Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major
Johannes Brahms
B-flat major
Emil Gilels / Eugen Jochum / Berlin Philharmonic
Early 70sGil's 'desert island choice' for the set. Has 'everything: power, humanity, poetry, beautiful sound.' Captivating.
Apple MusicDaniel Barenboim / Sir John Barbirolli / New Philharmonia
1967A similar 'broad, grand tradition.' Grand recordings with depth, passion (Barbirolli), and beautiful color and power (Barenboim).
Apple MusicLeon Fleisher / George Szell / Cleveland Orchestra
Late 50s/Early 60sAn essential version, though Gil finds this No. 2 'slightly underpowered' compared to others, but the artistry is wonderful.
Apple MusicSolomon / Issay Dobrowen / Philharmonia Orchestra
1947 Mono recordingMono. Solomon as a 'supreme artistic mind.' More distant mono sound than his No. 1.
Artur Schnabel / Sir Adrian Boult / BBC Symphony
1935 Historic recordingHistoric. Schnabel is flexible, tempestuous, exciting, and beautiful in slow movements. Worth hearing for his insights.
Emil Gilels / Fritz Reiner / Chicago Symphony
1958A 'fresher, sprightlier' Gilels with Reiner's 'zip and crispness.' An exciting, aggressive performance.
Apple MusicWilhelm Backhaus / Karl Böhm / Vienna Philharmonic
1967A top choice. A broad interpretation recorded when Backhaus was 83, but he 'still brings it.' Inspired, with power and poetry.
Apple Music — Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2 on an album with Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 27.Sviatoslav Richter / Erich Leinsdorf / Chicago Symphony
c. 1960A faster, aggressive, powerful, assertive, and strong performance, with Richter's individuality.
Apple Music — Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2 on an album with Piano Sonata No. 1.Edwin Fischer / Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic
1942 Historic tape recordingA rough-sounding 1942 tape. A very powerful, assertive account from two 'supreme musical geniuses'.
Apple Music