The Four Symphonies, in the style of the Meiningen performances
This fascinating set of the complete Brahms symphonies reflects Charles  Mackerras' researches into late Romantic performance techniques. Using  contemporary letters from the composer and his close associates, Mackerras makes  a convincing case that conductors of the late 19th century typically preferred  very wide variations in tempo within a movement, and a flexible sense of rhythm.  This, of course, is something that many conductors have always done, but  Mackerras combines the technique with an orchestra similar in size to the one  that premiered many of these symphonies, and which Brahms himself preferred. The  result is fresh and exciting, with many passages of Brahms' thick orchestration  marvelously clarified. Add to this Telarc's gorgeous sound, and the result is a  delight.--David Hurwitz