While this CD is not new, it represents an amazing set of performances, so it deserves to be heard!
Helene Grimaud performs both piano concertos by Brahms.
Brahms:
Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15, with the Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Piano Concerto No. 2 in B flat major, Op. 83, with the Wiener Philharmoniker
Performed by Hélène Grimaud (piano), and conducted by Andris Nelsons.
This is romantic music-making from one of the world’s most captivating pianists.
These are deeply personal interpretations of the dark, passionate sound-worlds of both Brahms piano concertos. A unique, multi-faceted artist who continues to push creative boundaries, Grimaud is one of few pianists to conquer the monumental dimensions of both works.
Recorded at Vienna’s legendary Musikverein, the 2nd Piano Concerto marks Grimaud’s debut recording with the celebrated Wiener Philharmoniker; coupled with the equally coveted Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks for the 1st Concerto, Grimaud has discovered exemplary musical counterparts.
Conductor Andris Nelsons – dubbed “Der Wunderdirigent” by the Süddeutsche Zeitung – is one of today’s most exciting interpreters of Romantic repertoire.
BBC Music Magazine wrote:
“a superb pianist at the height of her powers […] teamed to a conductor with whom she seems to have instinctive rapport…there’s drama aplenty in the big first movement of the [Second] Concerto. Nelsons secures some delightfully pointed orchestral playing in No. 1’s finale, and really creates the restorative calm of No. 2’s slow movement.”
Here is Ms. Grimaud in the music of Brahms:
