The Jochum Brahms sets (both mono and stereo) are some of the absolute best Brahms sets out there! And the Bruno Walter sets are treasures in their own right. However, when I want to listen to the second symphony - and just the second symphony - I usually turn to the legendary recording conducted by Pierre Monteux with the Vienna Phil. There is something very special about this recording - the only Brahms symphony Monteux ever put on disc (though it is often coupled with his equally superb version of the Haydn Variations). He knew Brahms, he knew the style, he offers tremendous insights and a joyous listening experience.
The Second is probably the best entry into the world of Brahms symphonies. It was the first one I experienced in concert, after which I got sold on Brahms. For beginners, it's an easier listen than the First or Fourth. The Third has that great "slow" moment, which is another good introduction to Brahms.
I've always felt guilty about not loving this symphony more compared with the other three but you've summed up exactly the way I felt about it in every respect. I'm so relieved it isn't just me. Btw, I think Ansermet in his stereo recording brings out those trombone dissonance in the 1st mvt development marvelously. I don't know the Jochum mono but I so know the Walter mono; my favorite Brahms 2nd is Toscanini's 1952 recording, the best performance in his NBC series and also his best in that work period as well as the best recording of the four. And no lack of excitement! (The 3rd, though, deserves a slot in your Great Artist Bad Day series.)
A really educational guide to the Brahms 2, camouflaged as a Dave’s Fave. I really enjoyed listening to this and am pulling out my Walter Brahms today to put them in the listening pile.
I've heard this version, and many others. The version that absolutely takes the cake like no other for me is Klemperer. You're right about the finale excitement. You could speed up, or not as they do these days. Klemperer's approach is slightly different in my opinion: he has a heavenly forward timpani balance that's never vulgar but creates a crazy excitement throughout the movement! This performance is great too. Other favourites of mine are Giulini LA, Abbado DG.
Dave, as usual you have illuminated the virtues of this wonderful piece and what makes a great performance! I'm learning so much from your channel. Keep up the great work!
I think all of Brahms Symphonies are good. I listened to the 2nd one today. The parts that get stuck in my head are the opening in the first movement with the double basses Cello’s and most of all the horn, and the 3rd movement with the oboe’s.
The 2nd is my personal fave. Love all 4 but for some reason the 2nd has always had a special place. But you are totally right, Dave: there are 2nds... (that are truly "seconds") and 2nds that are slam dunk awesome. I am always fascinated to hear that final trombone chord. I personally love the way Vienna Phil and Berlin Phil always seem to play it: like a gigantic hammer blow with a super hard attack. I checked the score and Brahms does not have any > over the notes, but only f. Other performances have the trombones play it kind of smooth, loud but with no real attack. I personally love the former for sheer impact. Otherwise, it fees very un climactic. That Jochum finale is the fastest I have ever heard it done. Amazing. But I love what you said about conductors who "don't want to make Brahms 2nd "too exciting". That killed me.🤣
There’s a joint section that links tail to head of the 1st movement exposition and I like it. It operates very smoothly. I usually don’t like exposition repeat, but I do want to hear this joint section. Wishy washy about it.
A definite favourite for me which I come back to often, not only because I love the piece but also for the warm yet strong and incisive string tone and great orchestral balance, is Brahms' Second Symphony played by the Boston Symphony with Erich Leinsdorf. Everything about this performance seems natural and right to me. Leinsdorf doesn't whip up the tempo much at the end but it has all the excitement I need with every offbeat given its' full space. I am also fond of the Svetlanov recording with The USSR Symphony Orchestra. For me the Jochum recording (heard through a streaming service) is a non-starter due to the acrid sound quality.
Two thoughts: 1. Although the coda of movement 4 CAN be done well with speeding up (as Walter showed in the NYP recording), all too often (in my experience) the conductor goes for the excitement and leaves behind any clarity or "oomph." The fanfare at the end has to be pointedly rhythmic and not just a mess of notes. 2.I've always thought Elgar (particularly in the Enigma Variations) was strongly influenced by Brahms 4th symphony. There are a couple of spots in both pieces that align very closely.
Glad you mentioned the Walter mono; for my taste it's the most electrifying performance ever put down on record. There does indeed seem to be a real lack of skill in conducting Brahms. Is it a lost art? And sadly, it's not just Brahms that the younger generation can't seem to do well: Tchaikovsky and Dvorak seem to be in trouble, too.
I don't know if it's a lost art, but most of my favorite Brahms recordings are by long dead conductors. However, that could just be due to my particular curmudgeonly preferences. If I was starting today, instead of 60 years ago, I might hear things differently.
Interesting that part of it sounds like 'Beautiful dreamer'. i have the same cringe at the finale of Sibelius 2, which sounds like the origins of the hollywood film song 'Wherever, wherever, you go'.
I agree that this symphony is very front heavy. The only other piece I can think of that has this type of front-heaviness is the Schubert D960 piano sonata. The latter makes me wish it had been left unfinished rather than the unfinished symphony. However, I do not share the that sentiment regarding the Brahms as the coda of the finale makes it all worth it:)
That DG (mono) set is very good, indeed. Another mono set that I like a lot, is an EMI set with Felix Weingartner and (if I remember without checking!) the London Symphony Orchestra. Recorded in about 1938 - and actually sounds great - try it. And that's coming from someone who doesn't like "ancient" recordings!
I wish more recordings would do that! I especially want to hear the bass trombone growl at the first loud entrance in the development. It's almost always covered up. Needs to blast through.
I think Dave refers to the other meaning of the word "popular": "intended for or suited to the taste, understanding, or means of the general public rather than specialists or intellectuals". Cheers!
Good video. The 2nd has always been last on my Brahms listening list. Its great, but I much prefer, 4, 3, and 1 in that order, but thats just me. My 2 favs are Walter in New York, and Cleveland szell. Been on.a Brahms kick of late. Attended a chamber concert with the 2nds sextet and first piano trio. Been listening to Brahms a lot. Keep them coming Dave. Paul
@@flexusmaximus4701 for me his 2nd is the best oddly enough. I don't know why but live or from CD I just feel something different. The adagio is incredible to me
