Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Joseph Swensen – Johannes Brahms: Violin Concerto & Hungarian Dances (2004)
SACD ISO (2.0/MCH): 3,95 GB | 24B/88,2kHz Stereo FLAC: 1,18 GB | Artwork | 3% Recovery Info
Label/Cat#: Linn Records # CKD 224 | Country/Year: UK 2004
Genre: Classical | Style: Romantic
Amazing recording!!!
I’ve heard many, many versions of this concerto; it’s one of my favorite concertos, and Brahms – for me – is one of the greatest composers. This one has become one of my favorite versions (maybe even the most). It’s wonderfull to hear a soloist and orchestra play together that well; they’re all part of one big spirit. This version reveals a lot of details (even the finest), while the big/main line isn’t lost at all. And about the smaller size of the orchestra; I like it! Brahms often sounds ‘too heavy’ and thick, even sometimes troubled, when performed by some conductors/full orchestras. But using smaller orchestras doesn’t mean you’re being sure of getting a clear performance. In my opinion, Swensen leaves the version of Sir Neville Marriner e.g. (with Hilary Hahn) far behind, regarding the performance of the orchestra. I really don’t like the coloration and style of playing of the orchestra in that recording. Hilary Hahn’s playing, on the contrary, is beautiful.
Swensen has succeeded (from my point of view) in making a great and very moving performance and recording of the Brahms voilin concerto. Coloration, choices of tempo, phrasing… in one word: brilliant!
The Hungarian Dances are simply being performed with the same feeling for details and long lines. Whipping ‘gypsian’ drive being varied with moving lyricism.
About the sonics… The sound of the recording is fantastic. The only thing I would like to have heard is a fraction more acoustic breath in the rear channels. But that’s a very small point. From the deapest bass-lines of the basses to the heighest hights; it sounds very natural and clear!
Totally recommended! sa-cd.net