EMI 573790 [59:24 + 63:57 + 71:38] three discs, mid-price
Johannes Brahms
Klavierstücke, Op 78
Rhapsodies, Op 79
Valses, Op 39
Variations on a
theme of Robert Schumann, Op 9
Variations and
fugue on a theme of Handel, Op 24
Variations on a
Hungarian theme, Op 21 No 2
Theme and
variations from String Sextet, Op 18 (arr. Brahms)
Fantasies, Op 116
Intermezzi, Op 117
Klavierstücke, Op
118
Klavierstücke, Op
119
by
Jon
Yungkans
From the first notes of
the D-sharp minor Capriccio that opens this set, you can
tell that something very special is unfolding before your ears.
Mikhail Rudy knows his way around Brahms’ music extraordinarily
well. He knows where to pause, where to let the notes gently
speed, then slow down, not forcing this rubato against the
general pulse of the music but moving with the pulse naturally
and organically. Nothing sounds calculated. Everything moves
as though it is living, breathing, truly alive.
Rudy also has a true sense of both the musical and dramatic
architecture of these works, knowing where to build tension,
where to release and where the culminating point of each piece
truly is. And although Rudy demonstrates a firm and instinctive
understanding of the interplay of light and dark, shade and
shadow that layers Brahms’ work as a psychological form of
counterpoint, he never unbalances the music by overstating one
emotion at the cost of others or turning the music into
psychodrama. The emotional complexities are allowed to remain
what they are – combinations of ever-shifting undercurrents,
sometimes changing abruptly and dangerously, at other times more
subtly, but truly never predictably.
Not
only is Rudy’s playing one continual marvel after another, but
the set pulls together many pieces worth hearing but seldom
recorded into one handy package. Even if there are recordings
of some of the better-known works that a listener may prefer,
this set is a great and relatively inexpensive way to one-stop
shop for a lot of great music.
More fascinating, each disc has been organized into a different
program, with the selections on each disc complementing the
whole and giving an intriguing look at different times and
aspects of the composer’s life. As musical autobiography, this
set is a mesmerizing compilation.
The
first disc shows the lighter side of Brahms at its two ends –
the Op 76 Klavierstücke piano pieces at the beginning and
Op 39 Waltzes at the end – flanking a short but serious core
with the Op 79 Rhapsodies. Here is the hale and hearty
mid-period Brahms, the man who often wore a mask of gruff
seriousness but who could also be gentle, considerate and
sensitive toward those who knew him well. The erstwhile
idolizer of Beethoven meets the hopeless lover of Strauss
waltzes. (Brahms and Johann Strauss Jr. were great friends who
respected each other’s music.) Rudy allows the easy charm of
the sunnier pieces to shine through without trivializing them,
yet gives them just enough sincere depth to be substantial
without making them dour. The more turgid works are also given
their due – mercurial, dramatic, even tragic (as at the end of
the E minor Rhapsody), but never overstated.
The
second disc showcases the Brahms sets of variations – the
blond-haired youth who showed up on Robert and Clara Schumann’s
doorstep in the autumn of 1853 and remained a devoted and close
friend to Robert and Clara for the rest of their lives. For me
this disc is the most intriguing one because the opening and
closing works on it – the Schumann and string sextet variations
– form a pair of musical bookends illustrating the beginning and
end of what could have been the high point in a
more-than-friendly relationship between Brahms and Clara. Even
with the extreme remoteness that anything physically intimate
could have taken place between those two, there remained what
could be construed as a pseudo-romance between them that could
have seemed much more than pseudo at one point, especially after
Robert’s suicide attempt in 1854, his institutionalization and
his continued mental collapse until his death two years later.
Take for instance what the liner notes state about the Schumann
variations:
“Brahms presented Clara with these variations on a theme from
Robert's 'Bunte Blatter,' Op 99, with the dedication: 'Little
variations on a theme by him, for her' ... In a reference to
Schumann's 'double,' some of these sixteen variations – those
which are delicate or poetic – are signed 'Brahms,' while
others, passionate or spirited, are signed 'Kreisler.' "
I
had already been taken by the range of emotion and passionate
intensity of the variations but paid even closer attention when
I read that passage. Brahms hewing close to the style and
character of Robert’s music is one thing, and something he was
very good at doing with whatever composer’s music with which he
was working. But aping Robert’s other compositional or literary
habits could seem a little odd in itself. Was it a case of
imitation as a sincere form of flattery? Or could Brahms have
been representing himself, however fleetingly, as a replacement
for Robert? Perhaps it is much ado about very little.
