Symphony 3 / Tragic Overture / Schicksalslied
This is a great Brahms Third, make no mistake about it. Most of Claudio Abbado's work has been so unmemorable that it's almost a relief to see him showing some of the excitement and fire that characterized his youthful recordings in this, Brahms's most difficult symphony. TheTragic Overtureis similarly fine, and theSong of Destiny, a work which refuses to live up to its title, sounds as good as it probably can. First-rate.--David Hurwitz