Valery Gergiev begins his Brahms symphony cycle with recordings of the first two symphonies, Tragic Overture and Haydn Variations. The recording and performances of Brahms’ symphonies was a new departure for Gergiev, an opportunity he relished with energy and enthusiasm, and his interpretations have been acknowledged for shining new light on these works. The symphonies were toured internationally, including the Edinburgh International Festival in 2012.

The Haydn Variations was Brahms’ first orchestral piece, and was the first set of independent variations for orchestra by any composer. His epic first symphony, portraying dignity and grandeur, was ecstatically received at its premier in 1876, and Brahms was soon heralded as one of the great symphonic masters. His second symphony, with its joyful melodies and pastoral beauty, portrays a more relaxed tone than its predecessor. The Tragic Overture, on the other hand, is turbulent and tormented, with a powerful and magnificent energy.

Composer Brahms
Conductor Valery Gergiev
Performers London Symphony Orchestra

Vol. 1
Symphony No 1 in C Minor
1. I. Un poco sostenuto – Allegro
2. II. Andante sostenuto
3. III. Un poco allegretto e grazioso
4. IV. Adagio – Allegro non troppo, ma con brio
5. Tragic Overture

Vol. 2
Symphony No 2 in D Major
1. I. Allegro non troppo
2.  II. Adagio non troppo
3. III. Allegretto grazioso (quasi andantino)
4. IV. Allegro con spirito

Variations on a Theme of Haydn
5. I. Thema - Chorale St. Antoni - Andante
6. II. Variation I, Poco più animato
7. III. Variation II, Più vivace
8.  IV. Variation III, Con moto
9. V. Variation IV, Andante con moto
10. VI. Variation V, Vivace
11. VII. Variation VI, Vivace
12. VIII. Variation VII, Grazioso
13. IX. Variation VIII, Presto non
14. X. Finale, Andante

Release date 2013
LSO0733 | 0822231173328

Digital booklet in English / Notes de programme en français / Einführungstexte auf Deutsch

Producer James Mallinson
Engineers Classic Sound Ltd
Recorded September, October & December 2012 in the Barbican Hall, London

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