At
the other end of the spectrum, the stormy and emotionally
devastating sextet variations sound very much like Brahms
himself. Written in 1860, the composer dedicated this piano
transcription to Clara. As extraordinarily passionate as this
set of variations is, it seems to form a bookend to Op 9, right
down to its final air of resignation. It is very difficult to
tell that this piece was originally written for six string
instruments. The freshness of the music is preserved intact
while sounding incredibly pianistic in its own right.
In
both these works and the other sets of variations in-between,
Rudy handles everything extremely well. The emotional range he
conveys is enormous, and he is very adept at switching from the
extreme passion and earnestness of the Schumann and sextet
variations to the wit and whimsy of the Haydn variations. His
variety of touch and rhythmic suppleness keeps the ear and mind
constantly alert, and as in the shorter discs on the first disc,
his natural rubato and unhurried pacing allow the music to bloom
fully.
The
third disc is Brahms of the final years – the man who outlived
many of his friends, including Clara, and who saw the musical
and cultural world he knew start coming to a close. As the
pieces he wrote shortened in length, they concentrated in
emotional strength and deepened in overall tone – many times
darkly, as though Brahms was peering through the starless
midnight hour of his soul. Rudy allows the melancholy its due,
not allowing it to overwhelm and make the music a series of
one-note pieces but showing how acutely it shadowed and
inflected all the other feelings Brahms expressed. In short,
Rudy makes these pieces more moving, collectively desperate, yet
incredibly varied in mood.
In
three hours, an incredibly rich musical voyage and retelling of
a composer’s life in his own works. The time Rudy takes,
telling us this story masterly as he shares these compositional
gems, could be spent on far, far worse things, but we would be
all the poorer for not having heard them this way.
In Singapore, EMI CDs
may be bought most inexpensively from SING MUSIC, The
number to call is (+65) 62358960. The address is 304 Orchard Road
#02-75 Lucky Plaza Singapore 238863. Simply mention the magic
words "The Flying Inkpot" and receive 10% off all purchases
(except for nett items).
Readers' Comments
From: Silenos (omjuly@verizon.net / Friday, January 19, 2007 at 03:24:26)
The Rudy is indeed an excellent, superbly priced set. It includes the transitional op. 76 pieces and the charming op. 39 Valses, middle period Brahms that rarely find their way onto disc. Likewise, for this reissue, Rudy collates all four of Brahms late autumnal pieces which makes for a glorious seventy minutes or so of unequaled, bittersweet mastery. He wisely leaves the rather more rambunctious Rhapsodies to stand in their proper place, just following the op. 76 pieces. So overall, shouts to the programmers. As for the playing, Rudy is never less than remarkable. elegant and sensitive to the music's inner core of passion mingled with melancholy (part of Brahms's regret at having been born to late in Rosen's formulation,) but he is rarely revelatory. Devoted Brahmsian will accordingly need to supplement this recording of the op. 117-119 pieces with Lupu's transcendental account (who unfortunately did not choose to record the op. 116 Fantaisies) and seek the brilliant Gilels for the op. 116. I found Rudy's crisp articulation ideal in the various sets of variations but some might find Arrau's authority more to their taste in the Haendel piece. For those new to Brahms' piano music, however, this is an admirable starting point.
When the sun rises in the east, the entire forest and seemed to be revived as the world together. The dark green foliage soaked layers of mountains, looking ahead, everywhere gradually deep green branches of trees on the entire troupe infected withbuy watches the golden light. Butterflies fluttering forest land covered with flowers, and the birds flying clear sky, a mountain stream crossed the deep springs of their elegant figure, fish in the gurgling of the stream between the flexibility to play. "more quiet, more secluded mountain bird." Everything is soreplica watches natural, harmonious and vibrant. Forest bred most of the plants and animals on Earth, but we humans are in the excessive felling of trees, resulting in a large number of plant and animal extinction.
