Mackerras Surveys Brahms Symphonies

Charles Mackerras is a name to conjure with, and he works his expected magic in this brilliant set of symphonies and other works “in the style of the original Meiningen performances.” This entails certain editing and performance issues, using reduced forces (60 musicians), “Vienna” horns, rotary-valve trumpets and narrow-bore trombones, and placing first and second violins opposite each other on both sides of the conductor. The outcome could have been of historical interest only, but under Mackerras’ blazing leadership, the results are revelatory.

Banish thoughts that Brahms’ orchestrations are turgid. Mackerras elicits Mendelssohnian delicacy and transparency without scanting Brahmsian virility and grandeur of conception. The sound is grittier and more pungent than usual, and relationships among orchestral groups are clearer. There are no wayward interpretations, but neither are there insights to rival Furtwangler’s haunting profundities. Still, ideas and feelings abound. As an example of what’s best in a new school of thought on the subject, the discs are indispensable.

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