Symphony No 1 / Tragic Overture

Bernard Haitink follows his critically acclaimed recording of Brahms's Second Symphony, released on LSO Live in January 2004, with an extraordinary account of Brahms's Symphony No 1.

Concert reviews:
'This was the LSO surpassing even themselves … inspired by the man on the podium, Bernard Haitink … this was an exceptional reinvention of the work.'
The Times (UK), 24 May 2003

'a performance of resplendent virtuosity, in which every movement and every gesture, was part of a gripping journey … [Bernard Haitink] animated each movement with a fiery energy.'
The Guardian (UK), 23 May 2003

'polished playing and finely judged phrasing made everything fall into place'
The Independent (UK), 27 May 2003

Brahms struggled for years to compose his first symphony, fearful of comparison to Beethoven and unsure of his own ability. His apprehension was unwarranted as the epic work that eventually emerged was ecstatically received. In its four movements it almost mirrors Brahms own struggle in its composition, ascending to one of music's most joyous finales.

A high density DSD (Direct Stream Digital) recording

Recorded live at the Barbican Centre on 22 & 23 May 2003