The Stereophile review of this recording described the introduction of the first concerto as “extremely dramatic”, along with words such as songfullness and overwhelming. Some other online review compared the second concerto to Richter/Leinsdorf. Other reviewers offered glowing 5-star endorsements. I was all in at this point. This was going to be a real treat. Let’s make some popcorn and settle in. Nope Sigh Zzzzz
ชั่วโมงที่ผ่านมา +2
I saw the raving reviews as well, so I popped it in Qobuz, pressed play, and then forgot almost immediately that I had ever listened to it...
Totally agree with your review here. For these concertos I always go to maestro Szell with Leon Fleisher. The adagios are gorgeous, the symphonic quality is totally there with Szell and there is a forward momentum that this music really needs in the big movements. I always wonder why it comes that if so many people hear that this doesn't work, those records are still being made. I heard the Mignone Piano Concerto you recommended yesterday and the Saygun piano concertos; why are those works not recorded more?...
Sony has in its "recording stable" access to Fleisher/Szell and Serkin/Szell, and possibly a half dozen other exciting versions of the Brahms Piano Concertos, so there's no excuse for them to re-record these works unless the performances themselves justify it. Apparently they don't. Couple that with difficult, high maintenance packaging, and Dave, once again I thank you for saving me a few bucks. I'll pass.
Apart from the recordings you have mentioned, If I am not mistaken, Sony also recorded these concertos ` live' with Rudolf Buchbinder, the Vienna Phil and Mehta.
I fail to understand why Thielemann has the approbation of recording executives. I was told that within Germany he is considered the heir of the "Germanic Tradition".Having listened twice to these discs they were sent to my local library sale. As stated in the video there are numerous recordings of the concerti which are valient undertakings. I am currently returning to the recordings of Solomon, Backhaus and Norman Freire. I would recommend Solomon for the concerti and his solo Brahms. They all crush this sad Thielemann attempt. Please note that I do not blame Levit: I suspect he was treated by Thielemann as an appendage to the orchestra and had little or no say in the Thislemann dirge: which is his standard fare.
Why is Christian Thielemann wearing a Bavarian jacket when he's from Berlin (and has no roots in Bavaria - but in Pomerania and Saxony)? Is this performative kitsch?
Igor Levit has made some good records, notably his Beethoven Sonatas, but I found Sony's recording quality to be a disappointment, muddled and stuffy. I always end up preferring other pianists' recordings.
I agree, Levit and Thielemann ought to be ashamed. Opening of 1st concerto is a complete snooze fest. And yes, that attempt at making the piano sound like a harpsichord in the 3rd mvt just makes for lack of imagination.
I can’t wait for your review of bronfman/mehta on brahms piano concertos. As to Thieleman, I have always considered him a boring and useless conductor, devoid of any kind of artistic consideration.
Oh dear! Levitt is such a good pianist.
Been waiting for this 👏
me too. yummy...
The Stereophile review of this recording described the introduction of the first concerto as “extremely dramatic”, along with words such as songfullness and overwhelming. Some other online review compared the second concerto to Richter/Leinsdorf. Other reviewers offered glowing 5-star endorsements. I was all in at this point. This was going to be a real treat. Let’s make some popcorn and settle in.
Nope
Sigh
Zzzzz
I saw the raving reviews as well, so I popped it in Qobuz, pressed play, and then forgot almost immediately that I had ever listened to it...
The design of the packaging should be interpreted as a desperate attempt to save us.
Totally agree with your review here. For these concertos I always go to maestro Szell with Leon Fleisher. The adagios are gorgeous, the symphonic quality is totally there with Szell and there is a forward momentum that this music really needs in the big movements. I always wonder why it comes that if so many people hear that this doesn't work, those records are still being made. I heard the Mignone Piano Concerto you recommended yesterday and the Saygun piano concertos; why are those works not recorded more?...
I couldn’t agree more. An interpretation totally devoid of passion.
Sony has in its "recording stable" access to Fleisher/Szell and Serkin/Szell, and possibly a half dozen other exciting versions of the Brahms Piano Concertos, so there's no excuse for them to re-record these works unless the performances themselves justify it. Apparently they don't. Couple that with difficult, high maintenance packaging, and Dave, once again I thank you for saving me a few bucks. I'll pass.
Apart from the recordings you have mentioned, If I am not mistaken, Sony also recorded these concertos ` live' with Rudolf Buchbinder, the Vienna Phil and Mehta.
Could have sworn you were going say “thank God there’s no point getting them out “
I sort of did.
@ Yes, I’ll wait till the end before typing in future. It’s not often a poor performance gets the packaging it deserves.
I fail to understand why Thielemann has the approbation of recording executives. I was told that within Germany he is considered the heir of the "Germanic Tradition".Having listened twice to these discs they were sent to my local library sale. As stated in the video there are numerous recordings of the concerti which are valient undertakings. I am currently returning to the recordings of Solomon, Backhaus and Norman Freire. I would recommend Solomon for the concerti and his solo Brahms. They all crush this sad Thielemann attempt. Please note that I do not blame Levit: I suspect he was treated by Thielemann as an appendage to the orchestra and had little or no say in the Thislemann dirge: which is his standard fare.
Thank you for showing that CD removal kit.The recording gets an "F" just for that mess.
Why do some conductors fail to evolve? Do they even listen to their own recordings?
Why is Christian Thielemann wearing a Bavarian jacket when he's from Berlin (and has no roots in Bavaria - but in Pomerania and Saxony)? Is this performative kitsch?
I'm assuming that this isn't the Gilels/Joachim Brahms. I'm listening to Rammstein instead.
😅👍
Igor Levit has made some good records, notably his Beethoven Sonatas, but I found Sony's recording quality to be a disappointment, muddled and stuffy. I always end up preferring other pianists' recordings.
rofl, cd extraction device!!!
D'ACCORD.... Levit is truely an excellent pianist...without Thielemann...sorry ...never liked ANYTHING he conducted...sterile is the word...sorry ..
I agree, Levit and Thielemann ought to be ashamed. Opening of 1st concerto is a complete snooze fest. And yes, that attempt at making the piano sound like a harpsichord in the 3rd mvt just makes for lack of imagination.
seems everything Thielemann touches turns to crap
I can’t wait for your review of bronfman/mehta on brahms piano concertos. As to Thieleman, I have always considered him a boring and useless conductor, devoid of any kind of artistic consideration.