Brahms: Piano Sonata, Op. 5 / Four Ballades, Op. 10

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Most pianists luxuriate in the full-dress pianism of Brahms's third sonata, but Stephen Hough's way of celebrating it, plus the little-played op. 10 Ballades, is the epitome of restraint--with spare pedaling and shimmering translucent textures. In this early work, Brahms takes us on a tour of his freshly created musical landscape. Hough makes the ideal guide, alert to every twist and turn in the journey and to every compositional caprice. Did Brahms write this passionate sonata during the first weeks of his acquaintance with Clara Schumann? Either way, it doesn't matter: he was clearly in the mood for love, and that is what shines out of the Andante expressivo movement, which is based on a love poem by Sternau. He was clearly also infatuated with Robert Schumann's work. His debt to his older mentor is evident in many places, to the point--in the third of the ballades--where he seems to have cribbed directly from Schumann's Kreisleriana. But Brahms's fanatical craftsmanship is also in evidence. Speaking of the sonata, he wrote to a friend: "I have washed it quite clean, so that it can now allow itself to be seen in public." Hough's recording reflects the same scrupulous care. --Michael Church

Tracks:

Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op.35: Book 1 - Heft 1
Variations On A Theme By Paganini, Op.35: Book 2 - Heft 2
Variations And Fugue On A Theme By G.F. Handel, Op.24: B Flat Major
4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante
4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante
4 Ballades, Op.10: Intermezzo. Allegro
4 Ballades, Op.10: Andante con moto

Tracks:

Works For Solo Piano: Ziemlich langsam
Works For Solo Piano: Poco larghetto
Works For Solo Piano: Allegro
Works For Solo Piano: Walzer Nr. 1 - 8
Works For Solo Piano: Walzer Nr. 9 - 16
Works For Solo Piano: Scherzo es-moll

Tracks:

Works For Piano Solo: Allegro
Works For Piano Solo: Andante
Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro molto e con fuoco
Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Allegro con fuoco
Works For Piano Solo: Allegro non troppo ma energico
Works For Piano Solo: Andante con espressione
Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro
Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Introduzione (sostenuto) - Allegro non troppo e rubato
Works For Piano Solo: Agitato
Works For Piano Solo: Molto passionato, ma non troppo allegro

Tracks:

Works For Piano Solo: Allegro maestoso
Works For Piano Solo: Andante espressivo - Andante molto
Works For Piano Solo: Scherzo. Allegro energico
Works For Piano Solo: Intermezzo. Andante molto
Works For Piano Solo: Finale. Allegro moderato ma rubato
Works For Piano Solo: Presto energico
Works For Piano Solo: Andante
Works For Piano Solo: Allegro passionato
Works For Piano Solo: Adagio
Works For Piano Solo: Andante con grazia ed intimissimo sentimento
Works For Piano Solo: Andante teneramente
Works For Piano Solo: Allegro agitato

Tracks:

Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op.76 - I Capriccio in F sharp minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - II Capriccio in B minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - III Intermezzo in A flat major
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - IV Intermezzo in B flat major
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - V Capriccio in C sharp minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VI Intermezzo in A major
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VII Intermezzo in A minor
Works For Solo Piano: 8 Pieces, Op. 76 - VIII Capriccio in C major
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - I Intermezzo in A minor
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - II Intermezzo in A major
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - III Ballade in G minor
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - IV Intermezzo in F minor
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - V Romanze in F major
Works For Solo Piano: 6 Pieces, Op. 118 - VI Intermezzo in E flat minor
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - I Intermezzo in B minorn B
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - II Intermezzo in E minor
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - III Intermezzo in C major
Works For Solo Piano: 4 Pieces, Op. 119 - IV Rhapsody in E flat major

Tracks:

Works For Solo Piano: Andante moderato
Works For Solo Piano: Andante non troppo e con molto espressione
Works For Solo Piano: Andante con moto
Works For Solo Piano: g-moll
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: F-dur
Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
Works For Solo Piano: Des-dur
Works For Solo Piano: F-dur
Works For Solo Piano: a-moll
Works For Solo Piano: e-moll
Works For Solo Piano: E-dur
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: D-dur
Works For Solo Piano: d-moll
Works For Solo Piano: B-dur
Works For Solo Piano: f-moll
Works For Solo Piano: fis-moll
Works For Solo Piano: D-dur
Works For Solo Piano: h-moll
Works For Solo Piano: e-moll
Works For Solo Piano: e-moll

Customer Reviews:

I disagree with the consensus here.......2007-07-11

I was disappointed by this set and would not recommend it. It's great that all of Brahms' piano works are included here and the boxed set includes some difficult to find works (like those Op. 21 variation sets) as well as the better known and wonderful later piano pieces and the Op. 39 Waltzes.

The problem is that Katchen's performances are flawed and often unpleasant. The worst problem is that he bangs the keys a lot. Fortissimo passages are ideally not supposed to be noisy; they are intended to be loud and forceful without being unpleasant. It's a key distinction that Katchen fails to realize. I also think that Katchen's technique is a bit patchy. He blurs the passagework and there is a lack of both accuracy and delicacy in the fast passages. To take an example, the Op. 76 set is marred by both of these problems: a lack of accuracy and a tendency to bang on the keyboard. I also found many of the passages that didn't suffer from these problems to be interpretationally uninteresting (the slow parts of the Paganini Variations, Bk II are undistinguished, to take an example). Big thumbs down.

I did some direct comparison of sets to the Katchen performances and in every case Katchen was far inferior.

Take the Op. 39 Waltzes: Leon Fleisher's old recording is wonderful and much more sensitive and interesting than Katchen.

I also listened to Radu Lupu's recording of the Opp. 117-119 pieces (THAT is a wonderful recording - if you are looking for a superb recording of Brahms piano music, get that one and save yourself the aggravation of the Katchen set) and it's simply no contest.

I also sampled the terrific Op. 79 Rhapsodies and the Paganini Variations as played by a favorite pianist of mine, the lesser-known French pianist Nicholas Angelich, and Katchen's sloppy and undirected interpretations pales before the versions by a "non-superstar" pianist.

So while I admit I haven't listened to every portion of the Katchen set, I found every reason to avoid it when compared to some alternatives available.

Don't hesitate to get this set.......2007-07-04

It's a good thing I waited to write this until I'd heard these CDs a few times. I would have been guilty of understatement. Katchen's work grows on me in much the same way Brahms' music itself does. It is rich in nuance and insight, and never fails to please.

I'll confess, I bought this set to fill the gaps in my piecemeal collection. What a delightful surprise to find my "stopgap" set more than holds its own against recordings by the likes of Richter, Rubinstein and Gilels. To help the reader overcome any reluctance I offer a few comments on the few "downsides" mentioned by others:

Yes, Katchen does play fast, but not always, and certainly not out of inability to hold the listener's attention through more artful means. Katchen's track times are often slower than Rubinstein's or even Gilels'; but where the spirit moves him, he can go like a rocket. He's generally fastest in the earlier works, where a case can be made for playing them with youthful ardor; Katchen does this to a T. This applies to the first 2 sonatas, the Paganini variations (why would anything associated with Paganini lack splash and dazzle?) and to a much lesser extent, parts of the Handel variations. The main thing is, it works. The very few places where I felt Katchen was rushing the music are heavily outnumbered by places where the added energy seems to "fit" like a glove.

Yes, in an exhaustive set you inevitably endure the "bottom of the barrel." I'm surprised how little of this 6-CD set strikes me as anything less than indispensible. Every track is worth hearing. Katchen has been surpassed here and there, but he doesn't put in a bad performance in the whole batch.

Yes, the recordings are more than 40 years old. They will not satisfy the most jaded audiophile (there's not quite the "presence" of a good recording today). But they are amazingly clean and lifelike for their age (even the 3 tracks that are mono). They sound noticeably better than the popular Rubinstein recordings of equal vintage. At first I thought I heard a touch of bass-heaviness, but now I just think Katchen gives us a strong, clear bass line. Once again, it works. The sound is simply not a problem for a normal listener.

