Most great conductors are eccentric, but Walter was unusually gentle, amiable, diligent, and a man of character (except for his issues with women). He emigrated from Germany to the United States in 1938. After the war, he performed with many orchestras such as the NYP and VPO, but announced his retirement at the age of 80 (1956). He was then persuaded to record a vast number of stereo recordings with a recording-only orchestra on the West Coast (the Columbia Symphony Orchestra). These Brahms performances, though by an elderly conductor, are full of energy. They have a dignified style, yet also convey a sense of serene detachment. They also possess Walter's characteristic warmth, expansiveness, and earnestness. Please note that the Academic Festival Overture is duplicated. Bruno Walter conducting the Columbia Symphony Orchestra Brahms [CD1] ① Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 ② Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a ③ Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80 Recorded in 1959 (①), 1960 (②③) Sony Classical (USA) edition (manufactured in 1995) [CD2] ① Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98 ② Tragic Overture, Op. 81 ③ Academic Festival Overture, Op. 80 Recorded in 1959 (①), 1960 (②③) Sony Classical (Japan) edition (manufactured in 1989)