| 08/04/2003 (3 out of 5 stars) The Symphonies of Brahms in particular regularly keep me alert to the possibilities of new and rewarding adventures in discovery and enjoyment. When it comes to sets of these works, it is difficult, of course, to find a conductor who hits a home run by emphatically touching all four bases (symphonies). A number of factors might be responsible for one s falling short. Sometimes, it s the lack of fantasy, inspiration, loving care, revealing colors and nuances or just that special feel. In other instances excesses may contribute to nonfulfillment. For example, in the last movement of the First Symphony Wand is somewhat overdriven. At times, he is also choppy. In the Third Symphony s first movement his pace is too fast, and occasionally, as in the First Symphony, he comes down too hard. In the composer s lovely second and third movements, the poetic element is virtually nonexistent, and again, the pace is too swift. Finally, in the last movement Wand