Search - Brahms, Bachauer, Skrowaczewski :: Piano Concerto 2

Bachauer Legacy

Carl Crosier | Honolulu, HI USA | 10/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My first "Bachauer experience" was in the early 1960's when she performed the Brahms Second Piano Concerto with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra. I was completely captivated by the grand architecture, soaring lines, and exquisite detail of Mme. Bachauer's reading of this masterwork. I was thoroughly delighted to find this recording released by Mercury Records shortly thereafter. It has remained in my library in both LP and CD format ever since.I had the good fortune to hear this extraordinary pianist live on several subsequent occasions in concertos of Bach, Mozart, Chopin, Greig, Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev, some of which were recorded and are still available. She made another recording of the Brahms Concerto later with the same orchestra but another conductor. This one remains my favorite primarily because of the extraordinary sound quality of this disc, even by today's standards. The addition of the Brahms Paganini Variations, Beethoven Sonata and Liszt Rhapsody are an added bonus in documenting the unique artistry of one of the great pianists of the 20th century. This is a "must have" CD for all lovers of the Brahms B flat concerto.

Carl Crosier"

The most fiery, impassioned account of Brahms piano conc. no

P. Dave | Columbus, OH | 09/21/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have listened to Brahms Piano concerto No 2. for years. It is one of my favorite piano concertos. I've listened to many including the famous Gilels/Jochum on DG but like a few others, I found that recording to be too slow and ponderous for my liking. I want the Brahms no 2 with fire, power and passion, especially in the first movement. Look no further than this recording my friend. I promise it will get you hooked on first listening. The orchestral accompaniment is rich and dark. There is no need to "grow into" this recording. Believe me, I really tried to like the Gilels/Jochum one. Thinking to myself, why am I not liking this famous recording? This recording with Gina is alive. Sound is absolutely amazing. Listen for yourself and see why this is one of the greatest Brahms Piano Concerto 2 out there. It is a hidden gem to be treasured."