Finally, there's the small stuff. Getting the CDs out of their tight-fitting sleeves without putting your fingerprints on the playing surface is well-nigh impossible, unless you give in and apply a letter opener to solve the problem once and for all. Is that any reason not to get this much wonderful music at such a low price? London has even revived the old practice of offering different program notes in different languages, so that multilingual readers can benefit from more than one set of comments. All around it's a winner!

Superb interpretations by Katchen.......2006-11-16

Katchen's performace throughout this collection are excellent.Brahms integrates many of Schumann's,Bach's and Beethovens compositional ideas into his own works.He is a master of the appoggiatura(suspension of the dominant chord).And the ghosts of Bach,Schumann,and Beethoven appear at intervals throughout this collection of his piano works.The VARIATIONS ON AN ORIGINAL THEME is an ethereal experience,and the Op.09 VARIATIONS ON A THEME BY SCHUMANN, composed after his death,Brahms's pathos,especialy in the slower variations, make you aware of his sadness of Schumann passing, as there is vivid sense of despair and remorse you can hear throughout.It is well documented the profound influence Shumann had on Brahms's compositional process.OP.76 is a passionate performance by Katchen.You also have short piano works culminated in Op116,Op 117,Op.118,which includes the great masterpiece in Ebminor,and Op.119.The Pagganini Variations,Variations on a theme by Haydn,the Ballads Op. 10.And both volumes of the HUNGARIAN DANCES,the 2 Rhapsody's,and VARATIONS ON A THEME BY HANDEL.It quite remarkable that such music could be created by such a young man in the astonishing Sonatas,OP.1,OP.2,and OP.5.The slow movements in all three sonates are very inspiring,and heart fealt.It makes you glad to be alive in order to hear such remarkable music.A well balanced performance throughout.If your a Brahms lover,this is a must for your collection.Enjoy

A little rushed sometimes, but beautiful.......2005-02-03

To be honest, I can't really figure out how much I like Katchen's performance. It's hard to gauge because Brahms's piano music is inherently exceptional played by just about any performer.

I feel that the ballades, op. 10 are played way too fast (although I'm not exactly sure how close Katchen is to Brahms's tempi indications). I've heard them by several other performers and, being a Gould fan, would have to say that his slower interpretation really captures how beautiful the pieces are more than anyone else. I also enjoy Kempff's performances of many later works. Katchen really seems so rushed for some reason. To me, that really takes attention away from the fine details, which I think are so essential to Brahms's piano music. He's not quite delicate enough with some of the pieces.

This faster speed is only very slight for the rest of the set, but pretty consistently. I think he does a better job with more intense pieces like many of his larger-scale variations and the sonatas. Those I would give 5 stars, but only 4 stars for the op. 116-119, for they're a little too fast.

My only other qualm is the arrangement of the set. It would be nice to have all the sonatas together on a disc, 116-119 on a disc, etc., going along with the whole chronological thing..

However, all these things are personal preference. I would definitely recommend this set. It's made up about 1/2 of my music listening for the past couple months. It's not expensive at all for what you're getting, and if you get just one Brahms piano cd, you're going to want to get more, so you should just get it over with and have this whole set, it's fabulous music. Just keep in mind that this is not the only interpretation that should be considered.

Radiant and inspired recordings.......2004-09-19

If there is a more effervescent , idiomatic , innovative and resplendently performance of the Handel Variations , I have not heard it . Katchen emphasizes with colossal scrupulosity the wide doe and the diversity spectre of the orchestral instruments . You must marvel at the technical equipment of Katchen playing .
The other outstanding version of these Variations is of Michael Ponti (live preformance)
gifted with a major emphasis in the striking and color tone ; but the point to remark is that in both performings the approach is similar ; every one of the Variations must be played as a microcosmos in itself ; with nuance , grace , majesty, powerful imagination, sense of the span and above al ; savoir vivre . If you intend to play with authoritative precision without Mediterranean dewy and radiant mood ; you are destined to fail with these Variations and becoming unbearable for the audience and the listener . Lamentably , there are many of them in the actual market but I think you can guess them .
The two Rhapsodies are performed with the highest commitment . Melodic flight and arresting lyricism .
The Sonatas are superbly performed . The Sonata No. 3 may find serious matchers with Clifford Curzon and Paul Badura Skoda .
The intermezzos are depicted with the adequate illuminating . These intimate pages must be played with the perfect balance of light and shadows ; think in Chopin Nocturnes for instance . Only Glenn Gould gets close to him in the Intermezzo Op. 117 No. 2 .
The Ballades may be the weakest works of this fundamental set . Benedetti Michelangeli and Emil Gilels recorded brilliant and eloquent versions.
Finally The Paganini Variations find in Benedetti Michelangeli a serious and unbeatable adversary .
To be honest , this set is widely recommendable for you , to know the whole and intimate world of Johannes Brahms , the beloved son of Hamburg.
Katchen also recorded a powerful Islamey and an unforgettable Rachmaninoff No. 2 .

Average customer rating:

Wilhelm Kempff Would Be Proud
Magnificent Brahms
Poor
Masterful, beautiful Brahms

Brahms: Complete Piano Music

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0009A1ALO
Release Date: 2005-05-31

Customer Reviews:

Wilhelm Kempff Would Be Proud .......2007-07-18

Among contemporary pianists who studied with the great German master Wilhelm Kempff, Gerhard Oppitz strikes me as the most Kempff-like. Very secure technically, Oppitz nevertheless is always keener to probe beneath the surface of the notes on the printed page than to play those notes as fast as possible. The end result never slights dramatic effect, but never mistakes dramatic effect as the most important element of a performance, particularly in music as elusive and multidimensional as the music of Brahms. Oppitz understands that Brahms's music is (structurally speaking) formed and 'carried' by the bass in a way that dictates that it be played as if the chords were unfolding .... the melodies shaped plastically and carried out from the inner notes of the chords, as it were .... but without sacrifice of rhythmic continuity. No small accomplishment, that! Julius Katchen takes a stricter approach that others admire more than I: an "all American" performance style that stresses quick tempos, rhythmic vigor and a bold projection of color and texture that neverthless seriously scants the subtleties of Brahms's musical language. For those who admire 'black and white' Brahms, Katchen remains a distinguished choice and his now 40+ year old analog recordings still sound impressive. But Oppitz offers a more thoughtful, three-dimensional Brahms that, to my ears, is just as exciting and even more appealing, plus he has been given truly first-rate digital recording.

Magnificent Brahms.......2007-06-23

I cannot imagine better performances of any of these pieces. The emotional impact of Oppitz's playing is overwhelming. He captures the
mood of each work perfectly. He plays with what can be best described as a flexible sound. At times it is pianoforte like, and at other times it rings out like a full orchestra. His use of the sustain pedal is very sparing; and when he does use it, it is with a subtlety that does not draw attention to itself. I will admit that this sound took awhile to get used to; but after listening to these discs a few times, it now seems
absolutely right for this music. One can hear each note clearly. There
is none of the muddiness that some performers bring to this music. These
performances would be worth having at any price; but at about $25.00 for
six discs and each disc having more than 70 minutes of music, this box set
is a steal! I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Poor.......2007-05-26

Of all the various complete sets of Brahms I have heard this is by far the worst. Even the piano tone grates. The Brilliant set is cheap and good; the Katchen set is very good indeed.

Masterful, beautiful Brahms.......2006-01-13

It's great to hear Oppitz perform all of Brahms' solo piano music. He has a deep, idiomatic understanding of the music and is wonderfully expressive. The packaging is nice and it's a treat to have all of this music in one set, especially at such a good price. Go for it!

