Johannes Brahms - Symphonies; Overtures; Violin Concerto; Variations (Christoph von Dohnányi)

Information

Composer: Johannes Brahms

• Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68
• Symphony No. 3 in F Major, Op. 90
• Symphony No. 2 in D Major, Op. 73
• Symphony No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 98
• Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80
• Tragic Overture, Op. 81
• Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 77
• Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a "St. Antoni Chorale"

Thomas Zehetmair, violin

Cleveland Orchestra

Christoph von Dohnányi, conductor

Compilation: 2025

Label: Warner Classics

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Among Christoph von Dohnányi's finest recording achievements during his tenure as conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra is a superb series of recordings dedicated to Brahms, including the symphonies, overtures, Haydn Variations and the violin concerto masterfully performed by Thomaz Zehetmair. This is a benchmark version of this cycle of works, conducted with vigor and brio by a colorful orchestra.

Christoph von Dohnányi (1929–2025) was a renowned German conductor and grandson of composer Ernst von Dohnányi. After initially studying law, he turned to music at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater München, focusing on composition, piano, and conducting. He served as music and artistic director of the Oper Frankfurt until 1977, transforming it into a center of innovative opera. From 1984 to 2002, he was music director of The Cleveland Orchestra, leading acclaimed recordings and international tours. He later served as principal conductor of London’s Philharmonia Orchestra (1997–2008) and chief conductor of the NDR Symphony Orchestra (2004–2010).