Search - Johannes Brahms, Wilhelm Furtwangler, Wilhelm Furtwängler :: Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 2; Wilhelm Furtwängler: Adagio (Symphonic Concerto)

Breathtaking Brahms, But Buyer Beware

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 08/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Those familiar with my classical reviews know of my love for the Testament label. This company prides itself on reissuing classic mono and early stereo recordings that they license, primarily from EMI and Decca, and produce because the majors aren't interested in putting them out themselves. The problem is that every once in a while the major label does put it out themself! Case in point, this breathtaking 1942 account of the Brahms 2nd Piano Concerto with Edwin Fischer and Wilhelm Furtwangler leading the Berlin Philharmonic. This very same performance is available on the 4CD DG Box Set "Wilhelm Furtwangler: Recordings 1942-44, Volume 2," a much better overall value. Of course, on this title you get a rare glimpse at Furtwangler the composer with the single movement Adagio from the Symphonic Concerto in B minor, also with Fischer but from 1939. Personally though, spending UK import prices for an eleven minute historical recording is not my cup of tea. I still enjoy Testament reissues very much, but it is getting more difficult (and frustrating) to figure out what music I already own."