Brahms: Symphony No.2 and Double Concerto

Bernard Haitink conducting the London Symphony Orchestra

Gordon Nikolitch, violin and Tim Hugh, cello

LSO Live 0043

Playing time: 74:51

Anthony Kershaw

Bernard Haitink has received much acclaim for his recordings of the Brahms Symphonies. His Concertgebouw cycle on vintage 1970s Philips vinyl has been the backbone of my Brahms symphony collection. The performances certainly have drama in spades, but Haitink stresses the lyrical. His new performance of Symphony No. 2 retains the autumnal quality but is now even more dramatic.

This performance, with his favored London band, the LSO, has great solo playing, and excellent ensemble. The playing is crisp when needed, but flows gloriously, especially in the many solo sections. The ensemble is even better than Walter’s seminal CBS (Sony) version with the LA-based Columbia Symphony, with the soloists on even par.

Haitink gets the syncopated ebb and flow of the symphony’s opening exposition right (the LSO violas and horns are tremendous here), this, after a superb introduction. The slow movement is very moving (my favorite Brahms music). The cello section shines and the wind players add colour where required. The last two movements continue the beauty and excellence with exuberance and a firecracker finale coda (well done, trombones!).

Haitink and the London Symphony are joined by Concertmaster Gordon Nikolitch and Principal Cello Tim Hugh for Brahms' Double Concerto. Although not on the same level musically as the symphonies, the Double Concerto is played here for all it is worth by two superb soloists. In fact, Nikolitch and Hugh give up nothing in terms of solo playing to some of the 'star' names on offer in other recordings this work. A stellar performance.

The recording is taken from live recordings at the LSO’s problematic home, the Barbican. The dry acoustic helps in clarifying the thicker textures but adds little bloom to the great symphonic moments. Happily, the LSO’s magnificent playing helps the listener forget the ambient vagaries.