The recording legacy of these revolutionary and distinctive works serves to underscore the confidence Ticciati has, not only in his own vision for these symphonies, but also in his partnership with the musicians of the SCO, who relish Brahms’ highly virtuosic orchestral writing. The SCO’s renowned recordings of Mozart Symphonies are a natural predecessor to Brahms, who advances the form’s classicism into the Romantic era.

Ahead of the SCO 15/16 Season, in which all four symphonies were performed, Ticciati set out his aims: "The challenge…is to find a Brahms sound with the orchestra. To find something dark, autumnal, yet transparent, fleet footed and steeped in counterpoint." By 2017, that Brahms sound was achieved; Ticciati’s interpretations are both muscular and energized, with detail and life in every line. Ticciati’s meticulous control of tempo, phrase shape and balance results in performances of extraordinary transparency and colour.

This recording marks a major landmark in Ticciati’s career.