Johannes Brahms - Piano Concerto No. 1 (Arthur Rubinstein)

Information

Composer: Johannes Brahms

1. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15: I. Maestoso
2. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15: II. Adagio
3. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15: III. Rondo: Allegro non troppo

Arthur Rubinstein, piano
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Fritz Reiner, conductor

Date: 1954
Label: RCA

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Review

ARTISTIC QUALITY: 9 / SOUND QUALITY: 9

Although RCA’s 1954 Rubinstein/Reiner Brahms First Concerto originally appeared in mono, an experimental stereo version surfaced in the late 1970s, offering a fuller, more three-dimensional sonic experience. The two-track source tape sounded even better in its 24-bit transfer for RCA’s 1999 complete Rubinstein edition. On SACD, you perceive further ambient clarity and a sense of air between the notes, where the anguished trills in the first movement and full-throated sonorities from the Chicago Symphony’s superb brass players truly hit home. Indeed, I’ve always loved this performance chiefly for its orchestral distinction and for Reiner’s forward-moving, disciplined leadership. Note, for example, the gorgeous euphony of the woodwinds in the slow movement, or the sharp profile and delineation with which Reiner shapes and balances the fugato in the finale. Rubinstein’s heartfelt affinity and mastery of Brahms’ burly piano writing is never in doubt, although the pianist’s remake 10 years later with Erich Leinsdorf and the Boston Symphony benefits from his greater introspection and expressive simplicity in the first movement’s lyrical second theme and the entirety of the slow movement. All told, the volatile Rubinstein/Reiner Brahmsian chemistry holds its own after more than half a century. Let’s hope their Rachmaninov Second Concerto and Paganini Rhapsody collaborations will appear on SACD before too long. [2/15/2005]

-- Jed Distler, ClassicsToday

More reviews:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2005/Mar05/Brahms1_Rubinstein.htm
http://www.allmusic.com/album/brahms-piano-concerto-no-1-mw0001847745
https://www.amazon.com/Brahms-Piano-Concerto-No-1/dp/B0006PV5VM

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Johannes Brahms (7 May 1833 – 3 April 1897) was a German composer and pianist. In his lifetime, Brahms's popularity and influence were considerable. Brahms composed for symphony orchestra, chamber ensembles, piano, organ, and voice and chorus. Many of his works have become staples of the modern concert repertoire. An uncompromising perfectionist, Brahms destroyed some of his works and left others unpublished. Brahms is often considered both a traditionalist and an innovator. His music is firmly rooted in the structures and compositional techniques of the Classical masters, with a highly romantic nature embedded within.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannes_Brahms

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Arthur Rubinstein (January 28, 1887 – December 20, 1982) was a Polish American classical pianist. He received international acclaim for his performances of the music written by a variety of composers and many regard him as the greatest Chopin interpreter of his time. He was described by The New York Times as one of the greatest pianists of the twentieth century. He played in public for eight decades. All of his RCA recordings have been released on compact disc and amount to about 107 hours of music. Since his death, several labels have issued live recordings taken from radio broadcasts.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Rubinstein

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