Audition - Brahms: Symphony No. 2 - Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra/Edward Gardner

Brahms: Symphony No. 2

Bergen Philharmonia Orchestra/Edward Gardner

Recorded: 19-21st June 2023

There are a number of issues which I think make this recording and they make for quite an uncomfortable listen.  The interpretation doesn't sound settled and nor does the playing.  The orchestra and conductor aren't noted for the central German repertoire and it sounds like it.  There's a weakness in some of the playing - the worst of it is the tentative moments.  It seems takes a lot to get it moving especially the climaxes.

Perhaps it needed one more play through or some more energy to make it set light.  Under rehearsal is a dangerous thing.  Some issues are plain to see.  Throughout the work there’s a tendency for the strings and wind phrases to end with less energy than they begin with. And there's a bland air in both the solo playing and sometimes in the full orchestral passages. 

To his credit at Gardner has tried to build up a head of steam, but it’s not an easy ride for the listener nor I think him or his players. There are a lapses of flow and moments where the energy is recovered but too late: this is evident from the first few pages which is a bad sign and also in most of the climaxes. 

It's nice to hear the first movement repeat and worth noting. But the rest of the interpretation baffles me - it seems intentionally flat and bland I think, only blossoming in the final movement's blaze of glory.  By which time most of the work has been under-played and many jewels are not enjoyed.

The recording is not to Chandos' usual high standard but it will do (I heard the hi res version via a streaming service) there's nothing to suggest that this will be a memorable cycle. It seems this Brahmsian fire is withheld on this occasion.