Credits:

George Szell

Description:

The complete Brahms symphonies were recorded between 1964 and 1967, when George Sell and the Cleveland Orchestra were literally at the height of their powers. Reflecting Sell's strict and respectful view of music, the entire cycle is free from subjective emotions and maintains a high level of dignity, highlighting Brahms's classical nature. The detail and refinement of the music is also quite remarkable, with every phrase, rhythm, and balance between parts perfectly controlled, and the clarity of the sound and three-dimensional construction of the music is truly spectacular. This is one of the extremes of 20th century orchestral performance art that can never be reproduced again. The vivid sound of Columbia's stereo recordings, which spread out in both directions as only a stereo recording made at the time of the company's perfection, and which advocated a "360 sound," beautifully captures the dynamic and precise performances of Sell and Cleveland. A special recording of Symphony No. 1, recorded in March 1957 in the early stereo era prior to the complete collection and originally released on the EPIC label, is included. Four regular jewel cases will be enclosed in a slipcase. Includes separate commentary. Remastered.