Columbia SAX 2420: Giulini's First Stereo Brahms Cycle
Columbia SAX 2420
Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor
Carlo Maria Giulini, conductor
Philharmonia Orchestra
Pressing: UK, ED1, blue/silver
Condition: EX
Date first published: 1961
Stampers:
YAX 747-4
YAX 748-3
Performance: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Price range: $28-171 (mean $88) on popsike.com
Comments: Carlo Maria Giulini recorded the Brahms symphonies at multiple points in his career with the Philharmonia (EMI), Vienna Philharmonic (DG), and Los Angeles Philharmonic (DG). This recording, part of his first stereo cycle for Columbia/EMI, is quite excellent. It is also somewhat rare, as are the same label recordings of the other three symphonies, and prices on the market reflect this. I'm not sure to what that rarity is attributed, whether it is related to contemporary competition from fellow label-mate Otto Klemperer, who may have had the better-known Brahms cycle, or perhaps just limited distribution.
In any case, I happen to like Giulini's Brahms, having recently listened to all four symphonies, recently remastered by EMI/Warner and released as part of its Giulini London recordings 18 CD box set. Tempos are well selected, and there is a certain honesty and passion to the musical performances that make them believable. The sound here is full and vibrant with good soundstage width and sounds at least as good as Klemperer's and is certainly better recorded than George Szell's. Worth the search.
Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C Minor
Carlo Maria Giulini, conductor
Philharmonia Orchestra
Pressing: UK, ED1, blue/silver
Condition: EX
Date first published: 1961
Stampers:
YAX 747-4
YAX 748-3
Performance: 8/10
Sound: 8/10
Price range: $28-171 (mean $88) on popsike.com
Comments: Carlo Maria Giulini recorded the Brahms symphonies at multiple points in his career with the Philharmonia (EMI), Vienna Philharmonic (DG), and Los Angeles Philharmonic (DG). This recording, part of his first stereo cycle for Columbia/EMI, is quite excellent. It is also somewhat rare, as are the same label recordings of the other three symphonies, and prices on the market reflect this. I'm not sure to what that rarity is attributed, whether it is related to contemporary competition from fellow label-mate Otto Klemperer, who may have had the better-known Brahms cycle, or perhaps just limited distribution.
In any case, I happen to like Giulini's Brahms, having recently listened to all four symphonies, recently remastered by EMI/Warner and released as part of its Giulini London recordings 18 CD box set. Tempos are well selected, and there is a certain honesty and passion to the musical performances that make them believable. The sound here is full and vibrant with good soundstage width and sounds at least as good as Klemperer's and is certainly better recorded than George Szell's. Worth the search.
I've got this exact record. My recall is it was not a show stopper so I think your review is spot on.
ReplyDeleteJust got the New Zealand WRC release and it's sounding very very good.
ReplyDeleteWe need stamper numbers for the kiwi wrc hehe. Seriously.
ReplyDeleteMeles post, the above one. blogspot is more than a bit stupid on an iPad.
ReplyDelete