Johannes Brahms - Piano Concertos; Handel Variations; Waltzes (Leon Fleisher)

Information

Composer: Johannes Brahms

CD1:

• (01-03) Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15
• (04-30) Variations & Fugue on a theme by Handel, Op. 24

CD2:

• (01-04) Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 83
• (05-20) 16 Waltzes, Op. 39

Leon Fleisher, piano
Cleveland Orchestra
George Szell, conductor

Date: 1958 (No. 1), 1962 (No. 2), 1956
Label: Sony Classical

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Review

ARTISTIC QUALITY: 10 / SOUND QUALITY: 10

The terms "classic" and "definitive", so overused that they are in danger of losing their meaning, absolutely apply to these recordings. The Fleisher/Szell Brahms Piano Concertos, recorded in 1958 and 1962, had not been available since their 1980s incarnation as Odyssey LPs. Now, in amazingly solid, vibrant remastered sound Sony has resurrected these mighty performances, which along with Fleisher's Beethoven concerto recordings, are vital documents of this pianist's early prowess--stunning technique, penetrating musicianship, and well-channeled passion. Szell's fiery, tempestuous reading of the Piano Concerto No. 1's orchestral score (with a riled up Cleveland Orchestra) has never been surpassed, let alone equaled, not even by Szell himself in his subsequent recordings. Fleisher and Szell present the Second Concerto in a grandly classical manner, relating it to Beethoven's Emperor and avoiding the massiveness and bulk of some more recent interpretations. Here the pianist tellingly combines wit and intelligence with a powerful sense of urgency. The same goes for the appended Waltzes and Handel Variations from 1956, which Fleisher plays with such brilliance that we can't wait for the next passage. Sony has jettisoned the original cardboard packaging for the more sturdy jewel box, hence this new review. Whether paper or plastic, get these great performances while you still can. [11/7/2000]

-- Victor Carr Jr, ClassicsToday

More reviews:
http://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/brahms-piano-concertos-nos-1-2-handel-variations-waltzes
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2012/Feb12/Brahms_PCs_MH2K63225_4474462.htm
http://www.classical.net/music/recs/reviews/s/sny63225a.php
http://www.amazon.com/Brahms-Concertos-Handel-Variations-Waltzes/dp/B0000029YK

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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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Leon Fleisher (born July 23, 1928 in San Francisco) is an American pianist and conductor. He was one of the few child prodigies to be accepted for study with Artur Schnabel and also studied with Maria Curcio. He is particularly well known for his interpretations of the piano concertos of Brahms and Beethoven, which he recorded with George Szell and the Cleveland Orchestra. In 1964, Fleisher lost the use of his right hand, due to a condition that was eventually diagnosed as focal dystonia. He then started performing and recording the left-handed repertoire. Fleisher has continued to be involved in music, both conducting and teaching.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Fleisher

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