Just perfect. Szell was one of the greatest Brahmsians.

Not only the excellent performance of Cleveland and Szell but the incredible recording full of the minimal details. Quite an experience.

When I was young I would listen to this symphony whenever I wanted to be put in a contemplative mood.

I value very especially Brahms 1 (one of my desert island symphonies without a doubt) but have many reservations with the following three. I find them excessively lyrical, naked, distilled, as if Brahms went too far trying to get to the very essence of the music and forgot that many things were left apart. I know it is just me, incapable of understanding the inner balances, the delicate instrumentation, the subtle messages, etc but there is little more I can do after decades of listening. But there is one exception: the finale (Allegro con spirito) of this 2nd symphony. I just love the energy, the stamina, the life, the vitality... oh boy, I find it simply irresistible and I can`t stay just seated, I need to dance like a fool or conduct the orchestra until the very end with that glorious brass chorale that burns you out. This Szell/Cleveland recording was my first Brahms 2nd, and still my favourite by far. I listen to the whole thing some times, but I mostly play only the Allegro con spirito at full volume (enjoy, neighbours). It is the best anti-depressive you may find, and cheap! From 38:52 it is like life is worth living it again and again.

My favorite Brahms 2nd , especially 1st horn Myron Bloom.

40ウン年前以来、この演奏を何回聴いたことか。何枚LP、CDを買ったことか。何人とこの演奏について語ったことか。

!Fabuloso!

Together with Kleiber's, this is the best interpretation I have heard.

Compared to Szell most other recordings sound laboured or perfunctory

Brividi...

Thanks Mom.

7:48 horn cracks a note :)