Bernard Chason wrote:

>Mackerras has recorded the Brahms Symphonies with the relatively small
>forces used by the court orchestra (Erlangen?) which, I believe, premiered
>some of them.  I like these performances very much- even if you like the
>Brahms Symphonies with the usual orchestration, as I do, they present
>an interesting alternative view.

The only Brahms Symphony I like in this set is the 3rd.  I usually like
Mackerras.  The Brahms 1, 2, & 4 here are rare exceptions.

For Brahms 1, I like the first Karajan recording (early 60s I think).
For Brahms 4, I like Haitink and the Concertgebouw the best, but I'm
still not crazy about the piece.

Mike Leghorn
Evanston, IL.