Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat major

Johannes Brahms

B-flat major

Enregistrements

Premier Choix

Emil Gilels / Eugen Jochum / Berlin Philharmonic

Early 70s

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

Également Recommandés

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, though Gil finds this No. 2 'slightly underpowered' compared to others, but the artistry is wonderful.

Solomon / Issay Dobrowen / Philharmonia Orchestra

1947 Mono recording

Mono. Solomon as a 'supreme artistic mind.' More distant mono sound than his No. 1.

Arthur Schnabel / Sir Adrian Boult / BBC Symphony

1935 Historic recording

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

Emil Gilels / Fritz Reiner / Chicago Symphony

1958

A 'fresher, sprightlier' Gilels with Reiner's 'zip and crispness.' An exciting, aggressive performance.

Wilhelm Backhaus / Karl Böhm / Vienna Philharmonic

1967

A top choice. A broad interpretation recorded when Backhaus was 83, but he 'still brings it.' Inspired, with power and poetry.

Sviatoslav Richter / Erich Leinsdorf / Chicago Symphony

c. 1960

A faster, aggressive, powerful, assertive, and strong performance, with Richter's individuality.

Edwin Fischer / Wilhelm Furtwängler / Berlin Philharmonic

1942 Historic tape recording

A rough-sounding 1942 tape. A very powerful, assertive account from two 'supreme musical geniuses'.