Donald Scarinci <[log in to unmask]> writes:

>What is the consensus (and I use that word loosely) on the Four Symphonies
>conducted by Macerras with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra on the Telarc
>label that came out last year? It seems to have gotten good reviews.

This is a HIP recording "in the style of the original Meiningen
performances".  somewhat reminiscent of Norrington's Deutsches Requiem.
The package includes a wealth of historical info, an interview with the
conductor, and even an alternate version of the 2nd movement of the 1st
Symphony which shows it in an early phase.

The Mackerras performances are quite fascinating - a smaller orchestra with
closer miking produces a less spacious sound, but the energy comes from
within as opposed to grand gestures.  Often more bouncy, sounding more like
Beethoven than Brahms.  The horns are much more prominent and less rounded,
owing in part to the use of contemporaneous valveless horns.  Strings use
more portamento; unusual to hear that in Brahms, but that was the style at
the time, according to Sir Charles.

I think it compares favorably with what's out there, but the days of the
classic Walter/Klemperer/etc.  performances are long gone anyhow.

 - seb