Search - Johannes Brahms, Idil Biret :: Brahms: Piano Pieces, Op. 76; Two Rhapsodies, Op. 79; Fantasies, Op. 116

Excellent Budget Brahms from Idil Biret and Naxos

M. C. Passarella | Lawrenceville, GA | 01/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Brahms's short piano pieces have been recorded by master Brahmsians of an older day and of present times as well. The honor role includes such pianists as Julius Katchen, Wilhelm Kempff, and Emanuel Ax. Indeed, Katchen's performances (on Decca) have never been surpassed, but I find Idil Biret's CD of the Op. 76, 79, and 116 pieces very compelling. First, Biret is a real virtuoso undaunted by the difficult turns of phrase and dynamics, especially in the faster pieces (usually called "Capriccio"). She is able to really get to the bottom of the keys, producing a powerful and plangent sound that is just right for Brahms (who--the old curmudgeon--once complained to a female performer of one of his concertos that the work was "not for little girls").



Secondly, Biret is capable of the same kind of poetry that elevates Wilhelm Kempff's performances (without the soft-grained pianism that also dampens some of his work). For example, my favorite short work of Brahms--Op. 116, No. 2--has an elegant plaintiveness in her hands that is just right, as far as I'm concerned. Naxos offers a good, truthful studio recording from Germany as well.



So if you're looking for Brahms on a budget, this CD is both a convenient and very desirable way to acquire a sampling of the composer's finest short piano works."