Leonard Bernstein conducts The Brahms Symphonies

Bernstein’s readings of Brahms have never been conventional, neither could they be described as being tied to tradition. These skillfully recorded concerts provide an exciting interpretation from a passionate musician who was never content with reproducing the ordinary – a legendary document.

This collection includes all four Brahms symphonies with Leonard Bernstein, conducting two of his favorite orchestras: Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Bernstein began his career as a conductor in Tanglewood in 1940. He was studying under Sergei Koussevitzky (founder of the Tanglewood Festival) and it filled him with pride to conduct Brahms symphonies Nos 2 & 4, 1972 at the Tanglewood Festival, as he recalled his teacher conducting the same two symphonies there.

Since his first engagement with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in the mid-1940s, the famous musician worked closely with the ensemble on numerous concerts that span half a century, and later took the role of honorary conductor.