Big Brahms from the LSO

There’s no arguing with the lustrous weight and focus of the LSO’s playing, nor with the unflashy integrity of Haitink’s direction

Composer: Brahms
Repertoire: Symphony No.1; Tragic Overture
Artists: LSO/Bernard Haitink
Rating: 3/5
Genre: Orchestral
Label: LSO Live LSO0045

The First Symphony offers some special moments: the finale’s great tune really does sound as stirring as it should. But you need to like your tempos seriously broad to feel on terms with Haitink’s big-boned way with the outer movements. The Tragic Overture, too, here sounds more earthbound than it should.