4 Symphonies

Too indulgent and over-the-top for some, Bernstein's cycle of Brahms' Symphonies, recorded live in 1983, is a passionate and heart-wrenchingly Romantic account. Some love it; others conditionally like it. Detractors exaggerate the slowness: longer movements that are typically performed by other conductors in 10-15 minutes take about 1:30-2:30 longer under Bernstein. The sole exceptions are the first movements of Symphony No.1, 3:25 longer, and of Symphony No.2, which is a full 5:38 longer than Klemperer, for example. Sound quality is excellent and unmarred by audience participation.