Average customer rating:

Worthwhile, especially if you like Brahms

Brahms: Complete Piano Music

Manufacturer: Nimbus Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gavottes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

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Mendelssohn: Complete Piano Music
Schubert: The Piano Sonatas
Works for Solo Piano
Liszt: Piano Works
Bartok: Complete Solo Piano Music

ASIN: B0000037BE
Release Date: 1995-04-16

Tracks:

Son No.1 In C, Op.1: I. Allegro
Son No.1 In C, Op.1: II. Andante
Son No.1 In C, Op.1: III. Scherzo: Allegro Molto E Con Fuoco
Son No.1 In C, Op.1: IV. Finale: Allegro Con Fuoco
Scherzo In E Flat, Op. 4
Son No.2 In F#, Op.2: I. Allegro Ma Non Troppo, Ma Energico
Son No.2 In F#, Op.2: II. Andante Con Espressione
Son No.2 In F#, Op.2: III. Scherzo & Trio: Allegro-Poco Piu Moderato
Son No.2 In F#, Op.2: IV. Finale: Introduzione: Sostenuto-Allegro Non Troppo E Rubato
Study For The Left Hand (Inpromptu By Schubert, D. 899 No.2)
Study No.1 (Etude After Chopin, Op.25 No.2)
Study No.2 (Rondo After Weber, Op.24)

Tracks:

Four Ballades Op.10: No.1 Andante-Allegro-Andante
Four Ballades Op.10: No.2 Andante-Allegro Non Troppo-Andante
Four Ballades Op.10: No.3 Intermezzo: Allegro
Four Ballades Op.10: No.4 Andante Con Moto-Piu Lento-Tempo I
Vars On A Theme Of Robert Schumann, Op.9: Theme And Vars I-VI
Vars On A Theme Of Robert Schumann, Op.9: Vars VII-XVI
Son No.3 in f, Op.5: Allegro Maestoso
Son No.3 in f, Op.5: Andante: Andante Espressivo
Son No.3 in f, Op.5: Scherzo & Trio: Allegro Energico
Son No.3 in f, Op.5: Intermezzo: Andante Molto
Son No.3 in f, Op.5: Finale: Allegro Moderato Ma Rubato

Tracks:

Theme And Vars In D (From The Second Movt Of The Str Sxt, Op.18): Andante, Ma Moderato
Vars On An Original Theme Op.21, No.1: Theme And Vars I-VII
Vars On An Original Theme Op.21, No.1: Vars VIII-XI
Vars On A Hungarian Song, Op.21, No.2: Theme And Vars I-XIII
Sarabande In A
Gigue In A
Sarabande In B
Gigue In B
Vars And Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Aria And Vars I-XV
Vars And Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Vars XVI-XXV
Vars And Fugue On A Theme Of Handel, Op.24: Fuga

Tracks:

Vars On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.35: Book I
Vars On A Theme Of Paganini, Op.35: Book II
16 Waltzes, Op.39: I-VIII
16 Waltzes, Op.39: IX-XVI
Hungarian Dances: I. Allegro
Hungarian Dances: II. Allegro Non Assai
Hungarian Dances: III. Allegretto
Hungarian Dances: IV. Poco Sostenuto
Hungarian Dances: V. Allegro
Hungarian Dances: VI. Vivace
Hungarian Dances: VII. Allegretto
Hungarian Dances: VIII. Presto
Hungarian Dances: IX. Allegro
Hungarian Dances: X. Presto
Gavotte By Chr. W. Gluck

Tracks:

Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: I. Capriccio: Un Poco Agitato
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: II. Capriccio: Allegretto Non Troppo
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: III. Intermezzo: Grazioso
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: IV. Intermezzo: Allegretto Grazioso
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: V. Capriccio: Agitato, Ma Non Troppo Presto
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: VI. Intermezzo: Andante Con Moto
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: VII. Intermezzo: Moderato Semplice
Eight Klavierstucke, Op.76: VIII. Capriccio: Grazioso Ed Un Poco Vivace
Two Rhaps, Op.79: I. Agitato
Two Rhaps, Op.79: II. Molto Passionato, Ma Non Troppo Allegro
Study No.5 Chanonne by J.S. Bach)
Study No.3 (Presto After J.S. Bach, Version 1)
Sarabande And Two Gavottes
Kanon
Kanon (Inverted)
Study No.4 (Presto After J.S. Bach, Version 2)
Kleine Klavierstucke

Tracks:

Fants, Op.116: I. Capriccio: Presto Energico
Fants, Op.116: II. Intermezzo: Andante
Fants, Op.116: III. Capriccio: Allegro Passionato
Fants, Op.116: IV. Intermezzo: Adagio
Fants, Op.116: V. Intermezzo: Andante Con Grazia Ed Intimissimo Sentimento
Fants, Op.116: VI. Intermezzo: Andantino Teneramente
Fants, Op.116: VII. Capriccio: Allegro Agitato
Klavierstucke, Op.117: I. Intermezzo: Andante Moderato
Klavierstucke, Op.117: II. Intermezzo: Andante Non Troppo E Con E Con Molto Espressione
Klavierstucke, Op.117: III. Intermezzo: Andante Con Moto
Klavierstucke, Op.118: I. Intermezzo: Allegro Non Assai, Ma Molto Appassionata
Klavierstucke, Op.118: II. Intermezzo: Andante Teneramente
Klavierstucke, Op.118: III. Ballade: Allegro Energico
Klavierstucke, Op.118: IV. Intermezzo: Allegretto Un Poco Agitato
Klavierstucke, Op.118: V. Romance: Andante
Klavierstucke, Op.118: VI. Intermezzo: Andante, Largo E Mesto
Klavierstucke, Op.119: I. Intermezzo: Adagio
Klavierstucke, Op.119: II. Intermezzo: Andantino
Klavierstucke, Op.119: III. Intermezzo: Grazioso E Giocoso
Klavierstucke, Op.119: IV. Rhap: Allegro Risoluto

Customer Reviews:

Worthwhile, especially if you like Brahms.......2000-02-28

Johannes Brahms was one of the key figures in Romantic Piano Music. His output for the instrument was varied and large, and this four-disc set is ample testament to that output. As it was with their complete Beethoven Sonatas set (by Bernard Roberts), so it it here: Nimbus have enlisted a fine artist with a good command of the piano to record all of Brahms' solo piano music, and whilst I am not a Brahms addict myself, I am sure it will give great pleasure to collectors and serious Brahms fans.

I could offer a critique of all the works on these discs, but it is enough to single out a particular highlight. Martin Jones is particularly stunning with his rendition of the Hungarian Dances (which in their piano solo versions are not easy at all). The recording quality throughout is superb, enhancing the subtleties of Jones' performance.

Amazon.com

Most pianists luxuriate in the full-dress pianism of Brahms's third sonata, but Stephen Hough's way of celebrating it, plus the little-played op. 10 Ballades, is the epitome of restraint--with spare pedaling and shimmering translucent textures. In this early work, Brahms takes us on a tour of his freshly created musical landscape. Hough makes the ideal guide, alert to every twist and turn in the journey and to every compositional caprice. Did Brahms write this passionate sonata during the first weeks of his acquaintance with Clara Schumann? Either way, it doesn't matter: he was clearly in the mood for love, and that is what shines out of the Andante expressivo movement, which is based on a love poem by Sternau. He was clearly also infatuated with Robert Schumann's work. His debt to his older mentor is evident in many places, to the point--in the third of the ballades--where he seems to have cribbed directly from Schumann's Kreisleriana. But Brahms's fanatical craftsmanship is also in evidence. Speaking of the sonata, he wrote to a friend: "I have washed it quite clean, so that it can now allow itself to be seen in public." Hough's recording reflects the same scrupulous care. --Michael Church

Customer Reviews:

YOUTH.......2006-04-18

Previously, I've always, in my mind, kind of thought of Brahms as only being very much of a heavily bearded rather severe, stoic older man-one who reportedly was an old curmudgeon. However, as with all of us, he was indeed young once. The compositions on this album are from his youth. Stephen Hough's playing gives off, to me, the very aura of youth-none of the Brahmnistic "heaviness "of his old age. The "glow" that only someone that is young can have-time had not dulled his hopes, joys, etc. In other word life still had much hope and promise. Hough plays the 5th sonata in F minor wonderfully-for once my attention did not wonder. He truly plays it phenomenally. What technique. The Opus 10 works are wonderful too and Stephen Hough never loses sight of the fact that they too are rather "young Brahms". Stephen always maintains a keen sense of hope and transparency-no later heaviness.

If you want to hear some great "young" Brahms, buy this disc.

How is it possible to score anything less than five stars?.......2004-02-06

This recording is a tour de force - that's the only words to describe it. I admit that I am an avid fan of Stephen Hough and his virtuosic yet musical (two terms not always found together) interpretations.