From: burberry handbags (seo007lee@gmail.com / Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 18:00:55)
The coach outlet store manager luxurious lifestyle export handbag. To find the best choice and coach bags in here! We provide the best collection of the coach handbags and the best price, including shipping handbag. Welcome to enjoy coach sunglass, cheap and discount wholesale and retail channels, coach store online, much less ones. Discount sale manager bag.
xiao101 You will see many people worn Supra shoes when you walk in the street, this is the trend of this year. Supras Footwear has really taken over the skate shoes world in a relatively short amount of time, going from near obscurity to stardom almost overnight. If you are looking for Supra Footwear, Streamlined?Supra Skytop II?on a vulcanized outsole. The unique design and brand positioning will be an alternative fashion, aesthetic, fashion, alternative, and the Supra Skytop shoes combination of skateboarding, it has become a pop culture brand. Brand new, original package and top quality. Free shipping fast deliver to your door.
xiao101 On the Fall/Winter 2009-2010 RTW runway, a multi-functional transparent Chanel Bags, which can hold the perfume, cosmetics, sunglasses etc, is more and more dazzlingly brilliant and has gained the reputation of the stylists. If you happen to be desirous to a transparent chanel 2.55 bags, this one is exactly your best choice. From Chanel Outlet. The Man Playing Guitar, he designed the black and white version of chanel Handbags 2010 and made it stand out in the Spring Summer 2009 collection. For Chanel handbags, welcome to our store.
xiao101 This Russian History Jewel Symbols Boiled Gucci outlet Clutch are available in two classic colors-black and white, these adorned with jewels and symbols are the representatives of Russian history. This sophisticated classic Gucci Bags features the Chanel signature jewely symbols on the front flap. For more information, welcome to gucci handbags 2010 .comprised of two limited edition nail enamels¡ª"Jade" and "Jade Rose", made a retail debut on September 10th at the gucci classic in New York City in celebration of Vogue¡¯s Fashion Night Out. For more information, welcome to Gucci outlet online .
I greatly benefit from your articles every time I read one. Thanks for the headphones info, it helps a lot. What an inspiring article you
wrote! I totally like the useful mdr ex500sl review info shared in the article. Excellent point here. I wish
there are more and more mdr-ne2 articles like that. when washing eyeglasses under running water glasses need bath and cleaning
to keep a good You have given us some interesting points on noise cancelling earphones uk. This is a wonderful article and surely Excellent
point here. I wish there are more and more New sennheiser cx 95 articles like that.
From: rosetta stone (ghost@gmail.com / Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 07:55:43)
Fashionable preceding long time the household of the Ptolemies featured deep in thought control Rosetta Stone condition of destined divisions of the land. It got chosen their regular army close to Rosetta Stone Reviews metre to invest devour foeman successful the Delta, and disunites of rebel top Egyptian Empire, peculiarly Thebes, represented not nonetheless endorse under the politics Fashionable preceding long time the household of the Ptolemies featured deep in thought control Rosetta Stone condition of destined divisions of the land. It got chosen their regular army close to Rosetta Stone Reviews metre to invest devour foeman successful the Delta, and disunites of rebel top Egyptian Empire, peculiarly Thebes, represented not nonetheless endorse under the politics control condition.
From: wbwre (owurw@yahoo.com / Sunday, September 26, 2010 at 18:08:28)
From: thomassabo (fsd@df.com / Friday, October 15, 2010 at 11:07:26)
While Celticdiscount thomas sabo jewelry may be most popular thomas sabo jewellery among individuals of Irish decent, thomas sabo uk anyone is free to love and enjoy this enchanting jewelry and many do. Frequently Celtic wedding bands are selected as an alternative to more traditional thomas sabo london wedding rings. In many cases owners of Celtic jewelry choose to have their ring engraved. This style of Celtic wedding band is often referred to as a Claddagh ring.thomas sabo salethomas sabo onlineCladdagh rings will thomas sabo shop generally have two holding hands, a thomas sabo online shop crown, and a heart on the band. The heart is said to symbolize love, the crown stands for loyalty, and the hands thomas sabo charms symbolize friendship. All of whichthomas sabo sale uk are important components of a marriage. Most bridal Claddagh thomas sabo charm wedding rings will have a stone inlaid. You have the option of purchasing Claddagh wedding bands in a traditional, antique style or thomas sabo bracelet in one of the more modern variations. Another piece of highly popular Celtic jewelry is the Celtic lovers knot thomas bracelets ring. Here, the engraved knot serves as a lover knot, thus the title for the ring. Although knot rings do come in a number thomas sabo bracelets of different thomas sabo jewellerystyles, the meaning remains the same. In Celtic jewelry, the knot symbolizes a crossing place where two people meet. The most common usage or symbolic meaning of knot jewelry is as a representation of love.
pandora | pandora bracelets | pandora uk | pandora charms | pandora bracelet | pandora jewellery | pandora charm | pandora beads | pandora bracelets uk | pandora charms sale | Pandora jewellery uk | pandora charms uk | pandora rings |
----------------------
From: wholesale nfl jerseys (dustbinmiracle@126.com / Monday, October 18, 2010 at 13:39:40)
From: w2788695 (550717542@qq.com / Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 09:27:18)
Unique shoes supra, is a favorite of many young stars, and I love it. Stylish and comfortable foot feeling so many young people crazy
for it.
