Columbia SAX 2350: Klemperer conducts Brahms Symphony No. 4
Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E Minor
Phiharmonia Orchestra
Otto Klemperer, conductor
Pressing: UK, semi-circle ER2
Stampers: YAX 269-4, YAX 270-1
Date first published: 1960
Performance: 10/10
Sound: 7/10
Price range: $27-350 (mean $87 on popsike.com)
Comments: Like Klemperer's Beethoven cycle, his Brahms cycle is also monumental and considered to be one of the finest on record among those of Szell, Wand, Levine, Jochum, and Dohnanyi. They were all originally released in stereo on the UK Columbia label and then reissued on EMI. The blue and silver first pressings of each of the four symphonies typically sells for good money on the online markets, though semi-circle pressings can be had without burning a hole in the wallet. So how is the sound quality? Though I was not impressed with the semi-circle label pressings of Klemperer's Beethoven symphonies, I found the Brahms to be an improvement. Don't expect the finest in transparency, openness, dynamics, or soundstage width, but if you can put those aside and focus on the music, there is much to be enjoyed here. Make sure you find a clean copy. The "cavernous" sound that I heard on SAX 2260 was replaced by a more natural sound with a more expansive soundstage, though the presentation is still more laid-back. Orchestral textures, particularly winds, are nice and clear, and dynamics were much improved. I would love to be able to do an A/B comparison between these SAXes and the later EMI reissues (e.g. EMI SLS 804) to see which pressings offer the finest sonic account of these performances.
I concur with the review. I have the later ASD box set in a ring pressing. It is better and might take the sound up nearly a point, but it is not great. You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
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