Waltzes, Op. 39 & Hungarian Dances — Selections

Johannes Brahms

Idil Biret

16 Waltzes, Op. 39; Hungarian Dances Nos. 1–10 (solo piano) 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

Wilhelm Backhaus

16 Waltzes, Op. 39 (solo piano) 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

Selections from the Waltzes, Op. 39 (piano four hands) 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.'