28 November 2009

An enlivening path to re-tread (9) -- Eduard van Beinum's Brahms First

20 Sep 1947

 
1951

6-7 Oct 1958


Eduard van Beinum's recordings of Brahms First are memorable for his mastery in maintaining the delicate balance among the tragic elements and the intensity of feelings, the natural flow of music, and an unobtrusive degree of rubato.

These records also brought to mind the effort I put into obtaining them, from different countries and at a time when internet purchase was not as effortless as now.

The complete symphonies set from Dutch Masters is particularly treasurable, not only in terms of its rarity, but also in terms of intense musical satisfaction.

Brahms First has a special meaning to van Beinum. He died of a heart attack at the age of 59 while rehearsing this symphony with the Concertgebouw Orchestra.


3 comments:

  1. I quite agree with you about van beinum in Brahms: truly an extraordinary conductor! And what a loss to the musical world was brought about by his early death.

    Well done on having those very rare discs in your collection!!

    Karafan

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  2. I have a copy of the blue one, which I've always enjoyed - and with Kath Ferrier as a 'bonus', it doesn't get much better than this!!

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  3. Hi David,
    Thanks for visiting. Yes, the Ferrier part is lovely.
    Best,
    Horace

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