Description
Brahms: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3 | Münchner Philharmoniker under Rudolf Kempe | Remastered Classic Recording CD
Product Information
UPC: 600554301327
Product Type: Audio CD
Catalog Number: ARTS 43013-2
Genre: Classical - Symphonic Music
Composer: Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Orchestra: Münchner Philharmoniker (Munich Philharmonic)
Conductor: Rudolf Kempe
Total Duration: 75:38
Format: Original Studio Recording Remastered 24 BIT/96 KHZ
Label: ARTS ARCHIVES
Release Year: 2002
Made in: European Economic Community (EEC)
Overview
This ARTS ARCHIVES release presents two masterpieces from Johannes Brahms' symphonic output, conducted by the legendary Rudolf Kempe with the Münchner Philharmoniker. The disc features Brahms' monumental First Symphony in C Minor, Op. 68, often called "Beethoven's Tenth" due to its scope and grandeur, paired with the more intimate and lyrical Third Symphony in F Major, Op. 90. This remastered recording, using 24-bit/96 kHz technology, brings new clarity and depth to Kempe's nuanced interpretations, showcasing his renowned balance of structural precision and expressive warmth. The Munich Philharmonic responds with rich sonority and technical finesse, making this a valuable document of mid-20th century Brahms performance practice.
Product Features
- Remastering Quality: 24-bit/96 kHz high-resolution remastering of original studio recordings
- Historical Significance: Part of the ARTS ARCHIVES series preserving important historical performances
- Orchestra: The prestigious Münchner Philharmoniker in its prime period
- Conducting Legacy: Features Rudolf Kempe, renowned for his interpretations of Germanic repertoire
- Program Selection: Complementary pairing of Brahms' monumental First Symphony with his more introspective Third
- Audio Format: Digital remastering from original studio recordings
- Liner Notes: Includes background information on the works and performances (details may vary)
- Total Playing Time: 75:38, utilizing nearly the full capacity of a standard CD
Interesting Facts
Rudolf Kempe's Brahmsian Legacy
Rudolf Kempe (1910-1976) was among the most respected German conductors of the post-war era, particularly celebrated for his interpretations of Germanic repertoire. Though perhaps best known for his Richard Strauss recordings, Kempe's approach to Brahms was characterized by a perfect balance of structural clarity and emotional depth. Unlike the extreme tempi or exaggerated expressions of some contemporaries, Kempe sought an organic, natural flow in Brahms' music that honored the composer's meticulous craftsmanship while still embracing its Romantic spirit.
The Munich Philharmonic Connection
The Münchner Philharmoniker had a special relationship with Brahms' music dating back to the composer's own lifetime. The orchestra had performed under numerous distinguished conductors who maintained direct connections to the Brahmsian tradition. Kempe's collaboration with this ensemble continued this heritage, drawing on the orchestra's rich, warm string sound and robust brass section—qualities particularly suited to Brahms' orchestral writing.
The First and Third: A Study in Contrasts
This recording pairs Brahms' First Symphony—which took the composer nearly 21 years to complete due to the intimidating shadow of Beethoven—with his Third Symphony, composed during a creative surge in 1883. The First Symphony represents Brahms' monumental struggle to establish himself as Beethoven's symphonic heir, while the Third shows a composer at the height of his powers, crafting a more personal statement. The Third Symphony is the only one of Brahms' symphonies to end quietly, reflecting its more introspective character compared to the triumphant conclusion of the First.
Recording History Context
This recording comes from a significant period in classical music recording history when many important performances were being captured in improved studio conditions but before the digital era. The 2002 remastering using 24-bit/96 kHz technology represents an attempt to preserve these important interpretations with enhanced sonic quality for modern listeners, balancing historical significance with contemporary audio expectations.
Track Listing
Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68
- I. Un poco sostenuto - Allegro (13:22)
- II. Andante sostenuto (8:46)
- III. Un poco Allegretto e grazioso (4:45)
- IV. Adagio - Più Andante - Allegro non troppo, ma con brio - Più Allegro (16:10)
Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90
- I. Allegro con brio (9:27)
- II. Andante (7:59)
- III. Poco allegretto (5:58)
- IV. Allegro (8:51)
Publishers
Published by ARTS MUSIC in 2002. Contact information: e-mail: info@artsmusic.de, website: www.artsmusic.de. Design by M.C. Sala.
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