Search - Johannes Brahms, Murray Perahia :: Brahms: Intermezzo

A fantastic bargain reissue

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 11/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This budget reissue combines two recordings, the solo piano music having been recorded separately -- and in beter sound -- than the Piano Qt. All the performances are superlative. Here's a repeat of my origianl review of the chamber work.



The Brahms Piano Quartet in G minor outshines its two later rivals in popularity, and there's a wealth of choice on CD from famous groups like the Beaux Arts Trio, the Amadeus Qt. with Gilels, the Guarneri Qt. with Rubenstein, and Isacc Stern leading assorted starry soloists including Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma. But having heard them all, I think this 1990 version with Murray Perahia and members of the Amadeus has more passion and fire than any of the preceding. Rubenstein is more charming in the piano part, Gilels more deep-toned and serious. But put on the famous finale, and the flying Hugarian rhythms come off best here, showing real vibrancy. Also, Perahia and his string players find more strength in the Andante con moto, which almost everyone else plays as a pastorale.



The sonics are bold but a bit coarse and overly bright, and the aging Amadeus Qt. doesn't always play in tune. I find those technical considerations minor--this is an outstanding reading on all musical counts. (Note: a reviewer below speaks of a bargain version of this CD, but it no longer seems to be in print.)"