Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Dear CMG members,
I do not write here as much anymore due mainly to a lack of time. However, I still think of you and I thought that I could start a new thread. In 2001, when I was still a real newbie, I purchased an introductory book on classical music entitled "Classical Music, a New Way of Listening" by Alexander Waugh. I found that book every interesting and I often go back to it once in a while. While reading the author's comments on Brahms back then, I came upon the following line: "For those whose first experience with Brahms was the very german Ein Deutsch Requiem or his piano pieces Op. 116 to 119, please do not get discouraged. Their audacity and their beauty will one day reveal themselves to you". I finally listened to the piano pieces some times later after reading that line. It took me some times but I eventually learned to appreciate and love these pieces to the point where I now totally agree with the end part of Waugh's line.
Some said that they are pieces from an old man who look back at the past with nostalgia. Some say that it makes them think of the Fall. I have always found that these pieces where somehow the equivalent for the piano of the late Clarinet Sonatas, Clarinet Trio and Clarinet Quintet of Brahms (written near the end of his career as well). They have always being among my favorite works of Brahms. Especially the Op.118.
Anyways, I would really like to know the thoughts of CMG members regarding theses pieces.
Here is a question to get even more replies : Any favorite recording of these works ?
I do not write here as much anymore due mainly to a lack of time. However, I still think of you and I thought that I could start a new thread. In 2001, when I was still a real newbie, I purchased an introductory book on classical music entitled "Classical Music, a New Way of Listening" by Alexander Waugh. I found that book every interesting and I often go back to it once in a while. While reading the author's comments on Brahms back then, I came upon the following line: "For those whose first experience with Brahms was the very german Ein Deutsch Requiem or his piano pieces Op. 116 to 119, please do not get discouraged. Their audacity and their beauty will one day reveal themselves to you". I finally listened to the piano pieces some times later after reading that line. It took me some times but I eventually learned to appreciate and love these pieces to the point where I now totally agree with the end part of Waugh's line.
Some said that they are pieces from an old man who look back at the past with nostalgia. Some say that it makes them think of the Fall. I have always found that these pieces where somehow the equivalent for the piano of the late Clarinet Sonatas, Clarinet Trio and Clarinet Quintet of Brahms (written near the end of his career as well). They have always being among my favorite works of Brahms. Especially the Op.118.
Anyways, I would really like to know the thoughts of CMG members regarding theses pieces.
Here is a question to get even more replies : Any favorite recording of these works ?
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Listen to the Glenn Gould recording. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
„Du sollst schlechte Compositionen weder spielen, noch, wenn du nicht dazu gezwungen bist, sie anhören.‟
-
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 27613
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 2:25 am
- Location: The Great State of Utah
- Contact:
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Nice to see you again, Matt.ravel30 wrote: I finally listened to the piano pieces some times later after reading that line. It took me some times but I eventually learned to appreciate and love these pieces to the point where I now totally agree with the end part of Waugh's line.
Some said that they are pieces from an old man who look back at the past with nostalgia. Some say that it makes them think of the Fall. *** Clarinet Quintet of Brahms (written near the end of his career as well). They have always being among my favorite works of Brahms. Especially the Op.118.
Here is a question to get even more replies : Any favorite recording of these works ?
These are my desert island Brahms. I adore these pieces. As much as I dislike big Brahms, I love these compositions exponentially more. My fav recordings are the Kempff for the piano pieces, available on Galleria, a DGG budget label, and Stoltzman's recording with the Cleveland Quartet (nla) when all were too young to really understand the depth of the elegiac feeling in the Quintet, but rendered it so beautifully anyway. Much superior to his effort with the Tokyo IMO. The latter lacked the warmth of the former.
Corlyss
Contessa d'EM, a carbon-based life form
Contessa d'EM, a carbon-based life form
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Hi Ken,Ken wrote:Listen to the Glenn Gould recording. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
Nice to talk to you again. Interesting comment. Any thoughts on the pieces though ?
