Immerse yourself in the rich, orchestral world of Johannes Brahms as reimagined by the ingenious English composer Robin Holloway. Released on May 5, 2023, "Brahms by Arrangement, Vol. Two: Orchestrations by Robin Holloway" is a captivating exploration of Brahms' timeless compositions, meticulously arranged for chamber orchestra. This album, featuring the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Paul Mann, offers a fresh perspective on Brahms' masterpieces, including his Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23, Six Canonic Studies, Op. 56, and Symphony in F Minor, Op. 34.
Holloway's orchestrations are both reverent and inventive, paying homage to Brahms while infusing the works with a unique, modern sensibility. The album spans a total of 22 tracks, with a duration of 1 hour and 24 minutes, providing a comprehensive journey through Brahms' musical genius as interpreted by Holloway. The English composer has based his orchestrations on Debussy's arrangements, adding his own creative touches to bring these works to life in a new, compelling way.
Critics have praised the album for its dialogue with the past, highlighting how Holloway's arrangements bring present benefits, earning it a commendable 4 out of 5 stars. Whether you're a longtime fan of Brahms or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a fresh and engaging way to experience the composer's enduring legacy. The collaboration between Holloway, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and conductor Paul Mann results in a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply expressive, showcasing the beauty and complexity of Brahms' compositions in a new light.
2023 Toccata Classics2023 Toccata Classics
Tracks
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: I. Theme: Andante, Leise und innig (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: II. Variation 1: Pochino più mosso, delicato (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: III. Variation 2 (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: IV. Variation 3: A tempo, grazioso (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: V. Variation 4: Misterioso (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: VI. Variation 5: Grazioso con moto (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: VII. Variation 6: Alla marcia (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: VIII. Variation 7: Allegro leggiero (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: IX. Variation 8: Andante con moto ardente (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: X. Variation 9: Maestoso (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: XI. Variation 10: Alla marcia, poco lento (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Variations on a Theme of Schumann, Op. 23: XII. Epilogue (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Six Canonic Studies, Op. 56: No. 1, Con moto egual’e dolce (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Six Canonic Studies, Op. 56: No. 2, Gently lilting, flowing (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Six Canonic Studies, Op. 56: No. 3, A tempo, andantino piacevole teneramente (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Six Canonic Studies, Op. 56: No. 4, Con moto amabile: supple and airy (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Six Canonic Studies, Op. 56: No. 5, Vivace (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Six Canonic Studies, Op. 56: No. 6, Andante serioso (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Symphony in F Minor, Op. 34: I. Allegro non troppo (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Symphony in F Minor, Op.34: II. Andante (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Symphony in F Minor, Op. 34: III. Scherzo: Allegro – Trio (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
Symphony in F Minor, Op. 34: IV. Finale. Poco sostenuto – Allegro commodo (Arr. for Orchestra by Robin Holloway)Johannes Brahms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Paul Mann
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