Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Franck: Symphonic Variations / Litolff: Concerto Symphonique ~ Curzon

Johannes Brahms (Composer), Cesar Franck (Composer), Henry Litolff (Composer), Adrian Boult (Conductor), George Szell (Conductor), London Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), London Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Clifford Curzon (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Clifford Curzon
• Orchestra: London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Adrian Boult, George Szell
• Composer: Johannes Brahms, Cesar Franck, Henry Litolff
• Audio CD (August 10, 1999)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Decca
• ASIN: B00000JXZ6
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,376 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Top honors to Curzon/Szell in my book, July 24, 2002

By 

Jeffrey Lee (Asheville area, NC USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Franck: Symphonic Variations / Litolff: Concerto Symphonique ~ Curzon (Audio CD)

I think I've reached the point where I enjoy this product of Brahms' youth as much as his later Second Piano Concerto. This performance by Curzon and Szell stands at the head of the class, and CLASS is the perfect description here. I'm familiar with two other versions of this Brahms work that Szell recorded some time ago as well, with Leon Fleisher and Rudolf Serkin. While both of these pianists perform extremely well, Curzon moves to a higher level. He provides the nimbleness of Fleisher AND the sturdiness of Serkin, but he offers greater suppleness, repose and refinement. His lovely phrasing is more imaginative and he is more musical in his playing. The greater musicality is often manifested in the range of sonority he displays in fleshing out notes, particularly in the second movement. Though Fleisher might play with more abandon in the final movement, my overall experience with Curzon is simply more enjoyable. George Szell is superb as well, as he is also in both of the other recordings. Frankly, I own and enjoy all three of the Szell-led renditions, but if I had to go with one it would be the Curzon, though I do like very much the raw power of Serkin/Szell.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A towering classic, June 8, 2000

By 

Trevor Gillespie "sol_man" (San Jose, California United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Franck: Symphonic Variations / Litolff: Concerto Symphonique ~ Curzon (Audio CD)

This is a towering classic of a towering piano concerto. Among the very favorites of piano concertos, Brahms 1st piano concerto has it all. But to get it all, you have to have the right pianist playing and the right orchestra being led by the right conductor. I have no hesitation in saying that there are some great recordings out there, but this one stands out for four main reasons. 1) It has the elements I just mentioned for this particular work to succeed 2) The engineering has successfully brought out all the orchestral elements in splendid brilliance 3) the price is right 4) come on it's Clifford Curzon playing Brahms 1 !

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning Brahms First Piano Concerto, December 17, 2002

By 

Paul Bunkerr (New London, CT USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 / Franck: Symphonic Variations / Litolff: Concerto Symphonique ~ Curzon (Audio CD)

I agree with all the rave reviews about this classic recording of Brahms First Piano Concerto. But so far no one has mentioned the technical aspect of this recording which makes it so stunning. If you are used to the Columbia recordings of Szell/Cleveland made in Severance Hall, you will be shocked by the close miking of the piano and the orchestra in this recording. The result in an "in-your-face" musical experience that is simply compelling - it is impossible to listen to it and remain disengaged. A worthy addition to any collection, even if you have other recordings of this great work.