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Hi Corlyss_D,Corlyss_D wrote:Nice to see you again, Matt.ravel30 wrote: I finally listened to the piano pieces some times later after reading that line. It took me some times but I eventually learned to appreciate and love these pieces to the point where I now totally agree with the end part of Waugh's line.
Some said that they are pieces from an old man who look back at the past with nostalgia. Some say that it makes them think of the Fall. *** Clarinet Quintet of Brahms (written near the end of his career as well). They have always being among my favorite works of Brahms. Especially the Op.118.
Here is a question to get even more replies : Any favorite recording of these works ?
These are my desert island Brahms. I adore these pieces. As much as I dislike big Brahms, I love these compositions exponentially more. My fav recordings are the Kempff for the piano pieces, available on Galleria, a DGG budget label, and Stoltzman's recording with the Cleveland Quartet (nla) when all were too young to really understand the depth of the elegiac feeling in the Quintet, but rendered it so beautifully anyway. Much superior to his effort with the Tokyo IMO. The latter lacked the warmth of the former.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on theses pieces and on the Clarinet Quintet as a bonus. The Quintet was not really part of my questions but I would have to agree with you concerning the eligiatic feeling. Great comment and observation.
-
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 20773
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 1:27 am
- Location: Binghamton, New York
- Contact:
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
I am very much attracted to these sets of pieces. I always had a passion for those recorded by Wihelm Kempff for DGG, and any that Walter Gieseking recorded as well as Bruce Hungerford's on Vanguard, and those recorded by Julius Katchen on Decca. I also very much love the Op. 76 set as well. Among all these pieces comprising those four opuses, Brahms offers much diversity in pianistic colour and technique ... some real introspective gems for the pianist. There are, of course, many fine recordings of individual pieces performed by pianists from all these sets. The nice thing is one can "pick and choose!"
Lance G. Hill
Editor-in-Chief
______________________________________________________
When she started to play, Mr. Steinway came down and personally
rubbed his name off the piano. [Speaking about pianist &*$#@+#]
Editor-in-Chief
______________________________________________________
When she started to play, Mr. Steinway came down and personally
rubbed his name off the piano. [Speaking about pianist &*$#@+#]
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Although I like all of the Opp. 116-119 very much, the Op. 118 is my favorite. Here I prefer Stephen Bishop Kovacevich (Philips) to Lupu, Katchen, Gould, Kempff, and Gieseking. Gieseking is a bit fast, but I prefer that to a little too slow or indulged (Lupu, Katchen). Although I'm very fond of Kempff as a pianist, he is to me too abrupt here, and doesn't seem to quite gear into the idiom. I think Gilels recorded only the Op. 116, which I think is wonderful. I wish he had done them all.
Greg Weis
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Nicholas Angelich plays these like he was born with Brahms in his fingers. I have loved excerpts from these sets on other recordings (notably Emmanuel Ax), but this was my first complete set: I could listen to them over and over.
-
- CMG's Chief Decorator
- Posts: 4005
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:59 am
- Location: In The Steppes Of Central Asia
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
I have so many versions of these great piano masterpices. But, I will recommend Wilhelm Kempff. He is exquisite in this sublime gems.
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
These are the autumnal works of an old man in a declining civilization. I dearly love them. What do you think of the Radu Lupu interpretation?
-
- Posts: 4687
- Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:31 pm
- Location: Brush, Colorado
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
I always liked sightreading them, back when my fingers had the strength.
I did the Intermezzo in A on the organ as prelude music in church a few times; the F Major Intermezzo is also quite suitable, though it requires some shifting in the hand parts (the main theme's in octaves, in both hands).
Some memorable historical recordings:
any that Backhaus did;
Murdoch (on Decca) doing the E-flat Intermezzo (Op.117) and the E-flat Rhapsody (Op.119)....Murdoch takes it at the same breakneck speed as Gieseking but doesn't spill wrong notes all over the place;
Hess' Intermezzo in C (Op.119...this was just about her signature piece, apart from Jesu, Joy), and also her Duo-Art/Ampico piano roll of the E-flat Rhapsody from Op.119 (for the best transfer, find a copy of the Everest LP)
I did the Intermezzo in A on the organ as prelude music in church a few times; the F Major Intermezzo is also quite suitable, though it requires some shifting in the hand parts (the main theme's in octaves, in both hands).
