The Story of the Symphony Volume 4: Brahms

Andre Previn's introduction to Brahms' Fourth Symphony offers insight into why composers persistently take up the challenge of writing works of symphonic stature. Unlike other musical expressions, a symphony cannot be faked. In an opera or ballet, there are costumes, a story, and scenery to distract an audience. In a concerto, there is always the charisma of the soloist or the sheer brilliance of the playing to mask flaws in the composition. But with a symphony the work is judged only on the quality of the composer's writing and his ability to develop his musical ideas. 90-minute color video.

In The Story of the Symphony series, Andre Previn conducts the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in some of the most popular and important works of the concert repertoire. In rehearsal, Previn discusses each composer and his music, using pictures, anecdotes, and orchestral excerpts to underscore his comments. Each program concludes with a complete and uninterrupted performance of the symphony. British Academy Award Winner.