[SACD-R][OF] Carlos Kleiber, Wiener Philharmoniker - Brahms: Symphony No. 4 in E minor Op. 98 - 1980/2009 (Orchestral)

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An enduring charisma that lives on in death: Carlos Kleiber’s last studio recording with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
The popularity of conductor Carlos Kleiber (July 3, 1930 – July 13, 2004) still shows no sign of slowing down five years after his death. He had a charisma that mystified countless audiences with his graceful and gorgeous conducting, extremely few concerts and limited repertoire, and frequent cancellations. But most of all, Kleiber delighted audiences with the charm of the actual performance, regardless of opera or concert being played. In total Kleiber made only nine studio recordings, eight of which were for DG, the first being “Der Freischutz” (1973) and the last “Tristan und Isolde” (1982), as well as one for EMI.
All other recordings were of live performances, with both official and bootleg versions existing. This performance of Brahms Symphony No. 4, recorded in March of 1980, is fourth recording with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. It stands out as both Kleiber’s first digital recording, but also his last studio recording with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. His first performance of this work at the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s subscription concert in December of 1979 was a great success. Four months later he energetically committed himself to make the recording in the studio. The sense of exuberance pervading this studio performance is truly remarkable. His interpretation can be considered revolutionary, for it swept away the sense of ennui inherent maybe epoch-making in terms that it cleared away the inherent ennui of this symphony. Furthermore, it is interesting to note that the subtle emphasis on phrases and voice parts lends more depth to the sound, clearly seen within the exquisite agogics in the third movement’s theme.

The supreme SA-CD/CD hybridization becomes a reality
Compared to Kleiber’s past three albums with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, this recording captures his characteristically fluid and clear sound with remarkable clarity. This is made possible by the unique advantages digital recordings offer. As was done with the ESOTERIC project in the past, uncompromising efforts were made at each stage of the SA-CD hybridization process to recreate the original sound, from selecting the master tape for the recording to the final DSD mastering. Likewise, the D/A converters, rubidium clock generator and MEXCEL cables were all used for DSD mastering. The careful adjustment of ESOTERIC's top grade equipment has made it possible to store all of the information from the original performance onto disc, creating an unconstrained sound that is authentic.
This performance may never be surpassed (Hiromi Saito)
- A dynamic expression that fully exploits the talents of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. There is no sense of ambiguity clouding this performance. This conductor does not tacitly follow the score, but tries to bring out the underlying meaning and express it to the fullest. Thus, the amazingly delicate melodies are put together carefully and precisely. One could say that this the unique performance depicts Carlos’s youthful and carefree personality.
(Tadao Koishi, from “The Record Geijutsu Special Issue:
Classical Music Record Book Vol. 1 - Symphony”, 1985)
- A powerful performance as intense as a raging inferno, recorded when Kleiber was 50 years old. Pure magnificence and splendor! It instantly captivates the listener with its depth and masculine dynamism. The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra’s fiery passion and sonority really gets one excited. The thick brass, swirling strings, and the all-important tight percussion are what really stand out with this orchestra. It’s hard to imagine another performance ever surpassing this.
(Hiromi Saito, from “1000 Monumental Masterpieces
of Classical Music”, 2007)

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SA-CD.net:
Review by mwgfrg September 28, 2010 (9 of 11 found this review helpful)
Performance: Sonics:
If this were not one of the truly greatest Brahms Symphony recordings ever made, Esoteric's pricey reissue wouldn't be justified. The original CD release of an undistinguished digital recording was pretty awful: glassy, tubby, you choose the word. Subsequent reissues improved on the original, and a recent Japanese SHM-CD was actually quite respectable. The Esoteric is a major step forward: the upper strings have real bite without being shrill, there is a new clarity in the lower ones, the bass has some real extension, and there is actually some depth. I finally hear something resembling the sound I hear from the Vienna live in Carnegie Hall. Worth it? Well, yes, until you hear a comparable Brahms 4th in better sound--the Reiner/Royal Philharmonic, the old Walter/Columbia (actually on SACD), and the Sanderling/Dresden come to mind--but for me this is the recording and transfer to have.
Review by ritournel November 21, 2009 (0 of 38 found this review helpful)
Performance:
I have not heard this SACD but I fairly know the regular CD which is a true jewel. It is the shortest (37 minutes) and certainly the most energic version of Brahm's fourth symphony. The CD record was awarded by a Global prize at Montreux, Switzerland and I enjoyed it over the years. Depending on the work done by the engineers with the remastering, it is potentially an excellent buy, worth to check.