Brahms: Symphony No. 2; Variations On A Theme By Haydn (CD)

Monteux recorded Brahms’s Second Symphony several times; in addition to the present recording for Decca with the Vienna Philharmonic, there are versions with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. He recorded the Variations on a Theme by Haydn just once, in 1958, with the London Symphony Orchestra. This reissue continues Eloquence’s survey of selected Philips and Decca recordings by Monteux.

‘his is a fine reading [of the Second Symphony], the first movement unfolding naturally (with exposition repeat, as Monteux always taught his students), the second never bogging down like Walter or Karajan’ Fanfare

‘Monteux gives a fresh, relaxed account of the Second with the Vienna Philharmonic and the spaciousness of his reading is enhanced by the fact that he observes the first movement exposition repeat. […] Recommended.’ Gramophone, July 1971

‘Monteux’s account of the [Haydn Variations] is hugely enjoyable and the natural, unforced yet splendidly disciplined orchestral playing makes this record highly desirable’ Gramophone, June 1971

TRACK LIST

JOHANNES BRAHMS
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73
Wiener Philharmoniker
Pierre Monteux

Variations on a theme by Haydn 
London Symphony Orchestra
Pierre Monteux