Some memorable historical recordings:
any that Backhaus did;
Murdoch (on Decca) doing the E-flat Intermezzo (Op.117) and the E-flat Rhapsody (Op.119)....Murdoch takes it at the same breakneck speed as Gieseking but doesn't spill wrong notes all over the place;
Hess' Intermezzo in C (Op.119...this was just about her signature piece, apart from Jesu, Joy), and also her Duo-Art/Ampico piano roll of the E-flat Rhapsody from Op.119 (for the best transfer, find a copy of the Everest LP)
Last edited by Wallingford on Mon Nov 02, 2009 5:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Good music is that which falls upon the ear with ease, and quits the memory with difficulty.
--Sir Thomas Beecham
--Sir Thomas Beecham
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Here' my favorite pianist in Brahms Intermezzo op.117-1.
Heavenly playing from a different age.
Heavenly playing from a different age.
-
- CMG's Chief Decorator
- Posts: 4005
- Joined: Tue Mar 25, 2008 7:59 am
- Location: In The Steppes Of Central Asia
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
lmpower wrote:These are the autumnal works of an old man in a declining civilization. I dearly love them. What do you think of the Radu Lupu interpretation?
Lupu is a favorite pianist. His Decca Brahms is noble and intense. Highly recommended for a more powerful approach to these magnificent pieces.
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
A great pick, Jack - illustrative of Schnabel's interest in works that were "greater than they can be performed."
As for Lupu, Mel, He's always worth hearing. I remember a recital of his some years ago, when he finished with Opus 118. You remember that desolate final Intermezzo ih E Flat Minor, one of the saddest endngs in music. Before the final chord faded, some damn fool yelled BRAVOOOOOO!
Ruined the mood completely.
As for Lupu, Mel, He's always worth hearing. I remember a recital of his some years ago, when he finished with Opus 118. You remember that desolate final Intermezzo ih E Flat Minor, one of the saddest endngs in music. Before the final chord faded, some damn fool yelled BRAVOOOOOO!
Ruined the mood completely.
Werner Isler
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Kempff absolutely, and Hamelin on Op 119, I just got it recently. Stephen Kovacevic I like too.
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Thanks for the Schnabel link. Exquisite.
-
- Posts: 4687
- Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:31 pm
- Location: Brush, Colorado
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
I don't believe anyone's mentioned the late Walter Klien (on Vox)........he recorded all the published solo stuff, on two 3-disc Vox Boxes.
He was rather mincing in the manlier works, but appropriately sensitive in the others.
He was rather mincing in the manlier works, but appropriately sensitive in the others.
Good music is that which falls upon the ear with ease, and quits the memory with difficulty.
--Sir Thomas Beecham
--Sir Thomas Beecham
-
- Disposable Income Specialist
- Posts: 17113
- Joined: Tue Mar 27, 2007 1:19 pm
- Location: New York City
- Contact:
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
They are now available in one 5CD Box, I paid $12.99 for mine...Wallingford wrote:I don't believe anyone's mentioned the late Walter Klien (on Vox)........he recorded all the published solo stuff, on two 3-disc Vox Boxes.
He was rather mincing in the manlier works, but appropriately sensitive in the others.
Sent via Twitter by @chalkperson
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
In addition to Gould I will also back up Kempff, who gives the pieces a wonderful texture. But now I'm interested in hearing Nicholas Angelich's recent recording; I've read a lot about him in the music press, and now that a CMGer has strongly recommended him...
„Du sollst schlechte Compositionen weder spielen, noch, wenn du nicht dazu gezwungen bist, sie anhören.‟
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
I love all these pieces, although I don't have a favorite disc of them. I especially love attempting them at the keyboard (currently revisiting 117 #2 --such a perfect embodiment of melancholy). Some of them I have gone back to over and over, and each time it's amazing to find subtleties that I missed before. These pieces are amazing to me in that they each have a sort of aura that remains the same over repeated hearings/playings, but beneath the surface they are protean.
