Search - Johannes Brahms, Amadeus Quartet, Murray Perahia :: Johannes Brahms: Quartet for Piano & Strings

Brahms, Amadeus and Perahia at their best

Peter Verelst | Essen, Belgium | 12/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot praise this disc high enough. First of all, the music itself is one of Brahms's finest chamber music works, and it is presented here in an astonishing version. The interplay between pianist and string players is absolutely stunning for its precision, coherence and livelinness. The interpretation by these musicians captures the spirit of the music and brings it to life like no other version I know does. The members of the Amadeus quartet recorded the same piece with Emil Gilels on piano, but this version is just that little bit better. Further comment is not needed. Buy it !"

DO NOT BUY THIS CD...

I Hate Amazon | 06/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Don't get me wrong, it is a superlative performance. But there is a comparably priced reissue that has been digitally remastered in sparklingly clear sound, and also includes several solo pieces for piano as performed by Mr. Perahia. Regarding the performance of the quartet, the previous reviewer stated it very well. Perahia and the Amadeus Quartet are just perfectly in sync, so much so that I dare say this may be among the top ten chamber music recordings ever, among any group of instruments. Also, Perahia is one of those odd pianists who sound more powerful when playing in ensemble than solo (another example would be his recording of the Grieg concerto). The finale is especially robust and quick--one would describe it as a frenzy if it weren't so controlled.Okay, so this isn't in regard to this present disc but for the remaster--the solo works are well played but somehow rather sterile, bereft of some of the gravity & emotional weight you would find in other recordings (Lupu's, for example, although Perahia has a crisper tone). Perahia holds the structures well but tends to zip right through the pieces as if he's more concerned about the destination than the journey. Thus they are straightforward and respectful--if somewhat unromantic--readings. But still, it's better to have them than not, right?"

A passionate reading of a great chamber work

Santa Fe Listener | Santa Fe, NM USA | 08/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Brahms Piano Quartet in G minor outshines its two later rivals in popularity, and there's a wealth of choice on CD from famous groups like the Beaux Arts Trio, the Amadeus Qt. with Gilels, the Guarneri Qt. with Rubenstein, and Isacc Stern leading assorted starry soloists including Emanuel Ax and Yo-Yo Ma. But having heard them all, I think this 1990 version with Murray Perahia and members of the Amadeus has more passion and fire than any of the preceding. Rubenstein is more charming in the piano part, Gilels more deep-toned and serious. But put on the famous finale, and the flying Hugarian rhythms come off best here, showing real vibrancy. Also, Perahia and his string players find more strength in the Andante con moto, which almost everyone else plays as a pastorale.



The sonics are good but not great, and the aging Amadeus Qt. doesn't always play in tune. I find those technical considerations minor--this is an outstanding reading on all musical counts. (Note: a reviewer below speaks of a bargain version of this CD, but it no longer seems to be in print.)"