Customer Reviews

Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2

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

 

 

This performance of the Brahms 2 was one of the first LP's I ever purchased. That disk has resided on my shelf since 1958, since which time it has been joined by more than 10,000 others, not to mention CD's, tapes, etc. Were I able to take only one of these thousands to a desert island, it would be this one, for in it I would be able to find all that I love in music: warmth, wit, elegance and beauty. The piece has been often recorded, and justly; but no performance has, or ever will equal this. The culture which produced these two great musicians also produced Brahms, and that culture is gone forever. Anyone seeking to experience its finest qualities need look no further.

Arthur Rubinstein always understands the long line and probes deeply into the music. There is a majesty and nobility that comes through in his reading of this concerto. The orchestra accompaniment is well matched. The slow movement is poignant and leaves one wishing to listen again to it alone. There are many readings of this great concerto, but few as well balanced and polished as this one by Rubinstein.

I'll never understand why critics like Richter, Gilels and Arrau's reading of this Concerto better than Rubinstein's. The others might be better "thinkers", but that's why Ruby is so great: he needs no thinking!

What can I say about this recording that hasn't already been said? I am almost always a fan of Rubinstein's playing and this recording is a perfect example. Rubinstein brings out all the emotions of Brahms' music, from biting rhythmic passages to the most elegant phrase, this recording is truly inspirational!

Another reviewer rightfully remarked that Rubinstein's performance here isn't as thought-out as others are. Yet, he only benefits from that. Rubinstein's playing is of a tremendous spontaneity, in a way I hadn't heard before in the Brahms B flat concerto. There's never a lack of fire: for example, he plays the `marcato' sequences in the first movement with more panache than most others, and the last movement sounds like it runs on Spanish pepper. Even then, charm and grace are always present, both elements that are so characteristic of Rubinstein's playing in general. He plays the staccato notes after 3'38 in the first movement almost like dancing steps! Krips and the RCA Symphony are fine (but not outstanding) companions and they join Rubinstein in his wild ride. It's a very impressive performance that I definitely count among my favourites. The playing of the fillers is more aristocratic: less force and more poetry. But it works very well for me, especially in the Rhapsody which is one of the best examples of the `autumnal sadness' in many of Brahms' compositions. Rubinstein perfectly understands this atmosphere. Both Rubinstein and Brahms fans should definitely not miss this great disc.