Teresa
Teresa
"We're all mad here. I'm mad. You're mad." ~ The Cheshire Cat
Author of the novel "Creating Will"
Author of the novel "Creating Will"
-
- Posts: 4687
- Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:31 pm
- Location: Brush, Colorado
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
The Rhapsody in E-flat, coming at the end of Op.119, is really quite the clincher. It's a fabulously surreal piece of music, what with the opening theme's muscularity, receding periodically into the shadows, giving way to a menacing C-minor theme, then conceding momentarily to this ultra-mellow, almost swishy A-flat theme.......it's like opening a long series of doors (to Wonderland, perhaps?) and finally ending where you started.
Brahms couldn't have written a more effective swansong to the solo piano.
Brahms couldn't have written a more effective swansong to the solo piano.
Good music is that which falls upon the ear with ease, and quits the memory with difficulty.
--Sir Thomas Beecham
--Sir Thomas Beecham
-
- Military Band Specialist
- Posts: 26856
- Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2004 10:15 pm
- Location: Stony Creek, New York
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Well said.Teresa B wrote:I love all these pieces, although I don't have a favorite disc of them. I especially love attempting them at the keyboard (currently revisiting 117 #2 --such a perfect embodiment of melancholy). Some of them I have gone back to over and over, and each time it's amazing to find subtleties that I missed before. These pieces are amazing to me in that they each have a sort of aura that remains the same over repeated hearings/playings, but beneath the surface they are protean.
Teresa
There's nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.
-- Johann Sebastian Bach
-
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 27613
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 2:25 am
- Location: The Great State of Utah
- Contact:
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
My favorite Brahms pianist playing my favorite intermezzo, Op 118, #2. Someone referring to this once said it was Brahms' farewell to the piano. Kempff plays it without excessive sentimentality, with a kind of matter-of-factness that one can imagine Brahms might have had toward the end of his career.
Corlyss
Contessa d'EM, a carbon-based life form
Contessa d'EM, a carbon-based life form
-
- Site Administrator
- Posts: 27613
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 2:25 am
- Location: The Great State of Utah
- Contact:
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
When I hear them, I so envy you who can play them. Very few pieces make me wish I had continued my piano studies. These are among them.Teresa B wrote:I love all these pieces, although I don't have a favorite disc of them. I especially love attempting them at the keyboard (currently revisiting 117 #2 --such a perfect embodiment of melancholy). Some of them I have gone back to over and over, and each time it's amazing to find subtleties that I missed before. These pieces are amazing to me in that they each have a sort of aura that remains the same over repeated hearings/playings, but beneath the surface they are protean.
Teresa
Corlyss
Contessa d'EM, a carbon-based life form
Contessa d'EM, a carbon-based life form
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Here's another vote for Wilhelm Kempff's recordings of late Brahms. Actually, he recorded most of this music twice, and I like the earlier, somewhat more lyrical versions for Decca/London a bit better. But the DG recordings are very fine.
John Francis
-
- Posts: 4687
- Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:31 pm
- Location: Brush, Colorado
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
One pianist who virtually never made records: ABRAM CHASINS, author of the classic tome, "Speaking Of Pianists."
In the early 50s he was contracted to Mercury, for which he recorded Bach's Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue, Mozart's C-Minor Fantasy (K.475), and Brahms' three Rhapsodies.
Of the last, Harold C. Schonberg admired Chasins' emphasis on the purely pianistic, rather than the rugged aspects of the music.
In the early 50s he was contracted to Mercury, for which he recorded Bach's Chromatic Fantasy & Fugue, Mozart's C-Minor Fantasy (K.475), and Brahms' three Rhapsodies.
Of the last, Harold C. Schonberg admired Chasins' emphasis on the purely pianistic, rather than the rugged aspects of the music.
Good music is that which falls upon the ear with ease, and quits the memory with difficulty.
