Brahms: Symphony No 4

Loaded with German Romanticism and including variations on a Bach cantata, Brahms final symphony is a remarkable example of his mastery of symphonic composition. A rich, warm work that builds on a sense of movement and intensity right up to the final bars. This release also represents the completion of Bernard Haitink's celebrated LSO Live Brahms cycle that has included the symphonies, Double Concerto, Tragic Overture and Serenade No 2.

CONCERT REVIEWS:
"Contrasts were realised to the full without vagaries of tempo, and at the end, where Brahms finally breaks away from his bass line, the release of pent-up force came like an earthquake."
- The Independent, 21 June 2004

'The Fourth Symphony exuded even greater power and spiritual conviction: the rock-hewn phrases of the first movement, the Andante's moments of tenderness and wonder, the irresistable propulsion of the Passacaglia. Haitink's readings … are profoundly satisfying, and they are characterised by fierce integrity. These performances wer superbly executed too by the LSO, with a lively, slightly edgy string sound, supported by mellifluous wind and trenchant but never overbearing brass.'
Evening Standard, 17 June 2004