Symphony No. 2 in D major

Johannes Brahms

Recordings

Top Choice

Otto Klemperer / Philharmonia

1956

Gil's top choice, and the strongest of Klemperer's cycle. He likes it because Klemperer *doesn't* let it become 'sleepy and boring,' but 'gives it this feeling of oomph and power.'

Also Worth Hearing

Herbert von Karajan / Berlin Philharmonic

1983 Digital version

'Very lush and very beautiful sounding while also being powerful and dramatic.'

Bruno Walter / Columbia Symphony

c. 1960

From a 'consistently good cycle.' Has Walter's 'warmth and gentleness' but is also 'very rhythmic, so it's not... dull.'

Bruno Walter / New York Philharmonic

early 50s Mono recording

'One of the most exciting around,' especially the final movement. Shows the difference from his later recordings.

Pierre Monteux / London Symphony

c. 1960

Shares qualities with Walter's recording, with 'warmth about him, this sunniness... eloquence.'

Pierre Monteux / San Francisco Symphony

1951 Live recording

Gil feels this is 'one of the best Brahms seconds around.' It has 'extra energy' and combines 'warmth, eloquence, excitement.'

Wilhelm Furtwängler / Vienna Philharmonic

1945 Live recording

Has a 'very exciting finale' and all of Furtwängler's 'eloquence, the drama, the beauty of phrasing,' though the recording is 'very limited.'