Arvid Engegård Conducts Brahms’ Second and Fourth Symphonies

Arvid Engegård conducts two of the most gripping symphonies of the late Romantic period. Brahms called his Second Symphony among the saddest things he had written, but is it really? And what do you do with a symphony that ends in desperate darkness rather than triumphant jubilation? Herbert Blomstedt must withdraw for health reasons and is replaced by Arvid Engegård. The concert on 11 November 2026 is therefore cancelled. The repertoire is unchanged. Brahms: Symphony No. 2 Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) considered himself a melancholic soul who constantly asked the question "Why?" Brahms described Symphony No. 2, composed in 1877, as among the saddest things he had ever written. The question is whether it really is? The symphony is filled with beautiful melodies and has passages that are both peaceful and idyllic. In the end it is up to the listener to decide. Brahms: Symphony No. 4 Symphony No. 4 is a Romantic masterpiece, in which Brahms combines a complex form with a deeply sensitive expression. Unlike his other symphonies there are no triumphant chords, no happy ending, but a dramatic, desperate conclusion. The symphony was premiered in 1885, conducted by Brahms himself. Programme: Brahms / Symphony No. 2 Brahms / Symphony No. 4

• Arvid Engegård

RECORDINGS OF THE WORKS

Johannes Brahms: Symfoni nr. 4 i e-moll, op. 98

Whole work

Open on Bergenphilive (2019)More recordings on Kulturbase

Johannes Brahms: Symfoni nr. 2 i D-dur, op. 73

Open on YouTube (2026)More recordings on Kulturbase

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