Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1

[Steve]

Having spotted a thread on the Brahms Piano Concertos, I thought I might post another specifically addressing the lovely 1st in D minor. I have a set of the two piano concertos on Phillips with Arrau, and Bernard Haitnik, and haven't really explored elswhere. Once again I find myself exploring performances of this lovely gem, and am in need of reccomenations. Any suggestions for the 1st Piano Concerto?

[PerfectWagnerite]

I know this is not a popular choice but this is my first recording of this work, extremely urgent and unpretentious reading of this work. You won't find anything idiosyncratic in the reading.

I am not as high as most people on Fleischer/Szell. It is good but I am not of the opinion that it towers over others in the field. I really don't like Harnoncourt/Buchbinder, just sounds so cold and wrong in this music. Ax and Haintink recorded a fabulous 2nd PC with the BSO, but I don't think they recorded the 1st.

[Steve]

I'll need to look into this one, thanks. 

[George]

Having spotted a thread on the Brahms Piano Concertos, I thought I might post another specifically addressing the lovely 1st in D minor. I have a set of the two piano concertos on Phillips with Arrau, and Bernard Haitnik, and haven't really explored elswhere. Once again I find myself exploring performances of this lovely gem, and am in need of reccomenations. Any suggestions for the 1st Piano Concerto?

Barenboim/Barbirolli offer a gloriously expansive, romantic take that I very much enjoy.

Also (from the old forum):

My conclusions:

I think that Serkin/Szell may have the best all around performance I've heard, with unfortunately less than optimum sonics.

Fleisher/Szell have a youthful energy and enthusiasm that is incredibly appealing. I wish the engineers has allowed for more pianissimo in the quieter moments. It sounds like it rarely goes below mf.

Gilels/Jochum offer a beautiful, expansive reading with easily the best sound. This is the one I would take to the proverbial desert island. 


Link to old discussion on this topic:
http://www.good-music-guide.com/forum/index.php/topic,13430.0.html

[Harry]

Well as I told before I think, these piano concertos by Brahms, are giving me a headache.
I think the Orchestral part has all the content for a symphony, and the piano part is like a full blown sonata.
The marriage is bad IMO. The bombastic intro of the first concerto turns me off right away.
I have all the orchestral and chamberworks from Brahms, but I never heard a recording from these piano concertos that I liked.
Eventually I want them of course. what I liked halfway were the recordings on Philips with Stephen K and Colin Davis as conductor, so something on that lines.

[BachQ]

I agree with George that these are among the very best:

Serkin/Szell
Fleisher/Szell
Gilels/Jochum


I'm having second thoughts about Curzon/Szell (which, historically, I've praised as the non plus ultra); however, I'm beginning to think that Curzon cheated on the octave trills in the first movement (using the ossia version of the trills rather than the much more cumbersome, arduous true octave trill).  Ergo, I'm reconsidering the Curzon/Szell at the moment . . . . . .

[BachQ]

The marriage is bad IMO. The bombastic intro of the first concerto turns me off right away.

Isn't it wonderful how two people can have absolutely opposite opinions about the same composition. . . . . .

Brahms' marriage of piano + orchestra is one of the most glorious experiences in music . . . . . . I would cross a desert for just one more piano concerto by Brahms . . . . . .

[bhodges]

Isn't it wonderful how two people can have absolutely opposite opinions about the same composition. . . . . .

Brahms' marriage of piano + orchestra is one of the most glorious experiences in music . . . . . . I would cross a desert for just one more piano concerto by Brahms . . . . . .

Wonderful, indeed...(as a person who would probably join D Minor in his trek across the desert)...

--Bruce

[PerfectWagnerite]

I think the 2 PC by Brahms are the greatest contributions to the literature. There is nothing in the genre that is is even close to the scope of these works.

[Harry]

Wonderful, indeed...(as a person who would probably join D Minor in his trek across the desert)...

--Bruce

Take care , that you may have enough water supply for the journey.

[Harry]

Isn't it wonderful how two people can have absolutely opposite opinions about the same composition. . . . . .

Brahms' marriage of piano + orchestra is one of the most glorious experiences in music . . . . . . I would cross a desert for just one more piano concerto by Brahms . . . . . .

Well I did say that I have no complains about the rest of his substantial output right?

[Harry]

I think the 2 PC by Brahms are the greatest contributions to the literature. There is nothing in the genre that is is even close to the scope of these works.

That for me is a overstatement!
I disagree and think Beethovens pianoconcertos a much better proposition.
But then, it is good that not all opinions are the same, and we have the freedom to state what we like or dislike............

[karlhenning]

I disagree and think Beethovens pianoconcertos a much better proposition.

Harry, Harry!  Wouldn't that be like trying to decide which of the two is greater, Hartmann or Pettersson? 

[Harry]

Harry, Harry!  Wouldn't that be like trying to decide which of the two is greater, Hartmann or Pettersson? 

Don't read me wrong, I am not talking about greatness, but about my problems with the Brahms concertos. That's all.

[BachQ]

I think the 2 PC by Brahms are the greatest contributions to the literature. There is nothing in the genre that is is even close to the scope of these works.

I agree.  They're really in a class by themselves . . . . . . 

[71 dB]

Well as I told before I think, these piano concertos by Brahms, are giving me a headache.
I think the Orchestral part has all the content for a symphony, and the piano part is like a full blown sonata.
The marriage is bad IMO. The bombastic intro of the first concerto turns me off right away.
I have all the orchestral and chamberworks from Brahms, but I never heard a recording from these piano concertos that I liked.
Eventually I want them of course. what I liked halfway were the recordings on Philips with Stephen K and Colin Davis as conductor, so something on that lines.

Interesting to read critic like this against Brahms, one of the most respected composers.

[Steve]

I agree with George that these are among the very best:

Serkin/Szell
Fleisher/Szell
Gilels/Jochum


I'm having second thoughts about Curzon/Szell (which, historically, I've praised as the non plus ultra); however, I'm beginning to think that Curzon cheated on the octave trills in the first movement (using the ossia version of the trills rather than the much more cumbersome, arduous true octave trill).  Ergo, I'm reconsidering the Curzon/Szell at the moment . . . . . .

You've mentioned three Szelll recordings. Which of three would earn your highest reccomendation? I figured I might as well check out one of the Szell and the Jochum. Any futher details on these?

[George]

You've mentioned three Szelll recordings. Which of three would earn your highest reccomendation? I figured I might as well check out one of the Szell and the Jochum. Any futher details on these?

If you are in the NYC area, you can get the Serkin/Szell for $6.99 at J and R Music. That's the one I'd recommend.

[George]

If you are in the NYC area, you can get the Serkin/Szell for $6.99 at J and R Music. That's the one I'd recommend.

In fact, I think you can order it online too;

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4003000

[Steve]

If you are in the NYC area, you can get the Serkin/Szell for $6.99 at J and R Music. That's the one I'd recommend.

My, that's quite the bargain! Unfortunately I reside in the Midwest (Chicago). Amazon, appears to be charging a great deal more. (nearly 18) Here's the link http://www.amazon.com/Brahms-Piano-Concerto-Haendel-Variations/dp/B0000AH3ES/ref=sr_1_8/102-6618544-5549713?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1176948883&sr=8-8

Does this retailer have an online store?