London Symphony Orchestra, István Kertész - Brahms: Serenades No. 1 & 2 (2007) CD-Rip

This recording provides a prime example of why the late Istvan Kertesz has been one of those conductors whose interpretations of works by Brahms and Dvorak have consistently given me great pleasure. At various places in these serenades, he displays an extroverted, outdoorsy quality that allows melodies to soar. In addition, while listening recently to Sir Charles Mackerras' versions of these scores, where that conductor uses a down-sized orchestra, I found myself preferring Kertesz's suppleness and color, the latter enhanced obviously by the use of a somewhat larger orchestra. In comparison with Haitink, Boult and Abbado, I've also perceived a greater projection of tonal contrasts, noble sentiment and expressive warmth. Clearly, these are first-rate performances from the legacy of a marvelous conductor whose most promising career was ended early by a swimming fatality.