Robin Ticciati & SCO - Brahms: The Symphonies - BBC Radio 3 'Record Review'

The first movement of Brahms’symphony 1, the brand new recording from the SCO conducted by Robin Ticciati. I’m quite sure that some listeners are not going to react all that well to that chamber aesthetic. If you want big boned rich bass-heavy Brahms, this isn’t going to fit the bill. But think about what you gain in the clarity of texture, the incisive winds, the period small-bore trombone, and Viennese horns from the late 19th century that they are using here. Brighter, lighter sounds balanced against the smaller string sections. Close to Brahms' favoured Meiningen orchestra I’m told, just 18 violins. Elsewhere I really enjoyed the plaintive melancholy grace of pretty much vibratoless strings with portamento slides in the third movement of the symphony number 3, especially followed by percussive attack of the finale. I think the 4th symphony works particularly well – not just the detail but Ticciati’s pacing throughout the entire symphony. The way it flows from the first movement to the andante second movement. A proper andante moderato by the way, the joy of the third movement and then the grip and firm focus of the finale passacaglia. A few moments of unbilled rubato to factor in but the way we are delivered to the coda makes perfect sense.

<Plays Symphony No. 4 Allegro Energico e Passionato>

The end of Brahms’ symphony number 4, you’ve just heard the finale played by the SCO bidding farewell to conductor Robin Ticciati with some style. You’ve just heard how their Brahms’ cycle begins and the way it ends and you’ll know by now if you’re in sympathy with their approach. I am, I’ve decided, which is why it’s my Disc of the Week. You’ll find it on 2 CDs from Linn Records, released yesterday to coincide with Ticciati’s last concert as the SCO’s principal conductor