Track Listing

Disc 1:

1. 1. Maestoso - Poco più moderato - Emil Gilels, Berliner Philharmoniker, Eugen Jochum
2. 2. Adagio - Emil Gilels, Berliner Philharmoniker, Eugen Jochum
3. 3. Rondo (Allegro non troppo) - Emil Gilels, Berliner Philharmoniker, Eugen Jochum

Disc 2:

1. 1. Allegro non troppo - Emil Gilels, Berliner Philharmoniker, Eugen Jochum
2. 2. Allegro appassionato - Emil Gilels, Berliner Philharmoniker, Eugen Jochum
3. 3. Andante - Più adagio - Emil Gilels, Berliner Philharmoniker, Eugen Jochum, Ottomar Borwitzky
4. 4. Allegretto grazioso - Un poco più presto - Emil Gilels, Berliner Philharmoniker, Eugen Jochum
5. 1. Capriccio in D minor - Emil Gilels
6. 2. Intermezzo in A minor - Emil Gilels
7. 3. Capriccio in G minor - Emil Gilels
8. 4. Intermezzo in E major - Emil Gilels
9. 5. Intermezzo in E minor - Emil Gilels
10. 6. Intermezzo in E major - Emil Gilels
11. 7. Capriccio in d minor - Emil Gilels

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2664 in Music
• Released on: 1996-02-12
• Number of discs: 2
• Format: Box set
• Dimensions: .24 pounds
• Running time: 125 minutes

Customer Reviews

Masterful
There can be no doubt that Gilels is brilliant here, in the First, in the Second, and in the Fantasies.

For those who are particular fans of the Second, may I also recommend having a look at Gilels' earlier, more energetic recording of the Second, with Reiner and the Chicago Symphony. There are some for whom this may be the preferable disc, though my advice would be to get both.

Also, do please have a listen to Solomon, who has made some of the greatest recordings of Brahms piano concertos, both of which are easily available on Testament, and include some other beautiful Brahms piano works. Of particular note, I think, are the Handel Variations.

(Note that, like Gilels, Solomon is also exceptional when it comes to playing Beethoven.)

Brahms and Gilels
The ultimate test is how well does the pianist perform in the first few bars of the second piano concerto?. The degree of sensitivity here is beyond description.

These performances are not only exemplary, but monumental in both concertos. These are recordings to die for. Gilels is the best of the very best. The recording quality too is exemplary. Warm and extremely realistic piano tone, vibrant brass, and a spacious sound.

No true Brahms lover should ever live without these magnificent recordings. These discs are really special.

Simply the best
Playing Brahms is so different to any other concertos. The soloist needs to reflect upon the grandeur of Beethoven 'Emperor', simplicity of Schumann, passion of Grieg Piano concerto, and at times, the ability to simply go 'over-the-top' like in Tchaikovsky. The music is working at many different levels, and good soloists know this.
This recording is so special because it balances these different aspects so perfectly. Brahms himself would have been happy about the sensitivity with which Gilels treats the first few bars of the 1st movement of the Second Concerto. However, at the same time, Gilels is aggressive when he needs to (if you have this recording, I suggest you listen to the section starting at 7:05 of the first movement of Brahms 2). The balance of quiet first section and the strong, emotionally-charging block chord section is absolutely perfect.
Good soloist also needs a good orchestra, and here, Berlin Philharmoniker certainly delivers. I am particularly impressed with the horn section, which conveys the distinctive German Romantic atmosphere beautifully.