Which Brahms Piano Concerti would YOU choose ...

[Mark]

... from those available here?

Basically, I have some CDs I'm getting rid of, and I can part exchange them at this site. So, my question is, which version of the Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1, and Piano Concerto No. 2, would you go for given the selection on offer?

I ask, because I'm a dunce in this area and badly need some guidance. And just so you know, I'd prefer something with more modern sound, rather than a historical account.

Thanks in advance.

[BachQ]

Of those listed, for Brahms PC 1:

Serkin / Szell
Gilels / Jochum

[Steve]

Another vote for Serkin/Szell. We had a nice discussion of both of these concerti, and many of the recordings listed came up. You might want to check them out in the Great Recordings Board.

[orbital]

Gilels / Jochum
The 2 concerti set is GBP22.40

However, looks like you can get the 1st+Ballades for GBP6.50 and the 2nd plus op116 for GBP11.00  

[BachQ]

PC 2

Gilels / Jochum
Richter / Leinsdorf

[Mark]

Of those listed, for Brahms PC 1: Gilels / Jochum

This one:



... or this one:

[Mark]

Hmmm ... so Gilels/Jochum very much the front runners at the moment, then.

Thanks to all so far.

[BachQ]

This has both 1 and 2 ........ and every human should own these ........

[Mark]

This has both 1 and 2 ........ and every human should own these ........

Is it better to do as Orbital has noticed, and buy them separately? Same recordings, I imagine?

[BachQ]

Is it better to do as Orbital has noticed, and buy them separately? Same recordings, I imagine?

Same recordings.  Orbital's approach is a slightly better value! 

[Mark]

Same recordings.  Orbital's approach is a slightly better value! 

Sold! Thanks folks.

[Mark]

... and then, Novitiate and George alerted me to this: Brahms Piano Concerti.

What to do, what to do? Anyone know how good the sound is? What year are we talking?

Thanks again.

[Mark]

And as an aside, what opinions do you have of this?

[George]

... and then, Novitiate and George alerted me to this: Brahms Piano Concerti.

What to do, what to do? Anyone know how good the sound is? What year are we talking?

Thanks again.

The one I showed you was recorded originally in 1972 (1976 for Op. 116) It was remastered in 1996 using their "Original Image Bit Processing."

[BachQ]

And as an aside, what opinions do you have of this?

HERE'S FREIRE PLAYING BRAHMS 1 in multiple parts (a so-so performance)

[op.110]

I would take the plunge and instead, go to another website and order this



it's worth every single penny; to me, it's a priceless recording.

[BachQ]

I would take the plunge and instead, go to another website and order this



it's worth every single penny; to me, it's a priceless recording.

Absolutely.  Plus you get Brahms' majestic, splendid, marvellous, sublime op. 24 (Handel Var's)

[Mark]

Okay, now I'm officially (but deliciously) confused.

Confession: I loved that Freire YouTube performance! Sorry, but that's just me. And the (piss-poor) audio clips on Amazon did convey a bit more immediate excitement than did those for the Gilels. This said, I think I'm gonna have to splash out on both ... and ditch the Biret performances on Naxos.

Thanks again, folks.

[BachQ]

Okay, now I'm officially (but deliciously) confused.

What did you expect?

Get the Freire and tell us what you think .........

[AB68]

My favourite recording is Arrau/Haitink. I also have the Freire, but do not like it that much.