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.
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
Recording Producers: John Culshaw (Symphony); James Walker (Variations)
Recording Engineers: James Brown (Symphony); Cyril Windebank (Variations)
Recording Locations: Sofiensaal, Vienna, Austria, 13 & 15 April 1959 (Symphony); Kingsway Hall, London, UK, 8–9 December 1958 (Variations)
‘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
‘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’s account of the [Haydn Variations] is hugely enjoyable and the natural, unforced yet splendidly disciplined orchestral playing makes this record highly desirable’ Gramophone