Wilhelm Backhaus, Piano [Box set]

New Symphony Orchestra (Performer), Brahms, Chopin, Delibes, Grieg, Liszt, Moszkowski, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Schumann, Smetana, von Weber Beethoven (Composer), Adrian Boult, Sir Landon Ronald, John Barbirolli (Conductor), Adrian Boult (Conductor), Sir Landon Ronald (Conductor), Royal Albert Hall Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, New Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Royal Albert Hall Orchestra (Orchestra), BBC Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra), Wilhelm Backhaus (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: New Symphony Orchestra, Wilhelm Backhaus
• Orchestra: Royal Albert Hall Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, New Symphony Orchestra, Royal Albert Hall Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra
• Conductor: Adrian Boult, Sir Landon Ronald, John Barbirolli, Adrian Boult, Sir Landon Ronald
• Composer: Brahms, Chopin, Delibes, Grieg, Liszt, Moszkowski, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, Schumann, Smetana, von Weber Beethoven
• Audio CD (October 1, 2001)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 4
• Format: Box set
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Andante
• ASIN: B00005U58A
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #579,397 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Fr=E9d=E9ric Chopin / Etudes, op. 10; Etude No. 1 in C Major

2. Etude No. 2 in A Minor

3. Etude No. 3 in E Major, "Tristesse"/ "L'intimit=E9"

4. Etude No. 4 in C-sharp Minor, "Torrent"

5. Etude No. 5 in G-flat Major, "Black Keys"

See all 23 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Robert Schumann / Fantasie in C Major, Op. 17 ; I. In modo fantastico

2. II. Moderato

3. III. Andante sostenuto

4. Franz Schubert / Quintet for piano and strings in A Major, "Trout", D667, Op. posth. 114; I. Allegro vivace

5. II. Andante

See all 11 tracks on this disc

Disc: 3

1. Ludwig van Beethoven / Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, "Emperor", Op. 73 (Sir Landon Ronald, Royal Albert Hall Orchestra); I. Allegro

2. II. Adagio un poco mosso

3. III. Rondo: Allegro

4. Ludwig van Beethoven / Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58 (Sir Landon Ronald, London Symphony Orchestra); I. Allegro moderato

5. II. Andante con moto

See all 6 tracks on this disc

Disc: 4

1. Johannes Brahms / Piano Concerto No. 1 in D Minor, Op. 15 (Adrian Boult, BBC Symphony Orchestra); I. Maestoso

2. II. Adagio

3. III. Rondo; Allegro non troppo

4. Edvard Grieg / Piano Concerto in A Minor, Op. 16 (John Barbirolli, New Symphony Orchestra); I. Allegretto molto moderato

5. II. Adagio

See all 6 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Wilhelm Backhaus is remembered as a straightforward pianist whose often gruff interpretations were lightly leavened by stylistic throwbacks to an older style of Romantic keyboard playing. But in his youth, he was renowned as a virtuoso with flawless technique, and in his prime as an interpreter whose technically immaculate playing could impress while retaining interpretive integrity. This collection gives an excellent cross-section of that Backhaus, including many surprises for those who know only the latter-day Brahms and Beethoven specialist. Those composers are here, too, in concerto recordings from 1927 to 1932 performed with more volatility and poetry than in his later stereo outings. Backhaus's Chopin may also surprise, including the Opus 10 études, which are among the best ever recorded. Other highlights are a magnificent Schumann Fantasy in C, a lyrical Schubert "Trout" Quintet, and such keyboard dazzlers as the Rachmaninoff C-sharp minor Prelude (made in 1908!) and Moszkowski's Caprice espagnole. Great playing and transfers make this indispensable for piano buffs. --Dan Davis

Product Description

Wilhelm Backhaus holds a place among pianists roughly comparable to that of Everest among mountains. Backhaus had it all - majesty and subtlety, intellectual probity and superhuman technique, presence and grace. His career spanned 70 years and his influence may be found in the playing of some of today's finest pianists — including Maurizio Pollini, who has always credited Backhaus as one of his greatest influences. The present collection features the early Backhaus - ranging from the startlingly clear and vital 1908 recordings of Rachmaninoff, Liszt, Weber and Chopin to a rhapsodic interpretation of the Schumann Fantasie which dates from 1937.