This performance of Brahms's Second Symphony dates from RCA's 'Dynagroove' days and many people remember the dreadful sound of those mid-1960s stereo Lps. Well, it turns out that the master tapes were fine and the problems developed during RCA's mastering of those tapes for Lp. Even so, this particular performance always sounded marvelous, even on Lp, with each section of the great Boston Symphony Orchestra registering with superb clarity. In fact, I take issue with the HDTT liner notes writer who thinks that Brahms used a fairly generalized approach to orchestral color ... In Leinsdorf's wonderfully propulsive but carefully considered performance, the various color textures sound out with such clarity that at times I was reminded of Webern and his development of 'klangfarbenmelodie'. I've characterized the performance as 'propulsive but carefully considered' but it might be more helpful to liken Leinsdorf's approach to other conductors like George Szell and William Steinberg. Very much of the Toscanini school, but never hard-driven. (Toscanini's 1952 mono Brahms 2 remains an acme of this kind of approach, but Leinsdorf, Szell, and Steinberg are worthy successors.) I have loved Leinsdorf's performance since it appeared on Lp and I am happy to report that HDTT's transfer (from a 15 ips tape) is outstanding in every way. One of the most truthfully beautiful presentations of the sound of an orchestra you will ever hear!
