I love this Brahms...
Donald G. Hite III | Houston, Tx USA | 07/29/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have both the Harold Wright and Stoltzman CDs of the Brahms Sonatas, and I personally prefer Stoltzman's version (since I'm reviewing Stoltzman, I'll avoid comparison with Wright as much as I can).
Many complain that Stoltzman doesn't get the nuance of Brahms music and that he over-plays... Frankly I don't see it. His playing exudes passion and fury in the more passionate moments of the Sonatas (1st mov. of Sonata 1 and 3rd mov. of Sonata 2 in particular). In the more delicate work (such as Sonata 1, mov. 2), Stoltzman's style (though less subtle than some) is engaging.
The best way I can describe these recordings (and much of Stoltzman's work) is that when I hear him play, I become absorbed in the music. I might admit that there are a few spots where one could argue that his vibrato could be toned down or something else like this, but this minor issues fail to subtract from the overall engrossing experience of listening to his playing. Other players (such as Wright) may play in a more reserved, traditional manner, but I can't get lost in their playing. It usually just leaves me luke warm.
No one CD is perfect, and you could pick apart a passage here or there on any recording by any artist. However, as an overall experience, I don't think you'll hear a more passionate or engaging Brahms than this recording. Those who listen to this recording and spend the whole time nit-picking minor things are missing the big picture (and it's a beautiful one)."