The Berlin Philharmonic has unveiled a powerful new live recording, capturing chief conductor Kirill Petrenko's profound interpretation of Johannes Brahms's foundational works. This release on the orchestra's in-house label presents Brahms's Symphony No. 1 alongside the Tragic Overture, offering a fresh perspective on these cornerstones of the classical repertoire.
A Conductor's Meticulous Research
For this project, Kirill Petrenko delved deep into historical performance practice. His interpretation is informed by annotated scores from the Meiningen Court Orchestra, which contained specific directions from the composer himself. This meticulous research, conducted for a performance captured just two months ago at the Berlin Philharmonie, results in a reading that some may find interventionist, yet it possesses an undeniable organic momentum.
The performance is characterised by a pronounced flexibility that, as detailed in the album's booklet, illuminates Brahms's own "furious struggle against the bar line". While the balance across the orchestra is impeccable, there are moments where the recording engineers have perhaps over-spotlighted individual solos.
Contrasting Acoustic Experiences
The Tragic Overture, recorded the previous year, is a standout. It leaps from the speakers with dramatic urgency, its expertly crafted arc delivering a sustained adrenaline rush from start to finish. The piece benefits from what sounds like a more favourable acoustic setting compared to the symphony.
This contrast is notable, as the symphony's recording, though powerful, is occasionally afflicted by a woolliness in the bass frequencies that is absent from the crisp and clear sound of the overture.
A Significant Addition to the Canon
This album is a significant entry in the Berlin Philharmonic's ongoing mission to document Petrenko's thoughtful explorations of the classical canon. For enthusiasts of Brahms, conducting, and orchestral virtuosity, this release provides a compelling, live-energy experience of two monumental works. It showcases the Berliner Philharmoniker at its peak, guided by a conductor with a clear and researched vision.
The recording is available to stream on major platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify.
