JOHANNES BRAHMS (1833-1897)

 

Symphony No. 3

Haydn Variations

Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90

Variations on a Theme by Haydn, ‘St Antoni Chorale’, Op. 56a

 

London Philharmonic Orchestra (Leader: Pieter Schoeman) / Marin Alsop

 

The Third Symphony, one of Brahms’s most poetic and evocative works, was hailed by the critic Eduard Hanslick as “artistically the most perfect…equal to the best of Brahms’s works…a feast for the music-lover and musician”. Arguably the composer’s greatest symphony, it was first performed in December 1883 in Vienna and became an outstanding success.

 

This is the third release in the major new Naxos cycle of the Brahms Symphonies featuring the internationally acclaimed London Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Marin Alsop. Symphonies Nos. 1 and 2 are available on Naxos 8557428 and 8557429.

 

The previous Brahms Symphonies have proved exceedingly popular with both consumers and critics alike: “This is a late-summer idyll of a performance, easily paced, nicely judged and warmly played. For first-time buyers it will provide unalloyed pleasure”. Gramophone on 8557429: “Nonetheless, these are humane, affectionate performances from which browsers and bargain-minded first-time buyers should derive a good deal of pleasure”. Gramophone on 8557428.

 

Naxos 8557430