Late Brahms Piano Works -- that's Ops 116 - 119 mainly.

[George]

I have had the early mono recordings of Brahms late works by Kempff for a few years and each time I listen, I feel that I enjoy some of it, but in
other places, it doesn't work at all for me.

For those who have heard his stereo recordings of these works, can you tell me if they are all that different?

[Mandryka]

I have had the early mono recordings of Brahms late works by Kempff for a few years and each time I listen, I feel that I enjoy some of it, but in
other places, it doesn't work at all for me.

For those who have heard his stereo recordings of these works, can you tell me if they are all that different?

Piano tone -- it's much fuller in the mono

Maybe you don't enjoy such a lyrical approach. Post Gould, it's hard to accept such an un-analytic style.

Also poetically it may not be satisfying.  He plays the music  charged with regret. Modern Brahms interpretation finds more emotional variety in the music. 

[71 dB]

Strange as it is I don't think I have ever heard Brahms' solo piano music.
Would these "enigmatic" late works be a good starting point or perhaps his 3 sonatas?

I am not a Brahms fanatic as you could figure out from this but I do enjoy his chamber music.

[Brahmsian]

Strange as it is I don't think I have ever heard Brahms' solo piano music.
Would these "enigmatic" late works be a good starting point or perhaps his 3 sonatas?

I am not a Brahms fanatic as you could figure out from this but I do enjoy his chamber music.

Yes, both would be great to check out!  Also check out his Ballades, Op. 10, Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79, his Variations compositions for piano, and any of his music for piano 4-hands (which includes many of his chamber and orchestral works transcribed for this medium).

Definitely check out Variations on a theme by Haydn for two pianos, Op. 56b, and Variations on a theme by Robert Schumann for piano 4-hands, Op. 23

[madaboutmahler]

I could probably call these Late Brahms piano works, in particular op.118, my favourite piano works of all time... So beautiful.

Thinking of buying the recent Perahia recording, any thoughts?

[71 dB]

Yes, both would be great to check out!  Also check out his Ballades, Op. 10, Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79, his Variations compositions for piano, and any of his music for piano 4-hands (which includes many of his chamber and orchestral works transcribed for this medium).

Definitely check out Variations on a theme by Haydn for two pianos, Op. 56b, and Variations on a theme by Robert Schumann for piano 4-hands, Op. 23

I asked for a starting point and You listed pretty much everything he has written but thanks anyway. 

My favorite solo piano composers are Fauré and Granados.

I suppose Brahms' piano music is not as colourful and possesses perhaps other kind (structural?) of strengths.

I have Variations on a theme by Haydn for orchestra, Op. 56a and I like it very much. 

[Brahmsian]

I asked for a starting point and You listed pretty much everything he has written but thanks anyway. 

My favorite solo piano composers are Fauré and Granados.

I suppose Brahms' piano music is not as colourful and possesses perhaps other kind (structural?) of strengths.

I have Variations on a theme by Haydn for orchestra, Op. 56a and I like it very much. 

Sorry about that!    Well, if you like the Haydn Variations for orchestra, why not try starting with that?  I actually prefer the version for two pianos, although I love both! 

[Mandryka]

Strange as it is I don't think I have ever heard Brahms' solo piano music.
Would these "enigmatic" late works be a good starting point or perhaps his 3 sonatas?

I am not a Brahms fanatic as you could figure out from this but I do enjoy his chamber music.

I don't like the sonatas or the ballades much. The late pieces are good but I really think the best place to atart exploring his piano music is with the Handel Variations, or Paganini Variations.

I could probably call these Late Brahms piano works, in particular op.118, my favourite piano works of all time... So beautiful.

Thinking of buying the recent Perahia recording, any thoughts?

His Op 118  is vigorous, unsentimental, straightforward,  robust, no nonsense, monochromatic, meat and potatoes. 

[George]

Sorry about that!    Well, if you like the Haydn Variations for orchestra, why not try starting with that?  I actually prefer the version for two pianos, although I love both! 

Not a lot of recordings for that one, it seems. Which one do you like? Argerich/Rabinovich?

[Mandryka]

I enjoyed Argerich/Pollina Leschenko more than Argerich/Rabinovich -- it's wilder. A live recording from  Lugano

[George]

I enjoyed Argerich/Pollina Leschenko more than Argerich/Rabinovich -- it's wilder. A live recording from  Lugano

Cool, I have that one! So the St. Antoni variations = Haydn Variations?

[Brahmsian]

Not a lot of recordings for that one, it seems. Which one do you like? Argerich/Rabinovich?

Hi George!    I have the Brilliant Classics recording with Bracha Eden/Alexander Tamir

[madaboutmahler]

His Op 118  is vigorous, unsentimental, straightforward,  robust, no nonsense, monochromatic, meat and potatoes.

Ah, that comes as a surprise considering I have heard so much praise for it... I really want a new recording to go with my excellent Lupu recording, so any suggestions?
Thanks for getting back to me.

[Mandryka]

Recommend complete Op 118s  which contrast with Lupu?

Yudina;  Grimaud (Erato -- not DG); Elisabeth Leonskaja.  Maybe even Gieseking.

I didn't mean to be negative about Perahia by the way. I think it's interesting that he decide to play the music as he does. I think you should hear it: it will certainly contrast with Lupu.

Cool, I have that one! So the St. Antoni variations = Haydn Variations?

Yes

[George]

Hi George!    I have the Brilliant Classics recording with Bracha Eden/Alexander Tamir

Hey Ray! Thanks!

And to madaboutmahler I second the Yudina suggestion.

[Sergeant Rock]

And to madaboutmahler I second the Yudina suggestion.

And to madaboutmahler I second the Grimaud suggestion.

Okay...I may have some extramusical reasons for the recommendation    But I do think her Brahms is spectacular.


Sarge

[George]

And to madaboutmahler I second the Grimaud suggestion.

Okay...I may have some extramusical reasons for the recommendation    But I do think her Brahms is spectacular.


Sarge

Sarge thinks that Brahms is German for bottom. 

[Sergeant Rock]

Sarge thinks that Brahms is German for bottom. 

   

[madaboutmahler]

haha

Thank you for your feedback, I shall look into both the Yudina, and the Grimaud...

[George]

haha

Thank you for your feedback, I shall look into both the Yudina, and the Grimaud...

Although Yudina offers the most contrast to Lupu, I like Gould most of all, so if you can hear his Brahms, I definitely suggest you do.