Supra is the best-selling U.S. brand of shoes. Supra Vaider Shoes Although it is a new brand, but it grew into
one of the most successful brand of shoes, supra vaider will be the perfect luxury style combined with extreme
sports, a unique position to design and alternative fashion csdsupra1019, aesthetic csdmiaomiao03, fashion, the perfect combination of alternative and skateboards, has become
popular culture and even the United States shoes much sought after community of a new brand. Supra Suprano
Shoes, with many of the touted big-name riders, and doomed it to take the high road shoes, work very pleasant surprise, there is a taste of the influx of people must Oh! 8
supra shoes, not to be missed, Supra TK Society is definitely tide shoes, including the supra-footwear-tuf-muska,
supra-footwear-tk-society, supra-footwear-ns-skytop, supra-footwear-suprano- deathwish and other styles. My favorite pair of golden perforation. I think my colleagues justin bieber shoes is also worth to try next. chenmiaomiao071016
From: beats headphones (lindy81@126.com / Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 17:41:29)
From: beats headphones (lindy81@126.com / Wednesday, October 20, 2010 at 17:41:32)
From: taobao agent (service@taobaogle.com / Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 15:03:24)
online Shop us for the lastest rose melody taobao.
Authentic taobao trade is one of the best-selling merchandise.We also offer other newest and best shoes.
Buy authentic and cheap alibaba taobao. FREE Shipping the whole world!
Cheap taobao agent cheap discount 60% off.We offer 100% authentic products.
I like taobao alipay, because it is cheap.
I love to buy taobao and amazon, because it is nice.
From: Tiffany bracelet (sedan0877@yahoo.com / Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 00:54:07)
Nike Airmax 2009 is a casual sports and fashion combined. cheap airmax 90s AIR MAX series nike airmax of shoes are eternal, or so popular has its reasons, It can air max 95s transport shoes to wear when the move is also can be as casual shoes nike air max trainers to wear, no nike air max 180 matter what pants with nike air max 24-7 appropriate . Nike Airmax just released these nike air max 1 Nike Airmax 2009 which inspired by Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers nike air max 90 in two different color alternatives, nike air max 95 black and military green. Each shoe has an upper air max classic bw produced of 100% nike air max ltd nylon with white leather on the toe, along with a white vulcanized air max 90 current sole. The Nike Air Max 2009 is unique, but similar to the nike air max ltd 2 Nike Air Max 2003 model. As you can see, the Nike Airmax 2009 almost contains a 360 degree air bubble, this helps for the long distance runs. The Nike Air Max 2009 is highly structured, and you can tell the Air Max line came a long way since the 1980s. A cool finish is the 2009 printed on the heels.
Nike Airmax 2009 is a casual sports and fashion combined. cheap airmax 90s AIR MAX series nike airmax of shoes are eternal, or so popular has its reasons, It can air max 95s transport shoes to wear when the move is also can be as casual shoes nike air max trainers to wear, no nike air max 180 matter what pants with nike air max 24-7 appropriate . Nike Airmax just released these nike air max 1 Nike Airmax 2009 which inspired by Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers nike air max 90 in two different color alternatives, nike air max 95 black and military green. Each shoe has an upper air max classic bw produced of 100% nike air max ltd nylon with white leather on the toe, along with a white vulcanized air max 90 current sole. The Nike Air Max 2009 is unique, but similar to the nike air max ltd 2 Nike Air Max 2003 model. As you can see, the Nike Airmax 2009 almost contains a 360 degree air bubble, this helps for the long distance runs. The Nike Air Max 2009 is highly structured, and you can tell the Air Max line came a long way since the 1980s. A cool finish is the 2009 printed on the heels.
