Brahms for Book Lovers: A Cozy Companion for Reading

Johannes Brahms (Composer), Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chamber Ensemble (Performer), Beaux Arts Trio (Performer), György Sebök (Performer), Hephzibah Menuhin (Performer), Werner Haas (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields Chamber Ensemble, Beaux Arts Trio, György Sebök, Hephzibah Menuhin, Werner Haas
• Composer: Johannes Brahms
• Audio CD (June 9, 1998)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B000007OTL
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #69,576 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #89 in Music > Classical > Instruments > Reeds & Winds > Clarinet

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lyrical...Passionate...Tender, October 19, 2000

By 

Brahms Scholar (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brahms for Book Lovers: A Cozy Companion for Reading (Audio CD)

Brahms was a somber, yet tender and sensitive spirit. All of the works
of this CD are a testament to that fact. He is one of the great
Chamber Music composers in history. At first you may think this is a
background music CD; and of course, you can use this CD for reading,
but I have to warn you that Brahms Chamber Music is
infectious. Certain passages, as gentle and yet surprising as they
are, will pull you right out of what you are doing and demand your
attention. Not in a brash or dramatic way, but gently; like someone
tugging at your arm to lead you to a new World. Brahms wasn't
composing background music. In this music he makes some of his most
heartfelt statements. It's like having someone talk to you in a quiet
and pleasant tone. It makes you just want to go on listening and
listening. This CD has inspired me to begin to collect all of his
Chamber Music. Listen to Violin Sonata No. 2; It begins so gently, yet
it overflows with emotion. Try the Piano Trio No. 3 in C
Minor-lyrical is the word for that one. I like this CD as a book
reader. I like it even more as a music lover!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The 'sweetest creme' of Brahms' chamber music, April 1, 2005

By 

Alan Lekan (Boulder, CO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brahms for Book Lovers: A Cozy Companion for Reading (Audio CD)

If you could put all of Brahms' chamber music in a big vat, churn it like butter and then skim off the creamiest, sweetest part from the top, you would likely get nearly all of the music on this CD. This collection of slow movements here shows Brahms in his finest and most lyrical moods and is really some of his most beautiful and inspired music. By the way, "chamber music" refers to compositions for 2-8 instruments intended for a more intimate environment (as compared to a large orchestra or symphony). This compilation of Brahms' intimate chamber music is not by any means one of those thrown-together collections of "nice music" but is a high-quality, deserving intro to Brahms that you can be proud to own. It is my favorite in this Philips' series. Notably, some of Brahms' most melting and alluring clarinet music is featured on this disc (clarinet sonatas, trio and quintet arrangements). Brahms' clarinet chamber music is some of the most unique and most loved in all the classical chamber-music repertoire. In particular, the legendary Clarinet Quintet is his finest composition whose dreamy, "autumnal" slow movement (featured on this disc) is particularly magical and beguiling. In fact, I would say that movement alone is probably among my favorite three movements in all of classical music.

All of these compositions are true masterpieces written in the late 19th century ("Romantic era"). As such a few selections tend to demand more attention with their soaring violin lines, complex harmonies, more intense minor keys and surging "romantic" dynamics - making them a bit less condusive fo reading or dosing off. But, this should not bother all who are not easily distracted with such expressive music. (Some other CD's in this series provide a more relaxing, non-intrusive setting for long sessions on the sofa reading such as the Bach, Baroque and 'quiet Mozart' CD's as well as 'Beethoven for Book Lovers'). Personally, I think this amazing CD is best suited for really getting into and learning the music of Brahms rather than merely as a backdrop for reading. Regardless, the compositions, performers and sound quality are all excellent, making this Brahms' collection one in scope and quality way beyond what the cute cover graphics would suggest. Having superb musicians like the legendary Arthur Grumiaux (violin) and George Pieterson (clarinet) or the Quartetto Italiano assure the finest, silky-smooth and captivating performances of this staturesque music. But, in particular, the three clarinet pieces on this CD are among the finest - the creme - of all 19th-century classical chamber music and are a true highlight to be savored. There's not one selection on this CD that is not superb really. Most recommended - 5 stars.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brahms in the Background, November 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Brahms for Book Lovers: A Cozy Companion for Reading (Audio CD)

I'm not usually one for "anthology" recordings, especially ones that cut and snip the "good stuff" out of larger pieces, but the premise behind this series of "book lovers" cds is hard to argue with. Who hasn't wanted to have some good music in the background to listen to when reading, reflecting, or generally retiring for the evening. This cd, in spite of its piecemeal nature, is easy to listen to or, perhaps, even better, easy not to listen to if you become enthralled in your novel.