The Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op. 56a and the four symphonies by Johannes Brahms in the Swedish conductor’s and Tokyo NHK Symphony Orchestra’s versions on Radio Romania Music:

“Brahms’ 3^rd Symphony is the least performed among the four... which seems hard to understand because many think that it is the best. What I know is that this is the symphony that was most successful when Brahms lived. One of the reasons why it is not played so often is that it ends in pianissimo. A most disappointing end, without any spectacular design... everything tones down to autumn colours... that extremely beautiful, calm and red sky. I confess that this symphony is very dear to me. Enjoy!”

These are Herbert Blomstedt’s words about the 3^rd Symphony by Johannes Brahms. It is well known that Herbert Blomstedt’s interpretations, regarding the German repertoire, have become a reference for the international musical world. At this end of the week-end, Radio Romania Music offers the recordings of the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo with the Swedish conductor at its desk. The four Symphonies and the Variations on a Theme by Haydn, Op.56a in two concerts are received through the ‘Asia-Pacific’ Broadcasting Union and broadcast under the ‘World Concerts’ caption.

Saturday and Sunday, 22^nd and 23^rd February, the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyoand the conductor Herbert Blomstedt, in two concerts with an itinerary with Johannes Brahms only, at14:20 and 14:25.