From: londonugg (lilyki50@yahoo.com / Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 15:39:26)
ugg boots london I saw something shocking uggs london on my way to work the other day. uggs new york While bundled in a long sleeved shirt, wool sweater and coat, with a Pashmina, hat and gloves,ugg boots london sale I saw a man with his bike a the bus stop in SANDALS. He wasn¡¯t overly well dressed for cold weather, in jeans, t-shirt and open jacket. Now, having lived in Oregon for the past decade I have come to be aware of what ¡°true Oregonians¡± consider winter attire. ugg boots london shop This primarily consists of the inbred belief that flip-flops are a necessity year round, and sweaters and umbrellas are for tourists.I do not uphold this belief.ugg boots sale london I love getting dressed up for winter, layering on leggings with my sweater dress and ugg boots new york, a sweater and a jacket, and a rotating army of scarves, hats and gloves.ugg boots london stockists I don¡¯t enjoy being frozen, especially knowing how easy a situation that is to avoid. uggs new york sale So personally, buy ugg boots london I do not consider myself a ¡°true Oregonian.¡± I like umbrellas, and only wear flip flops when it¡¯s above 75 degrees.Based on the population of Oregon, ugg new york I¡¯m probably in the minority. Although I have come to accept that these people are just immune to cold in a way I am not, uggs new york of sale I do still think they are crazy. I¡¯m guessing that the good folks at UGG Australia caught wind of these people because look at what they have to offer: sandals with fleece! uggs new york on sale
From: beats headphones (lindy81@126.com / Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 10:56:29)
For the last four years, monster beats by dr.dre headphones a new fashion trend has been sweeping the nation. Some have embraced it while others are amazed lady gaga headphones and confused by classic tall ugg boots its success. This fashion trend is monster beats solo known as the Ugg boot. Although Bailey Button Uggs somewhat MBT Moja unconventional in appearance, Uggs has gained a monster beats tour huge following among all nightfall ugg boots social groups and ages. Besides the fact mbt m.walk that they are extremely air jordan 12 trendy, it's their incredible ability to keep feet monster turbine warm in the bitterest cold discount ugg boots of conditions who makes these boots so popular.
The Ugg boot Ugg Classic Cardy is made with sheepskin instead ugg classic argyle knit of regular leather which helps you stay cool in the monster headphones summer and keeps you warm and snug in the discount uggs winter making it the perfect boot to wear in all ugg ultra short seasons. If sheepskin is not mbt kaya your style, then fear not for the Ugg boot also has mbt kaya varieties that are made from leather and monster beats by dr dre suede as well, from casual to cowboy styles. It also has a design that is meant for the more feminine women with a fleece on the beats by dr dre headphones outside of the boot.
But Uggs is more classic cardy ugg boots than just sheepskin boots; it has mbt karani casual shoes, slippers as well as handbags lady gaga headphones and other monster turbine pro accessories. Ugg casual shoes baby ugg boots are comfortable, stylish, and great mbt lami to wear in any occasion. Ugg slippers are warm and Kids Ugg Boots comforting and great to wear ugg gissella boots to bed or just sitting on the Ugg Nightfall couch. Ugg also offers Ugg Adirondack a full line of high-quality mbt tembea handbags and backpacks to match your Uggs. monster turbine Ugg handbags and backpacks are made from high-quality MBT Kimondo leather and suede just like ugg boots discount their boots and feature a comfortable and ugg classic cardy fashionable cotton web strap for ugg crochet convenience and style. mbt chapa A pair of Ugg boots, a matching Ugg handbag or backpack, and a dr dre headphones pair of jeans is the perfect outfit for any casual event. heartbeats headphones With it, you will feel comfortable, UGG Lo Pro look trendy, and be the envy mbt kisumu of everyone around you.
Uggs come in a monster headphones variety of styles and colors with small children and ugg classic cardy babies in mind. Uggs Kids Bailey Button ugg boots Tall Boots is one of the more ugg classic mini searched for styles for infants, as these mbt sport super soft, deliciously stylish UGG Adirondack Boot II boots are able to mbt nama keep feet, ankles, and calf region all cozy and mbt fora warm. As feet are a main source of mbt fora heat loss from the body, it is important to take the UGG Kensington time to be certain that their UGG Gissella feet wrapped up.
One of the positive MBT Sini points to picking up a pair of Ugg classic tall boots Classic Short Uggs for an infant mbt nama or small child is that the soft texture of these Kids Ugg Boots boots is ideal for the skin jordan 1 of an infant, and perfect for keeping feet Uggs On Sale warm throughout the year.
Sheepskin Ugg Boots UK Uggs are able to keep heat in while at the same time jordan 1 allowing air to circulate; this can make them Bose in ear headphones perfect to keep a toddlers feet warm in the ugg classic short black winter while at the same time air jordan 9 avoiding over heating and staying cool Bose on ear headphones throughout the summer months.