In this case he takes the magnificent Fifth Sonata in F Minor (my favorite) and delivers with a "Brahmsian" touch. In many hands this has been heavy and even dull, but Hough keeps the focus on the melodies, perfect phrasing. As much as I enjoyed the sonata, the Ballades were even better (if possible). The dreamlike state sometimes associated with Brahms's piano works has never been realized as it is in this recording. This is a definitive CD for any collection.

'Please Sir, can I have more?' - Oliver Twist.......2001-10-17

I heard Hough perform the F minor Sonata at the RFH in London this year and it was broadcast later on radio so I recorded it and compared it with his recording. The recorded version is understandably more conservative than his live perfomance but this takes away some of the exuberance of the youthful Brahms. Roaring octaves in the live performance become clean cut, controlled octaves in the recording. If this were any other pianist's recording I would drool over it, yet this is Stephen Hough and I want more. I expect something extra special when anything comes from Hough's Hyperion recording camp. For those seeking the ultimate Brahms Op.5, have a listen to Clifford Curzon's recording on Decca.
The Ballades are excellently performed and recorded, and I particularly enjoyed the floating 4th.

Average customer rating:

A compact treasure

Walter Klien plays Brahms

Manufacturer: Vox (Classical)
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol. 3
Mozart: Piano Sonatas Vol 2 / Walter Klien
Mozart: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
Schubert: Complete Piano Sonatas, Vol.2

ASIN: B0006SSNIM
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Customer Reviews:

A compact treasure.......2007-02-02

The piano works of Johannes Brahms, here recorded, represent in brief the best of Brahms middle period. Here one finds a man who has reached the maturity of his years; his vision directed more towards the contemplative than the assertive. At last he finds rest.

Brahms: Four Ballades Op. 10; Piano Sonata Op. 5

Average customer rating:

Brahms: Four Ballades Op. 10; Piano Sonata Op. 5
Daniel Barenboim
Manufacturer: Elatus
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music
ASIN: B00007KI1S
Release Date: 2006-05-17

Tracks:

Four Ballades Op.10 - No.1 Andante-Allegro
Four Ballades Op.10 - No.2 Andante-Allegro Non Troppo
Four Ballades Op.10 - No.3 Intermezzo:Allegro
Four Ballades Op.10 - No.4 Andante Con Moto
Piano Sonata In F Minor, Op.5

Brahms: Das Gesamtwerk für Klavier [Box Set]

Average customer rating:

Brahms: Das Gesamtwerk für Klavier [Box Set]

Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00000E6SE
Release Date: 1993-12-22

Average customer rating:

A great compilation
Liszt
Incomparable Brendel
Beutiful

The Art Of Alfred Brendel

Manufacturer: Polygram Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ecossaises | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Waltzes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Rondos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0000041E6
Release Date: 1996-03-12

Tracks:

Andante con variazioni In F Minor, Hob. XVII:6
Sonata In E Flat, Hob. XVI:49: 1. Allegro
Sonata In E Flat, Hob. XVI:49: 2. Adagio e cantabile
Sonata In E Flat, Hob. XVI:49: 3. Finale. Tempo di minuetto
Sonata In C, Hob. XVI:50: 1. Allegro
Sonata In C, Hob. XVI:50: 2. Adagio
Sonata In C, Hob. XVI:50: 3. Allegro molto
Sonata In E Flat, Hob. XVI:52: 1. Allegro
Sonata In E Flat, Hob. XVI:52: 2. Adagio
Sonata In E Flat, Hob. XVI:52: 3. Finale. Presto

Tracks:

Sonata In A Minor, KV 310: 1. Allegro maestoso
Sonata In A Minor, KV 310: 2. Andante cantabile con espressione
Sonata In A Minor, KV 310: 3. Presto
Fantasia In C Minor, KV 475: Adagio - Allegro - Andantino - Piu allegro - Tempo I
Sonata In C Minor, KV 457: 1. Molto allegro
Sonata In C Minor, KV 457: 2. Adagio
Sonata In C Minor, KV 457: 3. Allegro assai
Sonata In B Flat, KV 333: 1. Allegro
Sonata In B Flat, KV 333: 2. Andante cantabile
Sonata In B Flat, KV 333: 3. Allegretto grazioso

Tracks:

Sonata In A, KV 331: 1. Tema con variazioni
Sonata In A, KV 331: 2. Menuetto
Sonata In A, KV 331: 3. Alla turca. Allegretto
Rondo In A Minor, KV 511: Andante
Piano Concerto In E Flat, KV 449: 1. Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto In E Flat, KV 449: 2. Andantino
Piano Concerto In E Flat, KV 449: 3. Allegro ma non troppo
Piano Concerto In C, KV 467: 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto In C, KV 467: 2. Andante
Piano Concerto In C, KV 467: 3. Allegro vivace assai

Tracks:

Concerto In E Flat, KV 365 For Two Pianos And Orchestra: 1. Allegro
Concerto In E Flat, KV 365 For Two Pianos And Orchestra: 2. Andante
Concerto In E Flat, KV 365 For Two Pianos And Orchestra: 3. Rondeaux. Allegro
Piano Concerto In B Flat, KV 450: 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto In B Flat, KV 450: 2. (Andante)
Piano Concerto In B Flat, KV 450: 3. Allegro
Piano Concerto In F, KV 459: 1. Allegro vivace
Piano Concerto In F, KV 459: 2. Allegretto
Piano Concerto In F, KV 459: 3. Allegro assai

Tracks:

Piano Concerto In D, KV 537 - Coronation: 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto In D, KV 537 - Coronation: 2. Larghetto
Piano Concerto In D, KV 537 - Coronation: 3. Allegretto
Adagio In B Minor, KV 540
Piano Concerto In B Flat, KV 595: 1. Allegro
Piano Concerto In B Flat, KV 595: 2. Larghetto
Piano Concerto In B Flat, KV 595: 3. Allegro

Tracks:

Sonata No. 3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 1. Allegro con brio
Sonata No. 3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 2. Adagio
Sonata No. 3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 3. Scherzo. Allegro
Sonata No. 3 In C, Op.2 No.3: 4. Allegro assai
Sonata No.11 In B Flat, Op.22: 1. Allegro con brio
Sonata No.11 In B Flat, Op.22: 2. Adagio con molta espressione
Sonata No.11 In B Flat, Op.22: 3. Minuetto
Sonata No.11 In B Flat, Op.22: 4. Rondo. Allegretto
Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 1. Allegro
Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 2. Scherzo. Allegretto vivace
Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 3. Menuetto. Moderato e grazioso
Sonata No.18 In E Flat, Op.31 No.3: 4. Presto con fuoco
Bagatelle In A Minor, WoO 59 'Fur Elise'
6 Ecossaises, WoO 83

Tracks:

6 Variations In F, Op.34: Thema
6 Variations In F, Op.34: Variation I
6 Variations In F, Op.34: Variation II
6 Variations In F, Op.34: Variation III
6 Variations In F, Op.34: Variation IV
6 Variations In F, Op.34: Variation V
6 Variations In F, Op.34: Variation VI - Coda
5 Variations In D, WoO 79 On 'Rule Britannia': Thema
5 Variations In D, WoO 79 On 'Rule Britannia': Variation I
5 Variations In D, WoO 79 On 'Rule Britannia': Variation II
5 Variations In D, WoO 79 On 'Rule Britannia': Variation III
5 Variations In D, WoO 79 On 'Rule Britannia': Variation IV
5 Variations In D, WoO 79 On 'Rule Britannia': Variation V - Coda
6 Variations In G, WoO 70 On 'Nel cor piu non mi sento': Thema
6 Variations In G, WoO 70 On 'Nel cor piu non mi sento': Variation I
6 Variations In G, WoO 70 On 'Nel cor piu non mi sento': Variation II
6 Variations In G, WoO 70 On 'Nel cor piu non mi sento': Variation III
6 Variations In G, WoO 70 On 'Nel cor piu non mi sento': Variation IV
6 Variations In G, WoO 70 On 'Nel cor piu non mi sento': Variation V
6 Variations In G, WoO 70 On 'Nel cor piu non mi sento': Variation VI
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Tema: Vivace
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation I: Alla marcia maestoso
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation II: Poco allegro
Variation III: L'istesso tempo
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation IV: Un poco piu vivace
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation V: Allegro vivace
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation VI: Allegro ma non troppo e serioso
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation VII: Un poco piu allegro
Variation VIII: Poco vivace
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation IX: Allegro pesante e risoluto
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation X: Presto
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XI: Allegretto
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XII: Un poco piu moto
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XIII: Vivace
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XIV: Grave e maestoso
Variation XV: Presto scherzando
Variation XVI: Allegro - Variation XVII
Variation XVIII: Poco moderato
Variation XIX: Presto
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XX: Andante
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXI: Allegro con brio - Meno allegro
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXII: Allegro molto
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXIII: Allegro assai
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXIV: Fughetta. Andante
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXV: Allegro
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXVI
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXVII: Vivace
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXVIII: Allegro
Variation XXIX: Adagio ma non troppo
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXX: Andante, sempre cantabile
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXXI: Largo, molto espressivo
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXXII: Fuga. Allegro - Poco adagio
33 Variations In C, Op.120 On A Waltz By Anton Diabelli: Variation XXXIII: Tempo di minuetto moderato

