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