“If Brahms had called his enchanting Serenade in D major a symphony—and he almost did—we would be hearing it all the time.” (Michael Steinberg, annotator)
Music Director Nicholas McGegan and Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra bring to life the depth and brilliance of Brahms’ two Serenades in this recording on historically accurate instruments.
Recorded live at First Congregational Church, Berkeley, CA on March 10-11, 2012 (Serenade No. 2) and February 13-14, 2010 (Serenade No. 1).
21st October 2012
“Brahms’s serenades are something of a curiosity...Even McGegan’s period instruments can’t disguise some overthick scoring. No. 2 is a mixed bag, but No. 1 is a delight, and comes fresh as paint in this joyous live recording.”
February 2013
“The principal virtues in this coupling concern clarity (especially with regard to inner voices) and musical intelligence...These performances are interesting, even instructive to hear but lack the element of interpretative character needed to bring these adorable works fully to life.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.
