Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116 | Johannes Brahms, Berlin Philharmonic...

Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116 | Johannes Brahms, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra | Breath-Taking Brahms

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Brahms: Concertos ...

	Brahms: Concertos for Piano No. 1 & 2, Fantasia Op. 116 Johannes Brahms, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Deutsche Grammophon, 1996 average customer review:based on 31 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

Monumental

I had heard this was an excellent recording--and since Gilels is one of my favorite pianists, I bought this despite already owning two other versions of Brahm's two piano concertos. When I first listened to the opening movement of the first concerto, I was surprised. I hated it! I wanted my money back. It seemed way too slow, too ponderous and at times too sleepy and quiet. Then it occurred to me that I had had the exact same reaction that greeted this work at its premiere performance. As I recall, even the conductor didn't care for it, and the work was even hissed. Brahms got over it. So did I. When I listened the second time I couldn't imagine why I didn't like it. The more I listened, the more it agreed with me. This is indeed one of the best recordings of these works. The sound is excellent and has great range. It's full of sparkling clarity--never muddy. From the angry and intense growl of the opening drums, through the hush of profound poetry that came in gentle waves of love and truth, the range and personality of the instruments is superb.

Gilels playing is very moving. There is thoughtful subtlety and contrast here. The 2nd is full of the dramatic muscularity and passion that people have come to expect from this work. Excellent stuff. The Fantasien, capriccios and intermezzos make this 2 CD set a bargain. Buy it.

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Breath-Taking Brahms

With a bit of skepticism I purchased this CD based on guidance found here and from Gramophone, both endorsing this CD with lavish praise. How could a recording be THAT good? Believe me (and them)... it is simply breathtaking stuff. Seldom does a CD capture such a magical combination of composition, interpretation and sound. Before Beethoven's Fourth (Concerto) and Chopin's First shared the highest place of honor in my library. No more. Brahms' Second is magnificent music and it is with good reason that this particular recording is declared the sine qua non of its performances. The product of Gilels' piano and the Berlin Philharmonic, under Jochum, is to savor as one would a fine meal or a good book. The music commands you put down what you are doing and listen. When it is over you want to hear it again. The First is equally compelling, although I can fairly recommend Serkin (Szell/Cleveland on Sony Classics) and Curzon (Szell/London on Decca Legends) as admirable readings and strong contenders. More than a mere "makeweight," the Fantasien (Op. 116) are fine performances and a delightful change-of-pace from the "more serious" concertos. Like so many before me, I have nothing but admiration and positives for this CD.

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Incredible!

This record is just awesome, unbelieveable. I am in my fifties, and have been listening to music for most of my life. I've heard Horowitz, Richter, Van Cliburn, Rubenstein, etc., but I've never heard anything like this. Gilels is just the best, period.

Either one , Gilels or Jochum is well worth the ticket

There was renowned Russian conductor who found Richter "oppressive". Gilels was never as "oppressive" as Richter albeit both were at a time taught by the same teacher and both were very demanding, each in their own way. Gilels's was a giant with an emphasis on the whole range, on each and voice (and sometimes each note) on the piano. And Jochum, being an authoritative Bruchnerian, handled his part so well and with so much grace and poetry.

There is a saying that No. 2 is essentially about the inspirations Brahms incepted from the awesome beauty of the Alps when he was approaching 50. Perhaps such background doesn't count at all, for here we obviously have much more than than that, so much so that no one could ever have called the composer a light hearted one at all. True, great music is open to all kinds of interpretation after all.

And here we have absolute excitement from both concerti, from the pianist as well as from the orchestra. And the pianist's tone is so amazing throughout the range... The two pieces are quite a sensation.

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Passionate and Beautiful

I'm not a classical music expert, but I think that I know good music when I hear it, and this music is the best. Brahms truly writes the most beautiful music ever, and these conciertos are filled with melodies that I found myself humming to myself during the day. And the passionate piano playing is something that is very moving. There is no music better. Sure, you will find music as good, but this is at the top of my list. Buy this CD if you want to experience the best.

reviews: 1, 2, page 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

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