Furtwangler : Brahms Requiem

Wilhelm Furtwängler, conductor; Stockholm Konsertförenings Orkester, Musikalista Sällskapet Kör, Kerstin Lindberg-Torlind, soprano; Bernhard Sönnerstedt, baritone; Konserthuset, Stockholm

Johannes Brahms (1833-1897): Ein deutsches Requiem, Op. 45

If you're interested in Furtwängler's views on the German Requiem, this is the performance to hear. Furtwängler led a reading of unusual intensity on this date. It's not that he emphasizes the music's contrasts, although these are given their due. It's more a matter of how he makes the music flow from one measure, phrase, section, and movement to the next; this is A German Requiem as a broad, inexorable river taking the listener to the peace of the afterlife. There is comfort here, but it never cloys or is sentimentalized. Strength provides the drama, not the application of sweetness or spurious effects. Although the two Swedish soloists are provincial, the chorus gives a strong, inspired performance, and the orchestra holds its own. Technical perfection won't be found here, but the missed notes and moments of ragged ensemble in no way detract from this reading.” —Raymond Tuttle, classical.net

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