Tracks:

SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': 1. Allegro assai
SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': 2. Andante con moto
SONATA NO.23 IN F MINOR, OP.57 'APPASSIONATA': 3. Allegro ma non troppo
Andante In F, WoO 57 (Andante favori)
Sonata No.29 in B flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 1. Allegro
Sonata No.29 in B flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 2. Scherzo. Assai vivace
Sonata No.29 in B flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 3. Adagio sostenuto. Apassionata e con molto sentimento
Sonata No.29 in B flat, Op.106 'Hammerklavier': 4. Largo - Allegro risoluto

Tracks:

15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Introduzione col basso del tema - Tema
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation I
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation II
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation III
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation IV
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation V
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation VI-VII
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation VIII
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation IX
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation X
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation XI
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation XII
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation XIII
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Variation XIV-XV
15 Variations And Fuge In E Flat, Op.35 'Eroica Variations': Finale. alla fuga
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: 1. Andante con moto
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: 2. Allegro
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: 3. Andante cantabile e grazioso
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: 4. Presto
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: 5. Quasi allegretto
6 Bagatelles, Op.126: 6. Presto - Andante amabile e con moto - Tempo I
Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 1. Adagio cantabile - Allegro ma non troppo
Sonata No.24 In F Sharp, Op.78 'For Therese': 2. Allegro vivace
Sonata No.30 in E, op.109: 1. Vivace, ma non troppo - Adagio espressivo - Tempo I
Sonata No.30 in E, op.109: 2. Prestissimo
Sonata No.30 in E, op.109: 3. Gesangvoll, mit innigster Empfindung

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 1. Allegro moderato - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 2. Andante con moto - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No.4 In G, Op.58: 3. Rondo. Vivace - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 1. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 2. Adagio un poco mosso - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Piano Concerto No.5 In E Flat, Op.73 'Emperor': 3. Rondo. Allegro - Ludwig Van Beethoven

Tracks:

Sonata In A Minor, D. 537: 1. Allegro, ma non troppo - Schubert
Sonata In A Minor, D. 537: 2. Allegretto quasi andantino - Schubert
Sonata In A Minor, D. 537: 3. Allegro vivace - Schubert
Sonata In A, D. 664: 1. Allegro moderato - Schubert
Sonata In A, D. 664: 2. Andante - Schubert
Sonata In A, D. 664: 3. Allegro - Schubert
Sonata In A Minor, D. 784: 1. Allegro giusto - Schubert
Sonata In A Minor, D. 784: 2. Andante - Schubert
Sonata In A Minor, D. 784: 3. Allegro vivace - Schubert
16 German Dances, D. 783 - Schubert

Tracks:

Sonata In C, D. 840: 1. Moderato - Schubert
Sonata In C, D. 840: 2. Andante - Schubert
Sonata In A Minor, D. 845: 1. Moderato - Schubert
Sonata In A Minor, D. 845: 2. Andante un poco moto - Schubert
Sonata In A Minor, D. 845: 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace - Trio. Un poco piu lento - Schubert
Sonata In A Minor, D. 845: 4. Rondo. Allegro vivace - Schubert
Fantasy In C, D. 760 'Wanderer' Fantasy - Schubert

Tracks:

Sonata In D, D. 850: 1. Allegro vivace - Schubert
Sonata In D, D. 850: 2. Con moto - Schubert
Sonata In D, D. 850: 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace - Schubert
Sonata In D, D. 850: 4. Rondo. Allegro moderato - Schubert
Sonata In G, D. 894: 1. Molto moderato e cantabile - Schubert
Sonata In G, D. 894: 2. Andante - Schubert
Sonata In G, D. 894: 3. Menuetto. Allegro moderato - Schubert
Sonata In G, D. 894: 4. Allegretto - Schubert
Allegretto In C Minor, D. 915 - Schubert

Tracks:

Sonata In C Minor, D. 958: 1. Allegro - Schubert
Sonata In C Minor, D. 958: 2. Adagio - Schubert
Sonata In C Minor, D. 958: 3. Menuetto. Allegro - Schubert
Sonata In C Minor, D. 958: 4. Allegro - Schubert
Sonata In A, D. 959: 1. Allegro - Schubert
Sonata In A, D. 959: 2. Andantino - Schubert
Sonata In A, D. 959: 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace - Schubert
Sonata In A, D. 959: 4. Rondo. Allegretto - Schubert
12 German Dances, D. 790 (Ller) - Schubert

Tracks:

Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: 1. Molto moderato - Schubert
Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: 2. Andante sostenuto - Schubert
Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: 3. Scherzo. Allegro vivace con delicatezza - Schubert
Sonata In B Flat, D. 960: 4. Allegro ma non troppo - Schubert
11 Ecossaises, D. 781 - Schubert
Hungarian Melody In B Minor, D. 817 - Schubert
6 Moments musicaux, D. 780: No. 1 In C, en ut majeur - Moderato - Schubert
6 Moments musicaux, D. 780: No. 2 In A Flat, As-dur, en la bemol majeur - Andantino - Schubert
6 Moments musicaux, D. 780: No. 3 In F Minor, f-moll, en fa mineur - Allegro moderato - Schubert
6 Moments musicaux, D. 780: No. 4 In C Sharp Minor, cis-moll, en ut diese mineur - Moderato - Schubert
6 Moments musicaux, D. 780: No. 5 In F Minor, f-moll, en fa mineur - Allegro Vivace - Schubert
6 Moments musicaux, D. 780: No. 6 In A Flat, As-dur, en la bemol majeur - Allegretto - Schubert

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In E flat: 1. Allegro maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E flat: 2. Quasi adagio - Allegretto vivace - Allegro animato
Piano Concerto No. 1 In E flat: 3. Allegro marziale animato
Piano Concerto No. 2 In A: 1. Adagio sostenuto assai - Allegro agitato assai
Piano Concerto No. 2 In A: 2. Allegro moderato
Piano Concerto No. 2 In A: 3. Allegro deciso - Marziale un poco meno allegro
Piano Concerto No. 2 In A: 4. Allegro animato
Danse macabre, Paraphrase On (Dies Irea): Danse macabre, Paraphrase On Dies Irea
Csardas macabre
Valse oubliee No. 1 In F Sharp

Tracks:

Annees de pelerinage - Premiere annee: Suisse: 1. Chapelle de Guillaume Tell
Annees de pelerinage - Premiere annee: Suisse: 2. Au lac de Wallenstadt
Annees de pelerinage - Premiere annee: Suisse: 3. Pastorale
Annees de pelerinage - Premiere annee: Suisse: 4. Au bord d'une source
Annees de pelerinage - Premiere annee: Suisse: 5. Orage
Annees de pelerinage - Premiere annee: Suisse: 6. Vallee d'Obermann
Annees de pelerinage - Premiere annee: Suisse: 7. Eglogue
Annees de pelerinage - Premiere annee: Suisse: 8. Le mal du pays
Annees de pelerinage - Premiere annee: Suisse: 9. Les cloches de Geneve (Nocturne)
Annees de pelerinage - Deuxieme annee: Italie: 1. Sposalizio
Annees de pelerinage - Deuxieme annee: Italie: 2. Il Penseroso
Annees de pelerinage - Deuxieme annee: Italie: 3. Canzonetta del Salvator Rosa
Annees de pelerinage - Deuxieme annee: Italie: 4. Sonetto 47 del Petrarca
Annees de pelerinage - Deuxieme annee: Italie: 5. Sonetto 104 del Petrarca
Annees de pelerinage - Deuxieme annee: Italie: 6. Sonetto 123 del Petrarca

