Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68 was composed over 21 years (1855-76). Brahms needed to feel that his symphony continued the dignity and majesty of Beethoven’s mighty works. The 1st mvmt opens with orchestral dissonance over pounding timpani, followed by yearning phrases, a return to the opening, then an ominous atmosphere before an explosive allegro with blazing fanfares and chorale-like passages. The 2nd mvmt sings sweet melody. The 3rd mvmt opens with an innocent dance-like tune, then a manic variant, then a nobler variant. The finale opens with a crush of sound, then a horn call bringing the listener to the view from an alpine summit, followed by a chorale section. Struggles ensue and before a wild coda gives way to the ecstatic chorale melody. Karajan’s interpretation is analytical rather than Romantic, but the recordings of this and the Schumann symphony are rich in orchestral colors. The Schumann performance is warmer and feels more spontaneous. Robert Schumann’s (1810-1856) Symphony No. 1 in B-flat Major (“Spring”) Op. 38 was sketched in 1841 in 4 days and completed in one month! He was still basking in his great joy in marrying Clara Wieck, whose father had blocked the marriage for many years. The Symphony opens in darkness, and then shows, in Schumann’s words, “spring coming to life.” The trumpet calls are a “summons to awakening” into heavenly delights. The 2nd mvmt is lyric and serene. The 3rd, a Scherzo, has a splendid vigor. The finale is exultant, cheery, vivacious.