--Sir Thomas Beecham
--Sir Thomas Beecham
-
- CMG's Chief Resident Newbie
- Posts: 3157
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 3:50 pm
- Location: Hereford Cathedral
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Matt... do you have the DG recordings of the two Piano Concertos by Emil Gilels with Jochum & Berlin? The 2nd disk contains the Fantasias op.116 Nos 1-7, which are beautifully played, and provide an excellent addendum to what must be some of the finest Brahms PC performances..
-
- Posts: 3195
- Joined: Tue May 20, 2003 11:01 am
- Contact:
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Abram Chasins also recorded some Chopin, as well as Bach Two Piano Concertos and other two piano works with his wife (and student) Constance Keene.
I'm glad that Harold Schonberg admired his playing. I think they were otherwise not too fond of each other!
I'm glad that Harold Schonberg admired his playing. I think they were otherwise not too fond of each other!
Donald Isler
-
- Posts: 4687
- Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:31 pm
- Location: Brush, Colorado
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
I was speaking simply of SOLO discs.....apart from several duo-piano discs he made with spouse Constance Keene, Chasins did only--perhaps--one or two commercial solo LPs.
Good music is that which falls upon the ear with ease, and quits the memory with difficulty.
--Sir Thomas Beecham
--Sir Thomas Beecham
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Abram Chasins was a Josef Hofmann pupil, and his "Speaking of Pianists" is full of interesting and entertaining observations and anecdotes about that extraordinary collection of piano giants living in the USA at the time. I can see why Schonberg would have shown some respect; he ought to.
That said, I've heard tell that in the Chopin recording, Chasins got some uncredited assistance with the heroic polonaise - Mrs. Chasins is said to have supplied the left-hand octaves in the middle section. Whether or not this is true, I wouldn't know how to find out.
That said, I've heard tell that in the Chopin recording, Chasins got some uncredited assistance with the heroic polonaise - Mrs. Chasins is said to have supplied the left-hand octaves in the middle section. Whether or not this is true, I wouldn't know how to find out.
John Francis
-
- Posts: 3195
- Joined: Tue May 20, 2003 11:01 am
- Contact:
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Yes, they joked about her helping getting his octaves going, but they said in the take that was used he played them by himself!
Donald Isler
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
I have some of the Brahms music played by Schnabel on an old Seraphim Lp. I like the Late Brahms piano pieces but I don't make the distinctions between early, middle, and late Brahms in terms of quality, let alone his chamber and big band works. I like the Op34 Quintet in F minor. The early youthful romantic Brahms of the First Symphony and D minor piano concerto are fine-O with me.
It's the Kempff recording that has made the biggest impression on me...
bro
It's the Kempff recording that has made the biggest impression on me...
bro
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Ah so! Glad to have the straight story.Donald Isler wrote:Yes, they joked about her helping getting his octaves going, but they said in the take that was used he played them by himself!
John Francis
-
- Posts: 4687
- Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:31 pm
- Location: Brush, Colorado
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
One of my old teachers cropped up in my mind: DANIEL GRAHAM.
He did Op.116--backed with the Handel Variations--on the Vivace Classics label, VDR-1101. It's a pretty obscure recording, though, and perhaps its only release: when put out in 1980, most (all?) copies were littered with loud pops & even skips.....it's likely the label went belly-up from all the copies apparently returned! In fact, I had to undergo such an unpleasantry with MY first copy.
They're fine performances, however. Graham has a very natural romantic style, and David Hall (in Stereo Review) said the interpretations were creditable, stopping just short of the level of a Backhaus or a Fleisher (Graham's teacher).
He did Op.116--backed with the Handel Variations--on the Vivace Classics label, VDR-1101. It's a pretty obscure recording, though, and perhaps its only release: when put out in 1980, most (all?) copies were littered with loud pops & even skips.....it's likely the label went belly-up from all the copies apparently returned! In fact, I had to undergo such an unpleasantry with MY first copy.
They're fine performances, however. Graham has a very natural romantic style, and David Hall (in Stereo Review) said the interpretations were creditable, stopping just short of the level of a Backhaus or a Fleisher (Graham's teacher).
Good music is that which falls upon the ear with ease, and quits the memory with difficulty.
