Symphony No. 4 in E minor

Johannes Brahms

Carlos Kleiber / Vienna Philharmonic

1980

Gil's non-controversial top choice. 'Dramatic... immaculately phrased... the best all-around version.'

Apple Music

Claudio Abbado / Berlin Philharmonic

c. 1990

'A great recording, very exciting,' especially in the second movement.

Apple Music — Symphony No. 4 on an album with Haydn Variations and Nänie.

Fritz Reiner / Royal Philharmonic

1962

'His most beautiful recording.' It's 'very unaffected, natural... unforced.'

Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic

1949 Live in Wiesbaden

Gil thinks this one is 'even better.' He praises the 'incredible drama and excitement' and 'unique dramatic vision,' including the controversial speeding up at the end.

Felix Weingartner / London Symphony

1938

'More streamlined... not as overtly dramatic,' but has 'a discipline to it' and an 'earnestness' that makes it valuable.

Arturo Toscanini / BBC Symphony

1935

'Very dramatic... but it's also very passionate. It really sings.'