Brahms:
- Piano Works, Opp. 116-119
I am a great fan of the music of Johannes Brahms. I enjoy his symphonies, his German Requiem (in memory of his mother), and all of his chamber music.
As such, these shorter piano works are also great favorites of mine. Years ago when I hosted a radio program on Sundays, I used one of the Intermezzi’s from Op. 117 as my introduction music.
I also have great admiration for Brahms, as a person. During his lifetime it was in fashion to talk negatively about Jews, particularly when one was having Beer with friends at the local Austrian pub. Brahms would not tolerate that. From my study of his biographies, Brahms regularly said to his friends: “if you’re going to do that, I am leaving…”
On this CD, we get to hear the following wonderful selections:
Brahms:
- Fantasies (7 piano pieces), Op. 116
- Intermezzi (3), Op. 117
- Klavierstücke (6), Op. 118
- Klavierstücke (4), Op. 119
Performed by Cristina Ortiz (piano)
Here is Villa-Lobos’ “Momoprecoce” – Fantasia para Piano, as performed by Cristina Ortiz:
And next, here is Cristina Ortiz playing the Prokofiev 3rd piano concerto:
Tags: Cristina Ortiz, Brahms, Intermezzi, Klavierstücke, Villa Lobos, Prokofiev
