The Complete Recordings On Deutsche Grammophon & Philips

After Wilhelm Furtwangler's death, Herbert von Karajan inherited the mighty Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. Furtwangler was a force to be reckoned with on the podium, but the young Karajan's gifts were prodigious... "Das Wunder" was more than up to the task of taking on Furtwangler's orchestra. Unfortunately, Claudio Abbado faced an insurmountable task... how on earth could he ever begin to compete with his predecessors? To say that replacing Herbert von Karajan at the helm of the Berlin Philharmonic was a hard act to follow would be "understatement of the year". Karajan said that only two things in life needed a dictatorship: the military and music, and Karajan ruled with a rod - or baton! - of iron. Abbado believed that the best results could be achieved - musically speaking - if teamwork was applied, and Abbado's easy-going personality and his embracing a more relaxed, democratic approach when it came to communicating with his orchestra brings to mind Bruno Walter; he too achieved his musical aims through collaboration rather than "confrontation". However, Karajan's recorded legacy provides proof positive that a musical "dictatorship" may well place certain demands on orchestral musicians which some find unacceptable, but it gets results, and Karajan achieved great things, results which Claudio Abbado during his tenure was unable to emulate. But we are not comparing like with like... I'll leave it at that.This box-set is a fitting tribute to a fine musician and a thoroughy decent human being. Claudio Abbado never gets between the composer and the listener; the music is conveyed with an honesty and naturalness that is refreshing - all art sans artifice - and Abbado is never out to impress with wilful, interpretative gestures - no pulling the music about, no playing to the gallery. Abbado's Brahms recordings are a very beautiful; such depth of expression - nostalgia, a yearning for things past - and there's that underlying Brahmsian strength - iron fist in a velvet glove - that glows with a benevolent warmth. Abbado was a great Mahlerian, it goes without saying, his Berlin Philharmonic Mahler recordings are never less than excellent, and there are few Mahler recordings in the catalogue that better these. Mahler... this is where Claudo Abbado and Herbert von Karajan meet on equal terms. Beethoven is another matter... I enjoy Abbado's no-nonsense approach, but his Beethoven lacks interpretation, lacks a stamp of authority, and doesn't linger in the mind afterwards - to say that it's unmemorable would be unkind. Don't misunderstand Abbado's Beethoven is good, in isolation... Of course, Karajan had no such problem; his Beethoven is power incarnate, is ALL "personality" and absolutely unforgettable! However, it has to be said, I did find Pollini's Beethoven Piano Concertos most enjoyable; they are are refined and sophisticated - some might say "aristocratic" - and Abbado and the BPO don't disappoint in providing the subtlety and power when necessary. The Prokofiev Piano Concertos are superb - energised, bright and alert - with Argerich and Kissin delivering virtuoso performances, and there's Hindemith's Mathis der Maler, which receives a very fine performance under Abbado's baton, not quite up to Blomstedt's exalted standard in his recording for Decca, but nonethless most convincing. There are so many excellent recordings in this set... Stochausen's "Gruppen"... it's an acquired taste that I'm beginning to acquire! Abbado's Mussorgsky and Wagner recordings don't disappoint, and the Berlin Philharmonic sounds magnificent - a warmer and smoother sound than under Karajan's baton, but perhaps just lacking a little in "colour" and not having quite Karajan's grip on rhythmic pulse, dynamic thrust, outright power and precision.I have listened to everthing in the box and it's been a most enjoyable experience. Abbado is much maligned in some quarters - some Karajan admirers dismiss Abbado as being little more than an also-ran - but rest assured, the music in this box-set is magnificent, and every day can't be a "Karajan Day". Herbert von Karajan is an idol that will never be toppled; his recorded legacy remains the crowning glory of the classical music catalogue. But Claudio Abbado has much to say, and it's all music to my ears... and Claudio Abbado and idolatry don't mix - I need not explain.The box-set is beautifully presented with original artwork and with excellent booklet notes included. The set is an absolute steal at Amazon's current asking price - £54 for sixty CDs, remarkable. Of course, money is of little consequence, and Abbado's art is priceless. As I say above, I consider this box-set a fitting tribute which serves Abbado's memory well. Limited Edition, they say... best not to hang around - purchase without delay.

This is a really good collection of Abbado;s recordings with the Berlin Philharmonic an era in which Abbado led them gently away from the stait jacket of Karajan . It contains most of the 19th century worksand a few 20th century ones. although disappointing that there is no Bruckner or Tchaikovsky symphonies. You can buy these separately as a supplement to the box which is a bargain at roughly £1-20 per disc. The performances are fine and this box would be a good introduction to the standard repertoire. However I can only give the box 4 stars as for disks which stretch over 80 minutes the last track on the disc is missing. Thus for example in the disck of the 2 Brahms serenades in the 2nd serenade the last movement is missing. Other than that a fine set of discs

If a recording is on Deutsche Grammophon it is going to be top notch.. a record label you can trust.

Great collection of music. Showing why Claudio Abbado is so admired.

satisfied

Good to enter the world of classical music. I hope to listen to as much as I could

A large carton, very well protected, price concessions