Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

Johannes Brahms's first two symphonies reveal two contrasting sides of a musical genius. His First Symphony, completed after years of struggle under the towering shadow of Beethoven, is a dramatic journey from darkness and uncertainty to hard-won triumph. The Second Symphony, composed during an idyllic summer in the Austrian countryside, offers a striking contrast: radiant, lyrical and filled with warmth, pastoral beauty and an irresistible sense of joy. Together, these masterpieces capture the extraordinary emotional depth and expressive richness of Brahms's orchestral imagination.

Following their acclaimed recordings of Schumann's complete symphonies, Jan Willem de Vriend and the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra continue their exploration of Romantic music through a historically informed approach. With a fresh perspective on orchestral colours, phrasing and nineteenth-century performance traditions, they breathe new life into Brahms's familiar masterpieces, revealing their remarkable vitality, intimacy and dramatic power. An invitation to rediscover two symphonic landmarks with fresh ears.

1
1
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Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68
I. Un poco sostenuto – Meno Allegro
 
18:16
2
1
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Symphony No. 2 in D, Op. 73
I. Allegro non troppo
 
15:06
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2
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Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68
II. Andante sostenuto
 
08:39
2
2
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Symphony No. 2 in D, Op. 73
II. Adagio non troppo
 
08:10
1
3
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Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68
III. Un poco Allegretto e grazioso
 
04:37
2
3
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Symphony No. 2 in D, Op. 73
III. Allegretto grazioso (quasi andantino)
 
04:29
1
4
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Symphony No. 1 in C Minor, Op. 68
IV. Adagio – Più Andante – Allegro non troppo, ma con brio – Più Allegro
 
09:11
2
4
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Symphony No. 2 in D, Op. 73
IV. Allegro con spirito
 
16:02