Simon Rattle and the Berlin Philharmonic: the best recordings
The British conductor spent 16 years at the helm of the Berlin Philharmonic. Together, they created landmark recordings of some of classical music's best loved works
Mahler: Symphony No. 10
Warner Classics 5034202
‘One feels profoundly grateful to Rattle for his part in bringing alive this intriguing symphony.’
Ravel: Mother Goose
Warner Classics 264 1972
‘Rattle’s first recording of Mother Goose was superlative, but this second rendering is, if anything, better, taking full advantage of the Berlin Phil’s exceptional colours.
Brahms: Symphonies Nos 1-4
Warner Classics 267 2542
‘The playing is never less than superb, with every section of the orchestra ideally responsive.’
Schoenberg: Chamber Symphony No. 1
Warner Classics 457 8152
‘In general, Simon Rattle’s Schoenberg is more the voluptuous late Romantic than the bogeyman of popular legend.’
Bruckner: Symphony No. 9
Warner Classics 952 9692
‘Rattle’s interpretation… encompasses the full gamut of emotions from tenderness and nostalgia to some amazingly apocalyptic climaxes.’
Rachmaninov: The Bells; Symphonic Dances
Warner Classics 984 5192
‘This Bells may be unsurpassable … The three soloists are superb … Mikhail Petrenko's bass is prefaced and mirrored by the most human cor anglais solo I've ever heard … a remarkable achievement.
Schumann: Symphonies 1-4
Berliner Philharmoniker recordings BPHR140011
‘These are predictably fine performances, with well-judged tempos throughout., and moments such as the pianissimo fugato in the slow movement of Symphony No. 2 are spellbinding.’
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