1 Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 - (Un poco sostenuto... Allegro) -
Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Herbert Von Karajan
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2 Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 - (Andante sostenuto) -
Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Herbert Von Karajan
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3 Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 - (Un poco Allegretto e grazioso) -
Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Herbert Von Karajan
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4 Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 - (Finale, Piu Andante... Allegro non troppo, ma con brio) -
Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Herbert Von Karajan
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5 Symphony No. 1 in B flat major ("Spring"), Op. 38 - (Andante un poco maestoso - Allegro molto vivace) -
Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Herbert Von Karajan
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6 Symphony No. 1 in B flat major ("Spring"), Op. 38 - (Larghetto) -
Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Herbert Von Karajan
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7 Symphony No. 1 in B flat major ("Spring"), Op. 38 - (Scherzo, Molto vivace - Trio I, Molto piu vivace - Trio II) -
Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Herbert Von Karajan
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8 Symphony No. 1 in B flat major ("Spring"), Op. 38 - (Allegro animato e grazioso) -
Orchestra/Ensemble: Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Conductor: Herbert Von Karajan
Admirers of
Herbert von Karajan often point to his
Deutsche Grammophon recordings of the 1960s and '70s as his best work, and note that this was a highly productive time for him and the
Berlin Philharmonic, when they recorded prolifically and perfected the burnished sound that became their stock in trade. To be sure, these performances of
Johannes Brahms'
Symphony No. 1 in C minor, recorded in 1963, and
Robert Schumann's
Symphony No. 1 in B flat major, "Spring," performed in 1971, are sonorous and rich in orchestral colors, and only the most stubborn critics would deny the seductive power of the sound of these recordings. However, there are more things to consider than their excellent ensemble blend and the great audio reproduction.
Karajan's interpretation of the
Brahms is surprisingly analytical and detached, not at all what is expected in this noble Romantic symphony, and there's a calculated approach to the timing and movement that emphasizes effect over emotion. It feels as if
Karajan's hyper-awareness of what will translate to a recording interfered with his ability to passionately communicate the range of
Brahms' expressions, so there is an aloof quality that keeps the music at arm's length. The performance of the
Schumann is considerably warmer and more spontaneous in feeling, and this suggests an increased rapport between
Karajan and the orchestra that yielded better music. The "Spring" is at its best in the first movement, thanks to the
BPO's joyous outbursts, and in the Finale, where
Karajan's pacing is a little more flexible than in the two previous movements.
DG's ADD sound is clean and clear, and the performances were captured with pleasant resonance. ~ Blair Sanderson, Rovi
![Beethoven: 9 Symphonies [Box Set]](http://image.allmusic.com/13/acg/cov75/cl000/l050/l05054qx49u.jpg "Beethoven: 9 Symphonies [Box Set]")
