Brahms ①Symphony No. 3 in F major, Op. 90 ②Alto Rhapsody, Op. 53 Conductor: Karl Böhm Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Christa Ludwig (Ms) Vienna Singverein Recorded: 1975 ①, 1976 ② This recording was made in Vienna immediately after Böhm and the Vienna Philharmonic's first Japan tour, which caused a sensation. The complete set won the Record Academy Award in 1976. The performance is a dignified display of Böhm's unwavering construction, and the orchestra is the Vienna Philharmonic, so the musicians' nuanced musical development within the solid framework is truly fascinating. The combination of the "Alto Rhapsody" is also a large-scale performance, with Christa Ludwig singing poignantly in a dimly lit voice against the backdrop of a rigorously sculpted orchestral sound, and the male members of the Vienna Singverein concluding warmly with a deep chorus. In Symphony No. 3, Böhm presents a resolute performance with a slightly relaxed tempo. Under Böhm's baton, the music progresses at a steady rhythm, weaving elegant tones. The second movement, Andante, is quite slow. The tones of the woodwinds and strings are soft and clear, a beautiful sound typical of the Vienna Philharmonic. The instruments in the lower register provide solid support, and the tones of all the instruments are blended. The melodies of Brahms are drawn out with the beautiful Viennese sound. The third movement is exceptionally wonderful. It is a brilliant performance that truly brings out the characteristics of the Vienna Philharmonic. The sorrowful beauty of the cello is combined with the sensuality of the violins, and the healing tones of the oboe, flute, and clarinet overlap. The warm tones of the horns are deeply flavorful where the theme is repeated. This is a wonderful performance that could only be achieved by the Vienna Philharmonic. And then the fourth movement. Normally, this movement has the power to blow everything away, but Böhm's conducting is objective, or rather, he keeps a distance from the passion and doesn't get too carried away. He maintains a steady tempo and, without giving in to emotion, elevates this piece with dignity and symphonic grandeur. Early domestic pressing [CD body is West German pressing] 12 No obi, no scratches on the disc surface Slight scratches on the plastic case *Discounts for multiple purchases (please comment in advance)