Tracks:

Annees de pelerinage - Deuxieme annee: Italie: 7. Apres une lecture de Dante (Fantasia quasi Sonata)
Annees de pelerinage - Troisieme annee: 2. Aux cypres de la Villa d'Este. Threnodie No. 1
Annees de pelerinage - Troisieme annee: 4. Les jeux d'eau de la Villa d'Este
Annees de pelerinage - Troisieme annee: 5. Sunt lacrimae rerum (En mode hongrois)
Annees de pelerinage - Troisieme annee: 7. Sursum corda (Erhebet eure Herzen)
Weihnachtsbaum-Suite: 7. Schlummerlied
Weihnachtsbaum-Suite: 9. Abendglocken
Trube Wolken
Klavierstuck In F Sharp, S. 192 No. 3
En Reve - Nocturne
R.W. - Venezia
Vexilla regis prodeunt
Mosonyis Grabgeleit
Schlaflos! Frage und Antwort
Unstern - Sinistre

Tracks:

Sonata In B Minor: Lento assai - Allegro energico
Sonata In B Minor: Andante sostenuto
Sonata In B Minor: Allegro energico-Andante sostenuto-Lento assai
La lugubre gondola No.1
La lugubre gondola No.2
Legendes: 1. Saint Francois d'Assise: la predication aux aiseaux
Legendes: 2. Saint Francois de Paule marchant sur les flots
Harmonies poetiqes et religieuses: No. 7 Funerailles

Tracks:

Fantasia and Fugue on Theme B-A-C-H
Harmonies poetiques et religieuses: No. 1 Invocations
Harmonies poetiques et religieuses: No.3 Benediction de Dieu dans la solitude
Harmonies poetiques et religieuses: No.4 Pensees des morts
Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen
Isoldens Liebestod: Isoldens Liebestod: Final Scene From Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde'

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor Op. 15: 1. Maestoso - Poco piu moderato
Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor Op. 15: 2. Adagio
Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor Op. 15: 3. Rondo. Allegro non troppo - Piu animato - Tempo I
Theme And Variations

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat, Op. 83: 1. Allegro non troppo
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat, Op. 83: 2. Allegro appassionato
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat, Op. 83: 3. Andante - Piu adagio
Four Ballades, Op. 10: 4. Allegretto grazioso - Un poco piu presto
Four Ballades, Op. 10: No. 1 In D Minor
Four Ballades, Op. 10: No. 2 In D
Four Ballades, Op. 10: No. 3 In B Minor
Four Ballades, Op. 10: No. 4 In B

Tracks:

Kreisleriana, Op. 16: 1. Ausserst bewegt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: 2. Sehr innig und nicht zu rasch - Intermezzo I (Sehr lebhaft) - Intermezzo II (Etwas bewegter)
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: 3. Sehr aufgeregt
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: 4. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: 5. Sehr lebhaft
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: 6. Sehr langsam
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: 7. Sehr rasch
Kreisleriana, Op. 16: 8. Schnell und spielend
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 1. Von fremden Landern und Menschen
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 2. Kuriouse Geschichte
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 3. Haschemann
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 4. Bittendes Kind
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 5. Gluckes genug
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 6. Wichtige Begebenheit
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 7. Traumerei
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 8. Am Kamin
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 9. Ritter vom Steckenpferd
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 10. Fast zu ernst
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 11. Furchtenmachen
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 12. Kind im Einschlummern
Kreisleriana, Op. 15: 13. Der Dichter spricht
Kreisleriana, Op. 12: 1. Des Abends
Kreisleriana, Op. 12: 2. Aufschwung
Kreisleriana, Op. 12: 3. Warum?
Kreisleriana, Op. 12: 4. Grillen
Kreisleriana, Op. 12: 5. In der Nacht
Kreisleriana, Op. 12: 6. Fabel
Kreisleriana, Op. 12: 7. Traumes-Wirren
Kreisleriana, Op. 12: 8. Ende vom Lied

Tracks:

Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 1. Thema
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 2. Variation III
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 3. Etude I
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 4. Variation I
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 5. Variation II
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 6. Etude II
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 7. Etude III
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 8. Etude IV
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 9. Etude V
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 10. Variation IV
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 11. Etude VI
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 12. Etude VII
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 13. Etude VIII
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 14. Etude IX
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 15. Variation V
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 16. Etude X
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 17. Etude XI
Symphonische Etuden, Op. 13: 18. Etude XII
3 Romances, Op.94: 1. Nicht scnell
3 Romances, Op.94: 2. Einfach, innig
3 Romances, Op.94: 3. Nicht scnell
Abendlied, Op. 85 No. 12
Adagio und Allegro In A Flat, Op. 70
Fantasiestucke, Op. 73: 1. Zart und mit Ausdruck
Fantasiestucke, Op. 73: 2. Lebhaft, leicht
Fantasiestucke, Op. 73: 3. Rasch und mit Feuer

Tracks:

5 Stucke im Volkston, Op. 102: No. 2 Langsam
5 Stucke im Volkston, Op. 102: No. 3 Nicht schnell, mit viel Ton zu spielen
5 Stucke im Volkston, Op. 102: No. 4 Nicht zu rasch
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 54: Allegro affettuoso
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 54: Intermezzo. Andantino gracioso
Piano Concerto In A Minor, Op. 54: Allegro vivace
Fantasy In C, Op. 17: Durchaus phantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen- im Legendenton - Tempo primo
Fantasy In C, Op. 17: Massig Durchaus energisch - Etwas langsamer - Viel bewegter
Fantasy In C, Op. 17: Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten - Etwas bewegter

Customer Reviews:

A great compilation.......2004-04-25

Ever since I got a disc of Alfred Brendel playing Beethoven's favourite piano sonatas, I've had a special attention for his recordings and his view on music. To me, he is one of the best examples of a perfectionist. Lazy listeners call his way of playing pedantic but that is completely untrue. Listen more closely to any of is recordings and you'll hear an endless variety of colours, the most shimmering nuances and above all, tremendous warmth. But he is certainly not a perfectionist in the negative sense that is sometimes attached to the word: aside from being imposingly musical, his performances always have a great feeling of 'humanity'. There are many other great performers of the German repertoire (from Haydn to Brahms) but Brendel's recordings have a special familiarity to me, and he gives more than anyone else the feeling to me that the composer's genuine thoughts are present in the performance.

Brendel has a very special tone that accustoms itself very well to many different kinds of pieces. One of the essays in this great set deals with the many different sounds Brendel can create at the piano, something that intrigues me very much too. It is fascinating to hear how he touches the keys in his Mozart and Haydn recordings: here, he gets a sound out of the grand piano that sounds almost like the ancient fortepiano. Combined with his sharp and almost biting playing, he preserves some of the spirit of the time in which the works were composed, but combines this with the much richer and detailed sound of a modern instrument. Haydn's sonatas sparkle and so do Mozart's concertos.

In his Beethoven recordings, which are very well represented in this set, Brendel uses a somewhat similar style, but adapts more to the Beethovenian sound world: his tone is still aggressive but a little mellower and greater. He focuses a lot on small details and plays with a rather gentle sound in the variations, while his Hammerklavier doesn't avoid the grand gesture. The Piano concertos with Levine are full of joy and superbly crisp. Beethoven's works can be performed in a more massive or sweeter way, but that's what other recordings are for.

Brendel's Schubert is very notable for its total avoidance of the sweet and precious image of the composer that has settled somehow. Here, Schubert is presented as an ultimately dark and despairing composer, an image that is very appropriate regarding his general output. While Brendel sometimes tends to calm a bit of the hysteria in pieces like Beethoven's Appassionata, in Schubert he mainly emphasizes it. Hear how he attacks the Wanderer Fantasy, especially in the last minutes. Or how severely he gets the A minor sonata D784 to its throat. This is essentially the way I think Schubert should always sound.

