Customer Reviews

Brahms: Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79; Piano Pieces, Opp. 117-119

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Lupu's playing instantly strikes you as unassuming and purely musical. There is no virtuosity for its own sake, rather one detects a profound sensitivity (heard in the pianists incredible pianissimo and phrasing) and respect for the music.
So many of the Brahms Intermezzi, especially from Opus. 117, require voicing (bringing out one note in a chord above the others), and Lupu is nothing short of amazing in the way he brings out melodies and gives the music a deserving sense of depth and texture.
I highly recomend this cd. Overall, Lupu's playing does full justice to Brahms' complex music. It is nuanced, sensitive, and extremely profound. I confess I have a bias towards people like Lupu. While I like the showy pianists as well, they are often ill suited to play composers like Brahms. But Lupu seems perfectly at home with him and all the unique difficulties his music contains.
A little imperfection in sound quality is nothing compared to the quality of the music you will get on this cd.
Some have called Lupu a poet, or even an holy man of the piano, and I must agree with them. If you hear this cd, you probably will too. This cd is a must if you love music.

I have always been a great Lupu fan, and so its not suprising that I completely adore this recording. The recording quality is not the best, however its very passable, and the playing is simply magical. There are small inaccuracies in the playing here and there, however in terms of depth of line and artisitic vision, the playing of these fantasias etc. is unsurpassed. The sheer depth and variety of tone are unbelievable, and to my mind, no other recording can come close to matching this one. Sensitive but never indulgent, this recording is a must for any Brahms lover!

Just to clarify on the issue of sound quality discussed by previous reviewers: the performances on this disk were recorded made in two separate sessions. Recorded in the first session (1970) were the op.79 no.1 Rhapsody and the three op.117 Intermezzi. These four works constitute 27 minutes of the total 71 minute playing time of this disk. While the sound on these four tracks is rather poor, that of the remaining performances on the disk (recorded at a separate 1976 session) is quite passable, certainly better than on the 1970 tracks.

Lupu's performance is singing with beautiful legato, and makes you want to listen and concentrate. Eventually you can get past the poor sound of four of the tracks. I really enjoy the performance of the op.79 no.1 Rhapsody, despite the deficient sound.

One further note re. sonics on Mr. Lupu's recordings. The sound on his 1982 recording of the Schubert Impromptus is similarly not great but passable, just like that on the majority of this disk.

Folks, it doesn't get better than this. The music, like other late works of Brahms, glows a special sunset warmth touched with nostalgia. The performances are completely unselfconscious and intensely lyrical. Since I do not listen on high end equipment, I am blissfully unaware of any deficiency in the recording quality. If you love MUSIC, this is a CD you must own.

I first heard the LP of this recording in UC Berkeley's music library. Since that day I have been enamored with Radu Lupu's wonderfully fluid interpretation of Brahms' music. The recorded sound is relatively muted on the high end; however, it is extremely warm and pleasing to the ear. Tis a shame that at this time Amazon only offers two Radu Lupu CDs...

I have heard Rubinstein, Horowitz, Askenazy, Martin Jones, Glenn Gould, and others's recordings of the Brahms solo piano works, and none can touch what Lupu has done here.

The performances are not flawless. There are times when exuberance overwhelms technique, as in the explosive finale of the final Rhapsody, Opus 119, No.4 -- a monumental work and performance that both degenerates and explodes at the end. And, having listened many dozens of times, I swear I can hear Radu letting out some sort of vocal ejaculations at the climax; and, perhaps his passion has got the best of him.

Similarly, one can hear the creaking of the piano bench, as Radu sways and reaches for those pesky crossovers, and what at moments sounds like the rustlings of paper -- perhaps sheet music falling. I can hear Radu's deep inhalations and exhalations at the most brooding moments of Rhapsody #2, G Minor, Opus 79.

This noise might annoy many, but to me it adds a depth and warmth to the recording -- brings it to life, personalizes it, and puts you in the chamber room, rather than at the recording console.

Radu treats the exquisite delicacy of the Romanze Opus 118, the epic Opus 119 Rhapsodie, and the ominous and masculine Rhapsodie number one, B minor, with equal nuance and skill. The only exception is one of the more popular Intermezzi, opus 118 No.2 in A major, which comes across as rather pedestrian compared with other recordings, save the captivating series of bridge chords.

The overall impression is that the Brahms works for solo pianoforte have deep personal meaning for Radu Lupu, as he commits himself to the performances in a way that is not approximated by other more accomplished masters.

Across all performances and all composers, this solo piano recording has a special quality and I strongly suggest you give it a listen. For me, it is the standard against which all performances of Brahms piano works are compared.

Do you know a more poetic pianist than Radu Lupu? I first heard that extraordinary pianist when a friend of mine sent me the "Intermezzi" op.117 and the Rhapsody op.79 played by him. I was enchanted! Mr. Lupu plays with a rare sensitivity that brings us in a world of dreams. That CD is a real treasure! All I can say is this: if it would be possible, I would invite Mr. Lupu in my living room to play for me, for hours on end. What a royal treat that would be! We have the right to dream, haven't we?

No one brings out the contemplation and intensity in these pieces like Lupu. The sound quality could be better but that's the price for older recordings, and no one is playing like this right now.

I feel the title represents here both artist and composer, who combine to enrich the soul in a very human way. No pretense, no frills, no showmanship. Beautiful and pure.

Still my favourite Brahms album. A must have for any fan of the classics! Radu Lupu gives a brilliant performance. I usually find Brahms works to be overplayed, with not enough technical expertise (most performances of Brahms sound kind of muddy to me, kind of boring). NOT the case with Radu Lupu who gives a crisp, dramatic, and rich performance. Technically a pleasure to listen to. I am sure Brahms would approve! I've had this album for over 15 years and I still love it.