Repertoire: The BEST Brahms Serenade No. 1

[@abdul7591]

The version that impressed me the most was the Bernard Haitink with the Concertgebouw on Philips.

[@jfddoc]

Thanks for another great review, David. Have you ever heard the Brusilow/Chamber Symphony of Philadelphia recording? I've read that it is excellent, but none of their recordings has ever made it to CD. How about a box of their recordings, RCA!

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

I used to have it on LP, and would love to listen again to see if it holds up. I agree it would be great to get a box, but don't count on it!

[@alyssan1488]

There used to be a youtube video of the first serenade played on the piano and i love it so much compared to the orchestral version, i wonder where can i find it

[@william-michaelcostello7776]

Great review. The first is like waking upin a lovely

[@william-michaelcostello7776]

The first is liking waking up on a lovely Summer morning as a 15 yr in the country. With the D major I think Brahms was practicing for his future symphonies. I had my Madrid debut with the first and loved doing it as much as his symphonies. A note, the second movt and the 2nd of the B flat Piano Concerto should be observed. He never threw away a good motive. If you know where to push the tempi in the slow movt, then it is anything else but too long. Great review.

[@kend.6797]

No way I would ever skip the slow movement! I love that movement! For me, the performances of Brahms 1st serenade that work are the ones that clock in around 45 minutes. The piece can drag at 50 minutes. For this piece to work, it needs life and freshness. I rather like the Berlin Phil/Abbado recording. Norrington conducted the freshest most lively performance that I've heard, but that was live and I listen to it on a radio recording only. The entire Brahms cycle that Jiri recorded with the Czech Philharmonic are some of the prettiest recordings you will ever hear.

[@kenberry96]

Thank you for adding new names for this work - a long time top favourite of mine with Mackerras and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. He is probably Australia’s greatest gift to the music world. Like all his recordings, the Teldrc is so full of life and exuberance. I also will add Riccardo Chailly and Leipzig to the list. 👍

[@bet034717]

I am fond of Chailly's recording. My fsvorite.

[@ernestrobles1510]

I’ve always enjoyed the Stokowski/Symphony of the Air. Lots of energy and nothing strange.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, a surprisingly straightforward version.

[@giacomofirpo2477]

Great David! Finally one that speaks frankly about Brahms Serenades! I completely agree with you: the two serenades of Brahms are two gems! I find the first in particular much better than the first symphony for example...yes, they deserve much credit and respect and is a shame that these serenades are so lesser known. Thank you for the video

[@d.mavridopoulos66]

Thank you for introducing me to this wonderful piece. The Belohlavek recording is marvelous. Truly grateful for these talks.

[@denbigh51]

I like the Schwarz LACO version too. It’s actually in that big box that Naxos re-issued.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Thanks for the reminder! I always reach for the single disc since it's just more convenient, usually.

[@judsonmusick3177]

Dave, when you praised the Kertesz recordings of the Serenades, you mentioned his performances of the Brahms Symphonies with the Vienna Philharmonic. The Serenades are used as fillers for the Kertesz symphony performances on CD. Are the Kertesz performances of the Brahms symphonies any good?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, they are quite good, but, you know, there's just so much to choose from...

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

Kertesz gets my vote, but I now MUST hear the Belolavek.

[@johnwright7749]

What do you think of Tilson Thomas’s LSO recordings on Sony? They have given me much pleasure.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Yes, they are very good.

[@mutantbaby1672]

Ok, but have you tried Stokowski?

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

Sure. Have you tried all the others?

[@pbindler]

Just found your site and what a joy to watch! Your cheerful countenance and obvious enthusiasm is a great tonic for these times. One small quibble. Your suggestion that it might be ok to skip the slow movement was painful. When I first started listening to this Serenade, I did find the movement a bit tiresome. However, after repeated listenings (and how often does this happen with Brahms?) I began to realize that if you paid attention, the movement was filled with wonders. The way the woodwinds have quiet, intimate conversations with each other, the way, at some point, one feels as if one is being uplifted and sailing into the air. As a rank amateur, I can't explain what's going on. But I would put this movement up against any of the slow movements of Brahms' symphonies.

[@DavesClassicalGuide]

First of all, welcome. As to my suggestion about the Adagio of the Serenade, you now say you love the movement after expending much time and effort on it. I don't disagree with your estimation of its quality, but not everyone has the same amount of time or patience, and we always do well to bear in mind that the music is for everyone to enjoy as they see fit. That is MY point.