Late Piano Works (Op. 116-119) & Rhapsodies (Op. 79) - Selections

Johannes Brahms

Enregistrements

Premier Choix

Radu Lupu

early 1970s

The '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.

Également Recommandés

Emil Gilels

1975

A 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

1960 From her debut recital

A '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.'

Wilhelm Kempff

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 / Phillips · early 1950s

Wilhelm Backhaus

1930s

A '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.