BRAN MS. Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98. Concertgebouw Orchestra / Bernard Haitink. Philips Sequenza 0 6527 143; CI 7311 143. From 6500 389 (10/73).

Haitink and the Concertgebouw Orchestra make an eminently reliable combination for the symphonies of Brahms, and in its sober way this record will undoubtedly give solid satisfaction. But the approach is the very opposite of chimerical and the slow movement does not take wing as in some more romantic version. The recording is bright, fairly full, but not so rich in the upper strings as is usual from this source. An enjoyable performance then, and quite good value at midprice. However, I think both on grounds of recording and performance Kertesz's 1973 Decca disc (JB85, 3/82) is a better buy. It too is a serious approach, but it is more volatile and shows both Kertesz and the VP0 in their best form. I.M.