16 Waltzes, Op. 39

Johannes Brahms

Op. 39

Recordings

Top Choice

Idil Biret

1992

An excellent disc, 'ideally' coupled with the 'Hungarian Dances.' Biret has a 'wonderful feel for the Brahms' rhythmic inflection' and 'wonderful flexibility.' Very well recorded.

Label: Naxos · 1992

Also Worth Hearing

Wilhelm Backhaus

1936

A historical alternative. Shows Backhaus's 'innate understanding of Brahms and the rhythmic inflection' and captures the 'elegance of the works,' though it's 'a little bit more on the assertive side.'

Dinu Lipatti, Nadia Boulanger

1937 Selections for four-hands

An 'iconic recording' of the four-hand version (selections). They have an 'obvious rapport,' play with 'virtuosic' skill, and 'really have that elegance down.'