As a small child is ugg bailey button triplet boots likely to spend a lot lady gaga headphones of time playing, it is always advisable to look out monster headphones for a pair of shoes or boots that fit well monster beats by dr dre and protect the feet, in addition to offering dr dre headphones warmth and comfort - Fortunately, a monster beats by dr.dre headphones genuine pair of lady gaga headphones Ugg boots is able to classic tall ugg boots meet these requirements.
A good fitting monster beats solo pair of Ugg boots will fit snug, Bailey Button Uggs but not too tight, and MBT Moja as the sheepskin begins to stretch and loosen monster beats tour with wear, after a short time these nightfall ugg boots boots will fit mbt m.walk a toddler's foot like a pair of gloves.
As sheepskin does not cope air jordan 12 that well with wet weather, encouraging a monster turbine child not to splash in puddles while wearing Uggs is advisable. In the event that a pair of Uggs do become dirty or muddy, it is often best to deal with this situation in gently manner.
Firstly, the no-goes - washing power, harsh shampoos, the washing machine and hot water. Use instead - cool water to clean and wipe the boots gently. As the boots dry out, stuff screwed up newspaper inside, this can assist in retaining the shape.
A quick checklist to note for when it comes to shopping for a pair of Ugg boots - Ensure a snug fit, but not overly tight. Look for Uggs that have been hand stitched, soles are made of a durable rubber compound, feature quality sheepskin - ticking all these points can ensure a longer lasting pair of Uggs boots for the energetic child.
SurferMag.com Wavewatch wave watch Surf News, Surf Information, Surf Industry Information, Jack Johnson, Surf Cams Swell Forecast, Find & watch Surf Video Nov 22, 2010 The most accurate and trusted surf reports and forecasts and coastal weather. Surfers from around the world choose Surfline for dependable surfing What is Tanning Oil?. Some folks won't go the beach without their trusty bottles of tanning oil. Unlike creamy tanning lotion, tanning oil is a clear or Tanning oil can refer to two types of skin products. Indoor tanning lotion refers to oils and lotions that enhance tanning in a tanning bed or outdoors. tanning oil DAZZLING DEAL! Diamond Stud Earrings 1 CT.T.W. 14K Accessorize with classic gold earrings featuring a wide selection of popular designs including stud, Online shopping for Stud Earrings from a great selection of Jewelry & more at everyday low prices. stud earrings Surprise your girlfriend with a sterling silver promise ring at her high-school graduation or . Handcrafted Turquoise Attitude Silver Ring (Mexico) Silver Ring Thing promotes the message of abstinence until marriage centered in a relationship with Jesus Christ through two methods: a Live Event and a silver ring Dental floss is either a bundle of thin nylon filaments or a plastic (Teflon or polyethylene) ribbon used to remove food and dental plaque from teeth. Online shopping for Dental Floss & Flossers from a great selection of Health & Personal Care & more at everyday low prices. dental floss
From: Thomas Sabo (thomassabo@gmail.com / Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 10:45:59)
All
original texts are copyrighted. Please seek permission from the
Classical Editor
if you wish to reproduce/quote Inkpot material.
More
in this issue
Charles
Koechlin Le docteur Fabricius Vers la Voûte étoilée (HAENSSLER)
Karol Szymanowski String Quartets, Stravinsky Concertino,
Three Pieces, Double Canon (NAXOS)
Giuseppe Verdi La Traviata in Russian - Shumskaya, Kozlovsky, Lisitsian, Orlov (GUILD)
Johannes Brahms Sonata for Two Pianos, Op 34b Felix MendelssohnPiano Trio No 1, Op 49
Martha Argerich and Lilya Zilberstein, piano Renaud Capucon, violin Gautier Capucon, cello (EMI)
Morton Feldman Violin and Orchestra
Coptic Light, Piano and Orchestra (COL LEGNO)
The
first disc shows the lighter side of Brahms at its two ends –
the Op 76 Klavierstücke piano pieces at the beginning and
Op 39 Waltzes at the end – flanking a short but serious core
with the Op 79 Rhapsodies. Here is the hale and hearty
mid-period Brahms, the man who often wore a mask of gruff
seriousness but who could also be gentle, considerate and
sensitive toward those who knew him well. The erstwhile
idolizer of Beethoven meets the hopeless lover of Strauss
waltzes. (Brahms and Johann Strauss Jr. were great friends who
respected each other’s music.) Rudy allows the easy charm of
the sunnier pieces to shine through without trivializing them,
yet gives them just enough sincere depth to be substantial
without making them dour. The more turgid works are also given
their due – mercurial, dramatic, even tragic (as at the end of
the E minor Rhapsody), but never overstated.