Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15: I Maestoso
Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15: II Adagio
Piano Concerto No. 1 In D Minor, Op. 15: III Rondo: Allegro ma non tropo
Symphonic Variations For Piano & Orchestra
Concert symphonique No.4 Op.12: Scherzo
This version of Brahms's massive First Concerto was an instant classic when released in 1962 and recommending it now is still a no-brainer, especially in this effective remastering. Curzon gets to the heart of the music. H... more »e captures the high drama of the symphonic opening movement, and his rapt concentration makes a profound effect in the Adagio, famous for his controversially slow tempo. Szell is his equal here, conducting with passion. The way he screws up the tension in the orchestra's opening statement and then, through judicious rubato and a warming of the string tone, makes the second subject come alive is a mini-lesson in great conducting. With Boult, Curzon's Franck is on a similarly lofty plane, and the Litolff is a worthy filler. A best buy. --Dan Davis« less
This version of Brahms's massive First Concerto was an instant classic when released in 1962 and recommending it now is still a no-brainer, especially in this effective remastering. Curzon gets to the heart of the music. He captures the high drama of the symphonic opening movement, and his rapt concentration makes a profound effect in the Adagio, famous for his controversially slow tempo. Szell is his equal here, conducting with passion. The way he screws up the tension in the orchestra's opening statement and then, through judicious rubato and a warming of the string tone, makes the second subject come alive is a mini-lesson in great conducting. With Boult, Curzon's Franck is on a similarly lofty plane, and the Litolff is a worthy filler. A best buy. --Dan Davis
"I think I've reached the point where I enjoy this product of Brahms' youth as much as his later Second Piano Concerto. This performance by Curzon and Szell stands at the head of the class, and CLASS is the perfect description here. I'm familiar with two other versions of this Brahms work that Szell recorded some time ago as well, with Leon Fleisher and Rudolf Serkin. While both of these pianists perform extremely well, Curzon moves to a higher level. He provides the nimbleness of Fleisher AND the sturdiness of Serkin, but he offers greater suppleness, repose and refinement. His lovely phrasing is more imaginative and he is more musical in his playing. The greater musicality is often manifested in the range of sonority he displays in fleshing out notes, particularly in the second movement. Though Fleisher might play with more abandon in the final movement, my overall experience with Curzon is simply more enjoyable. George Szell is superb as well, as he is also in both of the other recordings. Frankly, I own and enjoy all three of the Szell-led renditions, but if I had to go with one it would be the Curzon, though I do like very much the raw power of Serkin/Szell. And, no, I do not care for the style exhibited by Gilels/Jochum (in either the First or Second Concerto) that others have raved about. For me, their pace is frequently too slow."
A towering classic
Trevor Gillespie | San Jose, California United States | 06/08/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a towering classic of a towering piano concerto. Among the very favorites of piano concertos, Brahms 1st piano concerto has it all. But to get it all, you have to have the right pianist playing and the right orchestra being led by the right conductor. I have no hesitation in saying that there are some great recordings out there, but this one stands out for four main reasons. 1) It has the elements I just mentioned for this particular work to succeed 2) The engineering has successfully brought out all the orchestral elements in splendid brilliance 3) the price is right 4) come on it's Clifford Curzon playing Brahms 1 !"
Stunning Brahms First Piano Concerto
Paul Bunkerr | New London, CT USA | 12/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I agree with all the rave reviews about this classic recording of Brahms First Piano Concerto. But so far no one has mentioned the technical aspect of this recording which makes it so stunning. If you are used to the Columbia recordings of Szell/Cleveland made in Severance Hall, you will be shocked by the close miking of the piano and the orchestra in this recording. The result in an "in-your-face" musical experience that is simply compelling - it is impossible to listen to it and remain disengaged. A worthy addition to any collection, even if you have other recordings of this great work."
Great Recording
Brian H. Williams | Manteca, CA United States | 08/09/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Brahms 1st Piano Concerto is one the most difficult piano concertos to perform. There are many great recordings, including private recording taped live, such as Kapell and Mitropolous and Ogden & Stokowski, both available on Music and Arts. So I will keep my review based on studio recordings. Szell has recorded this with three different pianists, but this version with Curzon is his best. The Decca engineers have captured Szell and Curzon and their best. The 1st movement is filled with the drama and tragedy you expect from Brahms. The sound of the french horns is simply thrilling! Carfully balanced by the insightful, penentrating reading by Curzon. Szell has made some augmentations in the score, such as adding trumpets to the last bars of the first movement. It sounds great! Another great recording is the one by Gilels and Jochum on DG. Buy both and compare for yourself! For a comparison on how Szell performed the same piece with a different pianist, buy the version he recorded with Fleisher. Another great recording, but the version with Curzon has the edge."
Unique understanding of Brahm's first concerto
alex yip | Hong Kong | 01/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This version simply eclipses all the versions which I have previously listened to - and this is my favourite piano concerto ! Praise must also be given to Szell and LSO, for the orchestral part is the equal of the piano. The remastered sound is a great success. Full marks !"
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1
