dvorak!
Yes after hearing this performance and the subsequent studio recording, I cannot go back to any other. (Although I really like young Klemperer's take as well.) Ditto for the Brahms/Haydn variations recorded around the same time. I believe Bernstein's last recordings with Vienna were his greatest of all. He just got better and better until the day he died. RIP
Some of you may remember the cap and gown entrance to graduation, PhDs etc.The theme of the music by Brahns is so appropriate..Professors, College ranks, followed by the graduates. Try to recall. Note Dir.L.Bernsteins pride and as if he is marching also.
This is hands down the greatest achievement of mankind! No wonder Lucifer hated us when we were still only an Idea in his Master's Councils. And its the only the beginning. Praise God Almighty Creator of the Universe and everything in it! I only pray the Maker of music also deign to teach me some as He did the humble Brahms.
What would you say if I tell you that at my school we´re going to sing this piece? (yes, master Uberto Zanolli, together with master Tarsicio Herrera Zapién made in 1993 the choral score arrangement for 4 mixed voices of this piece). We´re going to sing this arrangement on 30th May in Nezahualcóyotl Hall. I hope I can get a recording of the concert, or at least of this piece, so I´ll be able to upload it. ^^
Bernstein is one of the most irritating conductors to watch but he really knew how to make great music sound great unlike many of today's hyped up conductors, some of which just haven't got a clue!
I believe that Karajan didn't like the piece and didn't perform it so that no comparison with Bernstein can be made in this case. Can anyone explain why Karajan took that attitude? Perhaps he didn't like academics!
This is a great interpretation and performance but for my money, Christoph Eschenbach with the Houston Symphony made the best Brahms orchestral recordings.
@ffOSTnerd217 - That's right. Because the what they look like, makes them sound better. I bet the blind person in the audience thought "wow. They sound great. They must all be wearing tuxedos."
THAT IS NOT A TUXEDO! It is the "White tie & Tails" the most elegant and formal dress code. Women doesn't take the formal look off the orchestra. They are welcome as long as they wear long Gala dresses.
My point was there there is a distinct lack of uniform in some big-time orchestras today (i.e., women wearing sandals on stage). Think about it, isn't that unfair to the men, who must wear a full tux no matter what (most violinists hate it, it's uncomfortable to play in) and the women can basically wear whatever they want? By the way, I'm not discriminating against women, I'm female myself. My general point was that they look good.
I'm not a fan of Bernstein's style in German music. He's conducting the Vienna Philharmonic, steeped in the German tradition and yet he manages to make sections of this Brahms sound like a tacky broadway musical.
lol not a single woman in the orchestra... they look like a professional orchestra because EVERY SINGLE MEMBER is in a tux. awesome. I wish my symphony could look that professional... although it won't happen =_=
