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Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor

Johannes Brahms

D minor

Recordings

Top Choice

Emil Gilels / Eugen Jochum / Berlin Philharmonic

Early 70s

Gil's 'desert island choice' for the set. Has 'everything: power, humanity, poetry, beautiful sound.' Captivating.

Also Worth Hearing

Daniel Barenboim / Sir John Barbirolli / New Philharmonia

1967

A similar 'broad, grand tradition.' Grand recordings with depth, passion (Barbirolli), and beautiful color and power (Barenboim).

Leon Fleischer / George Szell / Cleveland Orchestra

Late 50s/Early 60s

An essential version. Szell brings energy and crispness; Fleischer brings artistry and a beautiful touch.

Solomon / Raphael Kubelík / Philharmonia Orchestra

1952 Mono recording

Mono. Solomon as a 'supreme artistic mind,' a 'thinking musician' who also has power. This recording sounds pretty good for its time.

Arthur Schnabel / George Szell / London Philharmonic

1938 Historic recording

Historic. Schnabel is flexible, tempestuous, exciting, and beautiful in slow movements. Worth hearing for his insights.

Clifford Curzon / George Szell / London Symphony

1962

A classic. 'Demonstration class' stereo. Has more 'zip' than Gilels/Jochum. Fantastic, dramatic, and powerful.