Alexander Shelley and the NAC Orchestra continue their perspective of works by Johannes Brahms, Robert and Clara Schumann. Clara is present here through songs performed in July 2021 by Adrianne Pieczonka and pianist Liz Upchurch. The symphonic part, recorded in 2018, before the orchestra’s European tour, combines Symphonies noto 2 by Schumann (Robert) and Brahms. We are struck, especially in Brahms, by the determination and the powerful artistic integrity of the conductor’s vision, totally in line with the previous record: no superfluous slow-motion, no false pomp, an aggressiveness that is never jostled. This is really the 2e of Brahms that one dreams of hearing when going to the concert and which, discographically, would hold many surprises in blind listening (what a superbly articulated third movement!). Obviously, in Schumann too, the colors of Vienna, Dresden and Amsterdam are deeper, but the directions of this stature are rare. We think here of Schuricht-Vienna for Brahms. Strongly the 3e !
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