Customer Reviews

Brahms for Book Lovers: A Cozy Companion for Reading

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

This was the first Philips album that I purchased from this wonderful series, I was twelve at the time and yes I was buying classical music, how sappy eh? Well, fifteen years later I am still listening to it and every time I put this album on it hits me how particular this music is. It's almost as if Brahms knew the secret to our unconsciousness and wrote music that struck the listener after they had one listen of his creation. The first piece, Sonata for violin and piano is no wall paper music, there is nothing shy and delicate, instead it's actually very moving and almost too passionate for reading but I love it regardless. I tend to play Brahms on low volume when I read because sometimes I catch myself listening to the music and not paying attention to the words on the page.

Lots of vibrant violins, earthy clarinet and piano dominate this cd, and I must say that his music is very full of life. Another thing that I like about background music as such is that even thought I enjoy being alone, when I put this on I never feel lonely. Plus Brahms always reminds me of small intimate bookstore music so double bonus. Influenced by Schumann, Mozart, Haydn and his beloved Beethoven, Johannes Brahms was still satisfied writing intimate music with only a few serenades, symphonies, concertos and only two orchestral overtures. Chamber music was more his style and he was a shiny beacon that many looked up at during his life and after his death.

Even though this is the second album that is meant as a companion to reading that I am reviewing, they are all as individual and different as the composers. There are a few more in this series and the bookworm in me insisted that I have them all...one can never have enough books or music....

- Kasia S.

This relaxing compilation of mostly sonatas are representative of Brahms' moody, gentle ruminations and meditations on love and life. These selections highlight the intimate Brahms, most famous for his lullaby (cradle song), baring his soul in music which is warm, friendly, and beautiful.

This music is 'laid back;' it has secrets but is in no hurry to reveal them. It's like reading a novel where things are seldom what they seem at the beginning. It subtly works its way into the consciousness with its tender beauty. The moderate, easy-going gait of the music puts the listener into a relaxed mood, perfect for reading. By the time the reader reaches the end of the story, changes have occurred. As it is in novels, it is in the music of the romantic period. This one will help you to unwind at the end of a busy day.

Not so sure this is something to listen to while reading as the chamber music is all interesting enough and intellectually stimulating enough to deserve your full attention (perhaps even eyes closed- at least once), but it does make good background music to work to. Cook, type, whatever. Very happy with it. Just watch with this collection for redundancy- if you go and buy 20 of these CDs there will be overlap from one to another. As for the Brahms discs, get this one. I've always considered Brahms to be generally slow, too thin, and quite sleep-inducing anyway. The Brahms for Beauty Sleep will definitely put you out- I listened to samples. But this is some of the best of Brahms, along with the Hungarian Dances and Concertos for keyboard and Orchestra(not included).