Brahms: Symphony No. 2 - Hungarian Dances
Here, Marin Alsop follows up her successful recording of Brahms'sFirst Symphonywith an equally fine Second. The first movement has great warmth but moves ahead with conviction; the second is devoid of any unwanted density of tone; the third has real class, and the final movement is exciting, with dazzling brass. The selection of Hungarian Dances is varied and handsomely performed. At this price, this is a front-runner.--Robert Levine