It will be surprising for some to notice how much of Liszt has been recorded by Brendel, and also to hear how they sound. The Liszt recordings in this set show the composer from his most intellectual and imposing side. Brendel may generate an enormous sound that not everyone will associate with him from "Orage" in the Années de Pelerinage, but it is impressive rather than showy. Similarly, the Sonata receives the most detailed and complete performance I've heard, the Piano Concertos are simply stunning on all accounts and the variations on a Bach cantata show both the composer and the performer at their very best. It may be surprising to hear but I think you won't hear any better Liszt than this.

Finally there's a box dedicated to Brahms and Schumann. Brahms is another surprise. Brendel's D minor Concerto is one of the most impressive readings I've heard, close to Serkin/Szell, and his B flat is fine too, if a bit less impressive. His playing style here somewhat resembles that of his Liszt: it is rich, grand and always commanding. Few performers are as well able as Brendel is to match the endlessly complex musical thread of these two concertos. The fourth Ballade op.10 settles among the best readings - Kempff, Arrau, you name them. The Schumann pieces are performed in a way resembling Beethoven's smaller works: they create the same familiar living-room image, and it gets even more beautiful when oboist Heinz Holliger joins him to play a few folksong-like pieces. The set closes with a wonderful Schumann fantasy.

The track listing say that there's a bonus disc included as well, containing Brendel's first recording of Liszt's Christmas Tree suite, but my own set did actually not contain this bonus disc. With or without that disc, this is a set any piano aficionado should not miss. The only drawback can be the price, which is pretty high (not surprising with such a huge set)--if you can find it at all, now that the set seems to be OOP. At any cost, this is one the best box sets I own. If contains a thorough look at one of the most profound and intellectual artists of recent time and gives endless enjoyment.

Liszt.......2001-05-11

I recently purchased the boxed set of just the Liszt items from The Art of Alfred Brendel. I learned to love Schubert piano music by listening to Brendel, but Liszt was something of an exploration. And what a guide to take you on the journey! If you get the opportunity to get the Liszt set don't turn it up in preference to the more respected composers - Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert etc.

Incomparable Brendel.......2000-12-29

I wish to focus on the works of Liszt included in this gargantuan package. Brendel is held in universal esteem, regarded by many as the greatest living pianist. His reputation is of unimpeachable musicality and seriousness of purpose (which does not contradict his ability to find musical humor wherever it lurks). He shows unparalleled ability to get to the musical core of the "Great Repertory" (Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Brahms); his performances leave mere pianism far behind. His championing of Liszt's music is especially important for just this reason. Liszt is too often accused of flashy superficiality. Nobody can accuse Brendel of this fault. And his Liszt recordings are among the most intellectual and probing, yet most moving, of any. He reveals Liszt as a daring and supremely important master. The pyrotechnics of the piano concerti are invested with real meaning, and the utterly spare, laconic late pieces become profound meditations on the human condition. His readings of Benediction de Dieu dans la Solitude and of the Variations on Bach's "Weinen, Klagen, Sorgen, Zagen" make one grateful for the very existence of music -- and for the capacity to capture it for posterity in recordings.

Beutiful.......2000-04-05

This is beutiful music. I have played some of his pieces on my flute and they are absoultly gorgeous. If you are a true classical music lover then you must buy this and have many nights by the fire with this wonderful music in the backround.

Brahms: The Complete Solo Piano Music and the Piano Concertos

Average customer rating:

Wonderful
Decent as a Collection
A great introduction

Brahms: The Complete Solo Piano Music and the Piano Concertos
Idil Biret
Manufacturer: Naxos
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Gavottes | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

Ballads | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Canons | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Etudes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Fantasies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

Scherzo | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

Classical | Box Sets | Stores | Music

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 1 In C. Major Op. 1: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 1 In C. Major Op. 1: Andante (nach einem alteutschen Minneliede)
Piano Sonata No. 1 In C. Major Op. 1: Scherzo: Allegro molto e con fuoco
Piano Sonata No. 1 In C. Major Op. 1: Finale: Allegro molto e con fuoco
Piano Sonata No. 2 In F Sharp Minor Op. 2: Allegro no troppo, ma energico
Piano Sonata No. 2 In F Sharp Minor Op. 2: Andante con espressione
Piano Sonata No. 2 In F Sharp Minor Op. 2: Scherzo: Allegro
Piano Sonata No. 2 In F Sharp Minor Op. 2: Finale: Introduzione (Sostenuto) - Allegro no troppo e rubato

Tracks:

Piano Sonata No. 3 In F Minor, Op. 5: Allegro maestoso
Piano Sonata No. 3 In F Minor, Op. 5: Andantae espressivo
Piano Sonata No. 3 In F Minor, Op. 5: Scherzo: Allegro energico
Piano Sonata No. 3 In F Minor, Op. 5: Intermezzo: Andante molto
Piano Sonata No. 3 In F Minor, Op. 5: Finale: Allegro moderato ma rubato
Ballades, Op. 10: No. 1 In D Minor: Andante
Ballades, Op. 10: No. 2 In D Minor: Andante
Ballades, Op. 10: No. 3 In B Minor: Intermezzo, Allegro
Ballades, Op. 10: No. 4 In B Major: Andante con moto

Tracks:

Klavierstucke, Op. 76: No. 1 Capriccio In F. Sharp Minor
Klavierstucke, Op. 76: No. 2 Capriccio In B Minor
Klavierstucke, Op. 76: No. 3 Intermezzo In A Flat Major
Klavierstucke, Op. 76: No. 4 Intermezzo In B Flat Major
Klavierstucke, Op. 76: No. 5 Capriccio In C Sharp Minor
Klavierstucke, Op. 76: No. 6 Intermezzo In A Major
Klavierstucke, Op. 76: No. 7 Intermezzo In A Minor
Klavierstucke, Op. 76: No. 8 Capriccio In C Major
Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79: No. 1 In B Minor
Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79: No. 2 In G Minor
Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 1 Capriccio In D Minor
Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 2 Intermezzo In A Minor
Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 3 Capriccio In G Minor
Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 4 Intermezzo In E Major
Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 5 Intermezzo In E Minor
Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 6 Intermezzo In E Major
Fantasies, Op. 116: No. 7 Capriccio In D Minor

Tracks:

Three Intermezzi, Op. 117: No. 1 In E Flat Major: Andante moderato
Three Intermezzi, Op. 117: No. 2 In B Flat Minor: Andante non troppo e con molto espressione
Three Intermezzi, Op. 117: No. 3 In C Sharp Minor: Andante con moto
Klavierstucke, Op. 118: Intermezzo In A Minor: Allegro non assai, ma molto appassionato
Klavierstucke, Op. 118: Intermezzo In A Major: Andante teneramente
Klavierstucke, Op. 118: Ballade In G Minor: Allegro energico
Klavierstucke, Op. 118: Intermezzo In F Minor: Allegretto un poco agitato
Klavierstucke, Op. 118: Romanze In F Major: Andante
Klavierstucke, Op. 118: Intermezzo In E Flat Minor: Andante - Largo e mesto
Klavierstucke, Op. 119: Intermezzo In B Minor: Adagio
Klavierstucke, Op. 119: Intermezzo In E Minor: Andantino un poco agitato
Klavierstucke, Op. 119: Intermezzo In C Major: Grazioso e giocoso
Klavierstucke, Op. 119: Rhapsody In E Flat Major: Allegro risoluto
Klavierstucke, Op. 119: Scherzo In E Flat Minor, Op. 4: Rasch und Feurig

Tracks:

Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 1 In B Major
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 2 In E Major
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 3 In G Sharp Minor
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 4 In E Minor
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 5 In E Major
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 6 In C Sharp Major
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 7 In C Sharp Major
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 8 In B Flat Major
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 9 In D Major
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 10 In G Major
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 11 In B Minor
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 12 In E Major
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 13 In B Major
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 14 In G Sharp Minor
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 15 In A Flat Major
Waltzes,Op. 39 (First Version): No. 16 In C Sharp Minor
Hungarian Dances WoO 1: No. 1 In G Minor
Hungarian Dances WoO 1: No. 2 In D Minor
Hungarian Dances WoO 1: No. 3 In F Major
Hungarian Dances WoO 1: No. 4 In F Sharp Minor
Hungarian Dances WoO 1: No. 5 In D Flat Major
Hungarian Dances WoO 1: No. 6 In D Flat Major
Hungarian Dances WoO 1: No. 7 In F Major
Hungarian Dances WoO 1: No. 8 In A Major
Hungarian Dances WoO 1: No. 9 In E Minor
Hungarian Dances WoO 1: No. 10 In E Major

