Search - Johannes Brahms, Richard Goode :: Brahms: Sonatas for Clarinet & Piano, Op.120

Brahms: Sonatas for Clarinet & Piano, Op.120
Johannes Brahms, Richard Goode
Brahms: Sonatas for Clarinet & Piano, Op.120
Genre: Classical
 
Brahms originally conceived this music for clarinet, though he later adapted the pieces for viola. He was inspired by the artistic playing of clarinetist Richard Muhlfeld; he might well have felt the same way about Richard...  more »

     
   
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CD Details

All Artists: Johannes Brahms, Richard Goode
Title: Brahms: Sonatas for Clarinet & Piano, Op.120
Members Wishing: 1
Total Copies: 1
Label: RCA
Release Date: 8/11/1989
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Instruments, Reeds & Winds
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPCs: 090266003624, 009026600362

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Brahms originally conceived this music for clarinet, though he later adapted the pieces for viola. He was inspired by the artistic playing of clarinetist Richard Muhlfeld; he might well have felt the same way about Richard Stoltzman. Sometimes Stoltzman's playing can sound precious--save us all from his New Age recordings!--but here he plays like a great artist, floating the melodic lines up to heaven and never wimping out. In Richard Goode he has a pianist who is certainly an equal partner; strong, impulsive piano playing powers these performances. The disc's low price compensates for the short playing time. --Leslie Gerber

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CD Reviews

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)."