DG Concerts - Brahms: Symphony No. 4
Los Angeles Philharmonic & Gustavo Dudamel
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| Name | Artist | Time | Price | ||
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1 |
Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: I. Allegro non troppo | Los Angeles Philharmonic & Gustavo Dudamel | 14:02 | Work Only | View In iTunes |
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2 |
Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: II. Andante moderato | Los Angeles Philharmonic & Gustavo Dudamel | 12:15 | Work Only | View In iTunes |
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3 |
Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: III. Allegro giocoso - poco meno Presto - Tempo I | Los Angeles Philharmonic & Gustavo Dudamel | 6:22 | $0.99 | View In iTunes |
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4 |
Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98: IV. Allegro energico e passionato - più Allegro | Los Angeles Philharmonic & Gustavo Dudamel | 11:46 | Work Only | View In iTunes |
| BookletDigital Booklet - Brahms: Symphony No.4 | Los Angeles Philharmonic & Gustavo Dudamel | -- | Work Only | View In iTunes |
| Total: 5 Items |
Customer Reviews
Frustrating
This is a very frustrating performance of the Brahms. On the one hand Dudamel elicits a very sweet, velvety sound from the strings that is quite touching, something like a smooth velvety Merlot. But Brahms isn't Merlot, neither for the greater part sweet and round. It is a substantial—very substantial—Cabernet, with firm structure and even bite, an astringency that is all but missing here. The basic problem is the suspensions need to be weighted at the back, pulled taut and sinewy. Yes there is beautiful sound but the sound should build in waves, gathering tension until they crest, the momentum propelled forward by holding back. Dudamel's approach is much more even and symmetrical; frankly, its listless. There is no spine, no taut nerves, and no tension and suspense. Suspense is missing because the phrase isn't properly suspended. it leans toward the first beat of the following measure, not the beat before pulling tense against it. Brahms creates the long line that arches over the whole, arching again and again; like waves, mass and volume higher and higher; a long, soaring line that resolves only at the end. This is so essential to all Brahms works that it is virtually a hallmark of them.
There are occasional promising moments of tension where Dudamel strains against the flow, but too quickly relaxes, becoming listless again. By succession, the entire symphony fails to inspire because it nearly runs out of fuel and air.
As I said, frustrating to exasperation. What a shame because the mass is all there but is not going anywhere. Hopefully somebody will point this out to Gustavo because he is capable of so much more. It is entirely inconsistent with his drive and intensity. What results ultimately is baffling, at the last annoying. *sigh* Gustavo, you're too good to let matters end this way. I hope you will learn this over time.
Thank G-d it
Paying full price for the Dude's attempt at Brahms would be highway robbery. -Bz
Excellent - 2011 GRAMMY WINNING ALBUM
Excellent performance by the LAPO!
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