Alfred Brendel, the renowned Austrian pianist, presents a captivating collection of his finest recordings in "Alfred Brendel - Artist's Choice." Released on January 1, 2010, under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, this album spans a impressive duration of 3 hours and 32 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of classical piano masterpieces.
The album showcases Brendel's extraordinary versatility and artistry, featuring works from some of the most celebrated composers in classical music history. The tracklist includes Bach's "Italian Concerto in F Major, BWV 971," Mozart's "Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K. 453," Schubert's "Fantasy in C Major, 'Wanderer'," Beethoven's "Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat Major, Op. 106 'Hammerklavier'," and Schumann's "6 Variations in F Major, Op. 34," among others. The album also includes live performances from Vienna in 1995, adding a dynamic and intimate dimension to the recording.
Brendel's interpretations are known for their depth, precision, and expressive power, making this album a treasure trove for both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. Whether you're drawn to the intricate beauty of Bach, the lyrical elegance of Mozart, or the dramatic intensity of Beethoven, this collection offers a comprehensive exploration of Brendel's extraordinary musical journey.
Italian Concerto in F Major, BWV 971: 1. (Allegro)Johann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Brendel
Italian Concerto in F Major, BWV 971: 2. AndanteJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Brendel
Italian Concerto in F Major, BWV 971: 3. PrestoJohann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Brendel
Fantasia and Fugue in A Minor, BWV 904Johann Sebastian Bach, Alfred Brendel
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K. 453: I. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Brendel, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K. 453: II. AndanteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Brendel, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Piano Concerto No. 17 in G Major, K. 453: III. Allegretto – PrestoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Alfred Brendel, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Fantasy in C Major, "Wanderer"Franz Schubert, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat Major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier": 1. Allegro - Live In Vienna / 1995Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat Major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier": 2. Scherzo. Assai vivace - Presto - Prestissimo - Tempo I - Live In Vienna / 1995Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat Major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier": 3. Adagio sostenuto - Live In Vienna / 1995Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-Flat Major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier": 4. Largo - Allegro risoluto - Live In Vienna / 1995Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
6 Variations in F Major, Op. 34: Theme. AdagioLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
6 Variations in F Major, Op. 34: Var. 1Ludwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
6 Variations in F Major, Op. 34: Var. 2. Allegro ma non troppoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
6 Variations in F Major, Op. 34: Var. 3. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
6 Variations in F Major, Op. 34: Var. 4. Tempo di menuettoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
6 Variations in F Major, Op. 34: Var. 5. Marcia. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
6 Variations in F Major, Op. 34: Var. 6 - Coda. AllegrettoLudwig van Beethoven, Alfred Brendel
Konzertstück in F Minor, Op. 79: Larghetto affettuoso - Allegro passionatoCarl Maria von Weber, Alfred Brendel, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Konzertstück in F Minor, Op. 79: Adagio - Tempo di marcia - Più mosso - Presto giocosoCarl Maria von Weber, Alfred Brendel, London Symphony Orchestra, Claudio Abbado
Legende S.175 No. 1 St. Francis of Assisi Preaching to the BirdsFranz Liszt, Alfred Brendel
Legende S.175 No. 2 St. Francis de Paule Walking on the WaterFranz Liszt, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro giusto, nel modo rustico, senza allegrezza, ma poco sostenuto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: Gnomus. Sempre vivoModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato commodo assai e con delicatezza - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Old Castle. Andantino molto cantabile e con doloreModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Moderato non tanto, pesamente - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Tuileries Gardens. Allegretto non troppo troppo, capricciosoModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: Bydlo. Sempre moderato, pesanteModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Tranquillo - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: Ballet of the Chickens in their ShellsModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: Samuel Goldenberg and Schmuyle. Andante. Grave-energico - AndantinoModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: Promenade. Allegro giusto, nel modo russico, poco sostenuto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Market-place at Limoges. Allegretto vivo, sempre scherzando - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Catacombs (Sepulchrum romanum). Largo - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: Con mortuis in lingua mortua. Andante non troppo, con lamentoModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Hut on Fowl's Legs (Baba-Yaga). Allegro con brio, feroce - Andante mosso - Allegro molto - attaccaModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel
Pictures at an Exhibition: The Great Gate of Kiev. Allegro alla breve. Maestoso. Con grandezzaModest Mussorgsky, Alfred Brendel