Piano Pieces (Opp. 76, 116–119) & Rhapsodies (Op. 79) — Selections
Johannes Brahms
Radu Lupu
Rhapsodies, Op. 79; Piano Pieces, Opp. 117–119 early 1970sThe 'ideal starting point' for Brahms' piano music. A single-disc recital (missing Op. 116) with a 'wonderful feel for Brahms.' Lupu is 'very romantic in his phrasing,' 'powerful in those early rhapsodies,' and has a 'beautiful touch' and 'wonderful flexibility' in the later works.
Apple Music — Rhapsodies, Op. 79, and Piano Pieces, Opp. 117–119, within a larger Brahms collection.Emil Gilels
Seven Fantasias, Op. 116 1975A wonderful recording of the seven Fantasias, Op. 116 (which are missing from the Lupu disc). Often coupled with his Brahms concertos, it features Gilels' 'wonderful, beautiful tone, wonderful thinking artistry,' and is 'very powerful too.'
Martha Argerich
Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79 1960 From her debut recitalA 'very famous recording' of the Rhapsodies, Op. 79. It shows her 'powerful tone, the virtuosity, as well as a poetic feel to the lighter parts.'
Apple Music — Début Recital — album includes both Rhapsodies, Op. 79Wilhelm Kempff
Selections from the late piano works and Eight Piano Pieces, Op. 76 early 1950s Mono recordings'Iconic recordings' of the late works (Op. 116-119) and Op. 76. Gil prefers this mono version, praising its 'sensitivity and this thought,' 'immaculate beauty and artistry,' and 'wonderful feel for Brahms.'
Label: Deutsche Grammophon / PhillipsWilhelm Backhaus
Brahms piano pieces — historical selections 1930sA 'from the horse's mouth' interpretation, as Backhaus had seen Brahms conduct. He has an 'instinctive feel' for the rhythm, is 'really fiery and dramatic in the louder stuff,' and has 'wonderful color and touch' in the softer works.
Julius Katchen
Eight Piano Pieces, Op. 76 early 1960sA sensitive, characterful account of these less familiar piano pieces, included in his broad Brahms survey.
Apple Music — Eight Piano Pieces, Op. 76, within the collected solo recordings.