Begun in 2012 with the release of Symphony No. 1, Thomas Dausgaard’s four-album traversal of the symphonies of Johannes Brahms is brought to a close with the composer’s final work in the genre – the E minor Symphony. The smaller forces of the Swedish Chamber Orchestra contribute to a transparency and clarity which bring out the finer details. As in previous installments, the symphony is coupled with other works by Brahms. Included on the present release are the Tragic Overture and selected Hungarian Dances. Composed for piano four-hands, the 21 dances became immensely popular, and Brahms arranged three of them for orchestra himself. Having made his own orchestrations of the remaining 18 dances, Thomas Dausgaard has recorded the full set for his Brahms cycle.
Music of Brahms – Swedish Chamber Orchestra, Thomas Dausgaard