Tracks:

Variations On An Original Theme In D Major: Op. 21, No. 1
Variations On A Hungarian Song In D Major, Op. 21, No. 2: Op. 21, No. 2
Five Studies For Piano, Anh. Ia-1: No. 1 Study In F Minor After Frederic Chopin
Five Studies For Piano, Anh. Ia-1: No. 2 Rondo In C Major After Carl Maria von Weber
Five Studies For Piano, Anh. Ia-1: No. 3 Presto In G Minor After J.S. Bach (1st Version)
Five Studies For Piano, Anh. Ia-1: No. 4 Presto In G Minor After J.S. Bach (2nd Version)
Five Studies For Piano, Anh. Ia-1: No. 5 Chaconne In D Minor By J.S. Bach (For Left Hand Alone)

Tracks:

51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6
51 Exercises WoO 6

Tracks:

Variations On A Theme By Schumann In F Sharp Minor, Op. 9
Variations On A Theme By Schumann In F Sharp Minor, Op. 9
Variations On A Theme By Paganini In A Minor, Op. 35: Book 1
Variations On A Theme By Paganini In A Minor, Op. 35: Book 2

Tracks:

Theme And Variations In D Minor GA Post. XV-9 (From String Sextet No. 1, Op. 18)
Gavotte In A Major From Iphigenie en Aulide By Christoph Willibald Gluck Anh. Ia-2
Sarabande In A Minor WoO Posth. 5-1 And Two Gavottes In A Minor And A Major WoO Posth. 4-1
Gigue In A Minor WoO Posth. 4-1
Sarabande In B Minor WoO Posth. 5-2
Gigue In B Minor WoO Posth. 4-2
Klavierstuck In B Flat Major Anh. Post. III-4
Canon In F Minor Anh. Posth. III-2
Canon (Inverted)
Rakoczy March Onh. Posth. III-10
Sarabande In A Minor: WoO Posth. 5-1
Impromptu D 899-2 By Franz Schubert D 899 (Study For The Left Hand) Anh. Posth. IV-2
Landler D 814 By Franz Schubert, Anh. Post. Ia-6
Piano Quintet By Robert Schumann, Op. 44, Anh. Posth. Ia-7: Scherzo

Tracks:

Four Song Transcriptions From 'Die schone Magelone' (Transcribed By Idil Biret): No. 12 Muss es eine Trennung geben
Four Song Transcriptions From 'Die schone Magelone' (Transcribed By Idil Biret): No. 10 Verzweiflung
Four Song Transcriptions From 'Die schone Magelone' (Transcribed By Idil Biret): No. 11 Wie schnell verschwindet
Four Song Transcriptions From 'Die schone Magelone' (Transcribed By Idil Biret): No. 14 Wie froh und frisch
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 1 In B Major
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 2 In E Major
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 3 In G Sharp Minor
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 4 In E Minor
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 5 In E Major
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 6 In C Major
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 7 In C Sharp Minor
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 8 In B Flat Major
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 9 In D Minor
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 10 In G Major
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 11 In B Minor
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 12 In E Major
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 13 In C Major
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 14 In A Minor
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 15 In A Major
Waltzes Op. 39 (Second Version): No. 16 In D Minor
Nine Cadenzas For Piano Concertos - Concerto In D Minor: For J.S. Bach: Concerto In D Minor BWV 1052 WoO Posth. 11
Nine Cadenzas For Piano Concertos - Concerto In G Major: For Mozart: Concerto In G Major K 453, WoO Posth. 13 - First Movement
Nine Cadenzas For Piano Concertos: For Mozart: Concerto In G Major K 453, WoO Posth. 13 - Second Movement
Nine Cadenzas For Piano Concertos: For Mozart: Concerto In G Major K 453, WoO Posth. 13 - Second Movement
Nine Cadenzas For Piano Concertos - Concert In D Minor: For Mozart: Concerto In D Minor K 466, WoO Posth. 14
Nine Cadenzas For Piano Concertos - Concert In C Minor: For Mozart: Concerto In C Minor K 491, WoO Posth. 15
Nine Cadenzas For Piano Concertos - Concerto No. 3 In C Minor: For Beethoven: Concerto No. 3 In C Minor, Op. 37 Anh. Posth. IV-7
Nine Cadenzas For Piano Concertos - Concerto No. 4 In G Major: For Beethoven: Concerto No. 4 In G Major, Op. 58 WoO Posth. 12 - First Movement
Nine Cadenzas For Piano Concertos - Concerto No. 4 In G Major: For Beethoven: Concerto No. 4 In G Major, Op. 58 WoO Posth. 12 - Third Movement

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor: Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15 - Maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor: Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15 - Adagio
Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor: Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15 - Rondo: Allegro non troppo

Tracks:

Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major: Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major Op. 83 - Allegro non troppo
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major: Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major Op. 83 - Allegro appasionato
Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major: Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major Op. 83 - Andante
Johannes Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2 In B Flat Major Op. 83 - Allegretto grazioso

Amazon.com

This set is a remarkable bargain, containing all of Brahms's solo piano music, including such chips from his workshop as cadenzas for other composers' concertos and a series of strictly mechanical piano studies that nobody will want to listen through. No matter. Idil Biret has a firm grasp of Brahms's idiom, and she plays with insight and passion throughout the set. Although she doesn't startle with her virtuosity, she handles the considerable technical demands of the music with great confidence. The orchestra and conductor make strong contributions on their two discs. The set comes with a fat booklet telling you nearly everything you'll want to know about the music. Too bad the individual variations in sets aren't tracked, but it's hard to think of another complaint about this monumental achievement, a startlingly reasonable way of getting to know Brahms better. --Leslie Gerber

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful.......2007-06-11

I love this woman!!! Her playing is perfect, so is her technique!!! Lovely, just lovely.

Decent as a Collection.......2007-05-17

Referring back to my previous, extensive review (May 11, 2007) on Ms Biret's complete Chopin Piano Music survey, most of the problems described can be found also in her complete Brahms survey. The good news is that Brahms's music better can cope with Biret's weird pianism; the chief reason being the greater structural strictness of Brahms's music relative to that of Chopin. Still, her 'over-liberal' (or erratically exaggerated more accurately labeled) playing in terms of tempo, rubato and pedaling is disturbing throughout the set. Furthermore, her technique is better suited to Brahms than Chopin--even though its limitations become rather obvious in the, indeed fiendish, Paganini Variations.

Nevertheless, this set can actually be recommended as a decent alternative for those who desire the complete piano works of Brahms (because complete it is indeed!). One cannot be too picky here as the competition is markedly limited: Mr Jones's Brahms survey on Nimbus may offer more idiomatic interpretations, but is unfortunately severely marred by innumerous miss-hits that are too disturbing for pleasant repeated listening. A better recommendation, then, is Mr Oppitz (also playing a Bösendorfer--see below) on RCA (originally Eurodisc), although quite far from being masterful. One is better off collecting bits and pieces from Alexeev (EMI--nla) and Kovacevich (Philips). I would specifically like to recommend Grimaud's beautiful survey of the Opp 116-119 pieces (Erato).

Lastly, the piano sound is basically the same as in the Chopin set--a Bösendorfer captured with a highly metallic, fabricated quality. Even if Biret's playing is decent--seldom better or worse--the two stars are chiefly awarded for the good collection value of this bargain-priced box set.

A great introduction.......2000-10-16

Having the complete works of such at a times dense piano composer as Brahms is perhaps not the best way to go, but with Mrs. Biret at the piano, and at Naxos prices, is a wise decision. You are able to know the composer in a deep way.

Most of the performance are excellent, and you will not find one that is below average. The recording is very good and with ample sonic space.

I have heard it twice already, and allowed me to explore Brahms.