--Sir Thomas Beecham
--Sir Thomas Beecham
-
- Posts: 4687
- Joined: Tue Jul 22, 2003 3:31 pm
- Location: Brush, Colorado
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
The rest of you might not be familiar with this pianist, but Lance & I do (right, Lance?!): the Latvian-born German pianist-composer, EDUARD ERDMANN.
He recorded the whole of Op.117 for HMV (Europe) in the 78 era, with Beethoven's Bagatelle, Op.126, #6 as filler.
He plays them as idiomatically as any central European could be expected to.
He recorded the whole of Op.117 for HMV (Europe) in the 78 era, with Beethoven's Bagatelle, Op.126, #6 as filler.
He plays them as idiomatically as any central European could be expected to.
Good music is that which falls upon the ear with ease, and quits the memory with difficulty.
--Sir Thomas Beecham
--Sir Thomas Beecham
-
- Posts: 417
- Joined: Sat Feb 11, 2006 6:21 pm
- Location: NYC
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
I was just reading this old thread and wanted to ask those who recommend Kempff which Kempff they are referring to? The mono or stereo DG? Also, for those who have heard both, is there much difference between them?
George
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Wow! It is great to see that there was once a time when I was interested enough in CMG to start thread . Still love those
beautiful pieces by Brahms. There is a lot of amazing material from the old Brahms. The clarinet sonatas are a pure delight.
Matt.
beautiful pieces by Brahms. There is a lot of amazing material from the old Brahms. The clarinet sonatas are a pure delight.
Matt.
-
- Posts: 3195
- Joined: Tue May 20, 2003 11:01 am
- Contact:
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
In all modesty (?) I think my recording of Op. 119 (on KASP Records) ain't bad.
Donald Isler
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Kempff's monaural recordings for Decca and stereo rerecordings for DG strike me differently. The DG versions seem rather dryer in interpretation and the sound of his piano. I've kept my old London LPs of the early 1950s, and when I want to listen to that music, it's those that I reach for. Here's a sample:gperkins151 wrote:I was just reading this old thread and wanted to ask those who recommend Kempff which Kempff they are referring to? The mono or stereo DG? Also, for those who have heard both, is there much difference between them?
John Francis
-
- Posts: 2201
- Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2005 5:47 am
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
I have the Opp 116-117 from the 50s via the GPOTTC 2 disc set and can heartily concur with John F regarding these performances.
-
- Posts: 573
- Joined: Wed Jan 20, 2010 5:00 pm
- Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
Thanks, George, for resurrecting this thread -- it started and stopped before I joined CMG.
My intro to these wonderful pieces was the Mikhail Rudy (EMI), a young man playing an old man's music. They're still on my shelf, but little played. They were quickly displaced in my affection by Kempff's stereo version. Since then, Lupu, Kempff mono, Katchen, Kovecevich, Angelich and our own Donald Isler have been acquired and determined to be well worth keeping.
Two favorites that have gone unmentioned here are Kubalek on Dorian and Perahia's recent Sony CD.
My intro to these wonderful pieces was the Mikhail Rudy (EMI), a young man playing an old man's music. They're still on my shelf, but little played. They were quickly displaced in my affection by Kempff's stereo version. Since then, Lupu, Kempff mono, Katchen, Kovecevich, Angelich and our own Donald Isler have been acquired and determined to be well worth keeping.
Two favorites that have gone unmentioned here are Kubalek on Dorian and Perahia's recent Sony CD.
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
I love Brahms's miniatures, if I can call them that.
-G
-G
Harakiried composer reincarnated as a nonprofit development guy.
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
I can also highly recommend this recording by Zilberstein:
http://www.amazon.com/Brahms-Paganini-V ... 654&sr=8-2
http://www.amazon.com/Brahms-Paganini-V ... 654&sr=8-2
Re: Your thoughts on Brahms' Op. 116 to 119
As miniatures go, 119/3 is an absolute gem , it allways puts a smile on my face every time I listen to it.
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: Baidu [Spider], Google [Bot] and 32 guests