Completing their Chandos Brahms Symphony Cycle, Edward Gardner and the Bergen Philharmonic issue a second generous release. It’s not everyday that these two works occupy a single disc, and include the exposition repeat (indivisibly returned to) in Symphony Two (not an option in Four), although Gardner doesn’t rush. Rather the opening movement flows, enjoys expressive curves and lean textures: a refreshing view, clear-sighted in terms of direction and journeying before culminating with an exciting Finale (and dashing, accelerating coda) via a slow movement that however does need to be more expansive, its deeply-felt sentiments somewhat masked, and a crisper than usual intermezzo; overall the creation by a less-corpulent and fully shaven composer that is contrary to most images of him. The Fourth though is weightier in timbre and intent, more inclined to reflect, a Brahms Four like many another, which doesn’t make it any less recommendable; in fact, it’s rather good, with, in particular, a slow movement of gravitas, a rhythmically agile Scherzo, and a final movement that culminates defiantly. Chandos CHSA 5248 [SACD] is released on the Second Day of January. Excellent Grieghallen sound.
https://www.chandos.net/products/catalogue/CHSA%205248