Charles Munch - Charles Munch conducts Romantic Masterworks (2011)

This set contains most if not all of the music by the above composers that Munch recorded for RCA, and generally speaking the performances vie with the best. Some, such as Schubert’s Second Symphony, have been very hard to find. There are some genuine classics, of course—the Heifetz Mendelssohn Violin Concerto, and the most exciting Schubert Ninth yet recorded (after this scherzo everyone else sounds a bit tame, Szell excepted perhaps)—but there are some surprises too. For example, the Rubinstein Brahms Second Concerto is well-known, but the Graffman First (balancing the piano too far forward) is not, and sonic issues aside, it’s very good, with a particularly compelling first movement.

Munch’s Brahms symphonies are equally splendid, and it’s a pity he never did the Third. In tandem with these vibrant versions of Nos. 1, 2, and 4, we would have had one of the great cycles. In Schumann Munch is perhaps a touch less memorable, but his Mendelssohn symphonies are simply first class. This “Italian” Symphony, for instance, always has been a reference recording of the work. Older collectors will be familiar with many of these performances, but those coming to the Munch/Boston collaboration for the first time in this repertoire may find the impassioned discipline of these performances revelatory. Start with that Schubert Ninth, then try the Brahms Second and Fourth. If these don’t grab you, then nothing will. -- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday