Jorge Bolet piano
London Philharmonic Orchestra
Klaus Tennstedt, conductor

Klaus Tennstedt recorded the Brahms Symphony No.1 commercially in the studio in 1983, but it was an early release and has not been available for many years. This BBC Legends release is a new addition to his live discography, and will be a “must” for all his fans. It is very dramatic and powerful. The Royal Festival Hall concert was described by one critic as “a forceful yet often radiant performance, the essential outlines well prepared in rehearsal, but leaving something to add in spontaneous response…”. The fact that Tennstedt here is caught live is very important for all collectors who, on occasions, lamented the emotional difference between his studio performances and the white hot risk-taking of the live event. This is one of Tennstedt’s great performances recorded on the wing.

BBC Legends has also released one of Tennstedt’s infrequent performances of Brahms’ Symphony No.3 (BBCL 4167-2), coupled with Beethoven’s Symphony No.7.

The coupling features the very distinguished Cuban pianist Jorge Bolet playing the Schumann Concerto “live” (he did not enjoy studio recording!). It perfectly complements the Brahms coupling with a broadly conceived and poetical performance, which was always the wish of the composer’s widow Clara. Bolet’s performance here was described as “thoughtful…the antithesis of what might have been expected from a virtuoso hitherto perhaps best known for his commanding brilliance in Liszt”. To the collector, Bolet is very close to Adelina de Lara’s recording in style.