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SACD Review

Johannes Brahms

Period Instruments Live

  • Piano Concerto #1, Op. 15
  • Intermezzo, Op. 119 #1
Hardy Rittner, Erard piano
L'arte del mondo/Werner Ehrhardt
Dabringhaus & Grimm MDG9041699-6 51m Hybrid Multicahnnel SACD
Find it at AmazonFind it at Amazon UKFind it at Amazon GermanyFind it at Amazon CanadaFind it at Amazon FranceFind it at Amazon JapanOrder Now from ArkivMusic.comFind it at CD Universe Find it at JPC

This intriguing disc includes a first recording of a live performance on period instruments of the Brahms First Piano Concerto. Hardy Rittner is a persuasive soloist on the Erard Piano from 1854, this may sound a bit clangy at times but otherwise everything seems fine.

The first movement sails along in just over 22 minutes with Rittner playing the notes with an effervescent capability. Comparisons with a more traditionalist approach such as Clifford Curzon (Decca) or Solomon (EMI) may be rather striking but I seem to prefer Rittner's more real life approach. The Adagio is also winningly done as is the barnstorming Finale which comes across as hugely lively.

MD&G also includes a short encore in the shape of the Intermezzo Op. 119 #1 which reveals further fine characteristics of the Erard piano. All in all this is a very exciting disc which offers a different perspective on these works and with a superb recording it is truly highly recommended.

Copyright © 2011, Gerald Fenech

Trumpet

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