Naming the three partners in "the three B's" of music history is much easier than recalling all "three tenors." But Johannes Brahms is decidedly the third wheel after Beethoven and Bach. He was the last of this trio of great composers, bearing influences from each in his rich and sweet Romantic melodies.
As much as Brahms honored these predecessors, he too had a major impact on composers who came after him. Dvorak, Elgar and Schoenberg all indicate the diversity to be found in Brahms.
The Minnesota Orchestra explores Brahms in "Bravo Brahms!" with works that indicate his breadth -- concertos for violin and piano, symphonic works and simple songs.
Here are recommended recordings of each of the Brahms selections that will be part of the festival beginning Thursday:
- Variations on a Theme by Haydn: Royal Concertgebouw, conducted by Bernard Haitink, on Universal
- Violin Concerto: Jascha Heifetz, with Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Fritz Reiner, RCA
- Symphony Nos. 1 and 3: Berlin Philharmonic, conducted by Herbert von Karajan, Deutsche Grammophon
- Piano Concerto Nos. 1 and 2: Emil Gilels with the Berlin Philharmonic, conducted by Eugen Jochum, Deutsche Grammophon
- Serenade Nos. 1 and 2: London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Istvan Kertesz, Decca
- Hungarian Dances, "Nänie" and "Schicksalslied" ("Song of Destiny"): London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Neeme Järvi, Chandos Classics
